Legendary actor and cultural icon William Shatner is diving headfirst into heavy metal with a new, star-powered album that promises massive guitars, cinematic scope, and his signature spoken-word intensity. So all the weirdness you’d expect combined with what sounds like a good chunk of sincerity.
Long known for blurring the lines between storytelling and music, Shatner has previously collaborated with boundary-pushing artists such as Zakk Wylde, Ritchie Blackmore, Edgar Froese of Tangerine Dream, Wayne Kramer of MC5, and Henry Rollins of Black Flag and Rollins Band.
This time, however, Shatner is assembling what he calls a “gathering of forces” — an army of metal musicians personally selected to help realize his most ambitious heavy project yet. “Metal has always been a place where imagination gets loud,” Shatner said. “Each artist brings their fire, their precision, their chaos. I chose them because they have something to say, and because metal demands honesty.”
The project was sparked by Shatner‘s recent involvement with Nuclear Messiah on their upcoming album Black Flame, where he voiced an intro piece created alongside Chris Poland, the former Megadeth guitarist.
“When Nuclear Messiah came to life, something clicked,” Shatner explained. “It wasn’t just a track — it was a doorway.”
Further fueling the momentum, Wylde — best known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne — personally gifted Shatner a guitar, a gesture the actor describes as deeply motivating.
The forthcoming album will feature covers of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden, alongside new original material written with his team. “I’ve spent a lifetime exploring in both reality and fiction,” Shatner said. “Now I am stepping out into the unknown once again with my new project in heavy metal… The whole project is destined for this year. I hope you will join me in the exploration.”
Additional details — including the album’s title, full guest roster, track list, and release date — are expected to be announced soon.
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