William Shatner, the actor and author known for his role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek and the oldest person to go to space, is now preparing to release a new metal album. Built around collaborations with 35 hand-picked artists from across the metal world, worlds are colliding with science fiction, actual space, and metal. The 94-year-old is definitely living his life to the fullest. Known for blending spoken-word intensity with cinematic soundscapes, Shatner’s latest project leans into heavy guitars, dramatic arrangements, and narrative-driven performances.
The album grew out of his recent collaboration with former Chris Poland (ex-Megadeth) on an intro piece for Nuclear Messiah’s upcoming album Black Flame, which sparked the idea for a full-scale metal release. Guitarist Zakk Wylde also contributed to the project, gifting Shatner a guitar that helped inspire the recording process. Shatner has previously collaborated with a wide range of artists across heavy music and beyond, and the forthcoming release aims to expand that legacy with a larger roster. Additional details, including the album title, track list, release date, and full list of contributors, are expected soon.
Shatner comments:
“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. 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. 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.”
