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William Shatner, at 94 years old, just announced a fearless heavy metal extravaganza. The Star Trek legend is teaming up with 35 hand-picked metal icons for an all-star album that delivers covers and originals in 2026. This isn’t a novelty move—it’s pure passion on full throttle.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Announced: February 19, 2026 on Cleopatra Records
- Collaborators: Zakk Wylde, Ritchie Blackmore, Henry Rollins, Edgar Froese, Wayne Kramer, and 30 more metal legends
- Content: Covers of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden plus original material
- Inspiration: Sparked by Shatner’s guest collaboration on Nuclear Messiah’s Black Flame album with Chris Poland
A Lifetime Dream Finally Ignited
William Shatner didn’t wake up as a rock star. Early in his music journey, he dreamed of playing guitar as a kid but didn’t find time until his later years. Now, at 94 years old, that childhood dream has become an unstoppable creative force.
According to sources close to the Star Trek legend, playing guitar ranks among his biggest current passions. He took lessons seriously in recent years and transformed that skill into a full-fledged metal project. William is energized and ready to show the world what he can do musically after decades of spoken-word experimentation.
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The Metal Gods Line Up
The guest list reads like a who’s who of rock royalty. Zakk Wylde, known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne, will appear alongside Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple and Rainbow. Henry Rollins from Black Flag and The Rollins Band joins the roster.
Edgar Froese of Tangerine Dream, Wayne Kramer from MC5, and Chris Poland, the founding guitarist of Megadeth, round out some of the most recognizable names. In total, 35 metal icons bring their distinctive voices and techniques to this unprecedented collaboration.
What The Album Will Sound Like
The upcoming record will deliver a blend of metal covers and original compositions. Shatner’s team confirmed the album will feature interpretations of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden classics. Each cover promises to showcase Shatner’s signature spoken-word delivery and theatrical approach.
| Detail | Information |
| Record Label | Cleopatra Records |
| Guest Artists | 35 hand-picked metal musicians |
| Format | Covers and original material |
| Release Date | TBA 2026 |
The project emerged after Shatner’s recent collaboration with Nuclear Messiah. He recorded a spoken-word intro on their upcoming album Black Flame, featuring Chris Poland. That session became the creative doorway that launched this metal odyssey.
“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.”
— William Shatner, Actor and Recording Artist
Why Now: The Shatner Music Odyssey
William Shatner has never treated music as a side gig or novelty act. Since 1968’s The Transformed Man, he pioneered a unique blend of spoken-word performance and rock instrumentation. His 2004 album Has Been, produced by Ben Folds, earned critical acclaim and proved he could collaborate with serious musicians.
Albums like Seeking Major Tom (2011), Ponder the Mystery (2013), The Blues (2020), and Bill (2021) demonstrate that Shatner’s recording career spans decades of artistic evolution. A metal album simply extends that tradition into heavier, more theatrical territory.
Will This Be Shatner’s Most Daring Project Yet?
At 94 years old, many would retire. Instead, Shatner is stepping boldly into the unknown. Metal’s theatricality, precision, and raw emotion align perfectly with his storytelling approach to music. The format demands honesty and fearlessness, qualities that have defined his entire career.
This album represents more than a collaboration. It’s a celebration of cross-generational rock connection, legendary musicianship, and the reality that creative passion has no expiration date. When the album drops later in 2026, it will challenge every assumption about what a 94-year-old artist can achieve.
