William Shatner Has Teamed Up With Zakk Wylde, Henry Rollins & More For A New Heavy Metal Album

UNITED STATES, February 19 — ‘ Star Trek legend William Shatner is set to release a new heavy metal album pairing covers of staples by the likes of Black Sabbath , Judas Priest and Iron Maiden , along with all-new compositions. The 94-year-old actor/musician, etc. has revealed this venture into heavier soundscapes was spurred by a guest appearance on Nuclear Messiah s album Black Flame , for which he recorded a spoken word introduction.

He commented: When Nuclear Messiah came to life, something clicked. It wasn t just a track — it was a doorway. It made me want to go all the way in, bring in the best metal players I could find, and create something fearless.

Working with that all-star collective led him to partnering with a slew of heavy metal and hard rock luminaries on covers and a a number of all-new tracks as well, including: Zakk Wylde ( Black Label Society , Ozzy Osbourne ) Ritchie Blackmore (ex- Deep Purple / Rainbow Henry Rollins (ex- Black Flag / Rollins Band ) Edgar Froese ( Tangerine Dream ) Wayne Kramer ( MC5 ) The track listing and further details are being kept under wraps for now, but Shatner did have the following to say about his passion for metal music: Metal has always been a place where imagination gets loud. This album is a gathering of forces — each artist bringing their fire, their precision, their chaos. I chose them because they have something to say, and because metal demands honesty.

Shatner was personally gifted a guitar by Wylde during the sessions for this record, which is eyeing a 2026 release. Shatner went on to say of this project: I ve spent a lifetime exploring in both reality and fiction. Now I am stepping out into the unknown once again with my new project in heavy metal.

I am covering Black Sabbath , Judas Priest and Iron Maiden as well as a number of new songs written by my team. The whole project is destined for this year. I hope you will join me in the exploration.