Star Trek actor William Shatner is set to release a heavy metal album

At 94 years old, William Shatner is heading into the world of heavy metal.

The Star Trek actor has announced he’s working on a brand new, as-yet-untitled metal album, due out later this year. And he’s not mucking around either. The project features a proper lineup, including Zakk Wylde, Henry Rollins, Ritchie Blackmore, Edgar Froese and Wayne Kramer.

According to marketing material from his team, it’s set to be “a heavy metal extravaganza powered by a veritable army of metal stars - each one personally selected and hand-picked by Shatner”.

Shatner himself said: “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…”

He added: “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.”

It’s also not his first musical rodeo. Shatner has released multiple spoken-word and music records over the years, including 2011’s Seeking Major Tom with Wylde, and 2013’s prog-leaning Ponder The Mystery, which featured Steve Vai and members of Yes, Hawkwind and The Doors. His most recent album, 2024’s Where Will The Animals Sleep? Songs For Kids & Other Living Things, landed just last year. 

At 94, most people are putting their feet up. Shatner’s cranking into heavy metal instead. You’ve gotta to respect it.