At 94 years old, Star Trek actor William Shatner has revealed plans for a new heavy metal album featuring covers of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden, alongside original tracks. The project involves 35 handpicked metal musicians and stems from his recent collaboration with the supergroup Nuclear Messiah. Shatner described the endeavor as a bold exploration into the genre.
William Shatner, the 94-year-old actor best known for his role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek, announced on February 19, 2026, that he is releasing an untitled heavy metal album later this year through Cleopatra Records. The album will include covers of songs by Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden, as well as original material composed by Shatner's team of musicians.
The project originated from Shatner's spoken-word introduction for the track on Nuclear Messiah's upcoming album Black Flame, a supergroup led by former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland. "When Nuclear Messiah came to life, something clicked," Shatner said in a press release. "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."
Shatner has assembled 35 metal icons for the recording, personally selecting artists such as Zakk Wylde, Ritchie Blackmore, Wayne Kramer, Henry Rollins, Michael Schenker, and Edgar Froese. The initiative was further inspired by a guitar gifted to Shatner by Wylde, known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne. "Metal has always been a place where imagination gets loud," Shatner remarked. "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 has a history of musical ventures, including the 2011 album Seeking Major Tom featuring Wylde and the 2013 release Ponder The Mystery with artists like Steve Vai. His most recent album, 2024's Where Will The Animals Sleep? Songs For Kids & Other Living Things, showcased his spoken-word style. "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."
Further details, including the album title, tracklist, release date, and full artist roster, are expected to be disclosed soon.
