William Shatner Releasing Heavy Metal Album at 94

The iconic 'Star Trek' star is collaborating with 35 metal artists on a new project exploring 'distortion'.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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At 94 years old, legendary actor William Shatner, best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the 'Star Trek' franchise, has announced he is releasing a heavy metal album. The album will feature collaborations with 35 metal artists, including Zakk Wylde and Henry Rollins, and will include covers of classic metal songs as well as original compositions. Shatner described the project as a 'gathering of forces' and an exploration of 'distortion.'

Why it matters

Shatner's foray into heavy metal at the age of 94 is an unexpected and surprising move for the iconic actor, known more for his sci-fi roles than his musical endeavors. This project demonstrates Shatner's continued creativity and willingness to explore new artistic avenues, even late in his career.

The details

Shatner took to Instagram to announce the album, stating that it will feature 35 metal virtuosos and 'thunderous guitars.' The album will include covers of songs by Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest, as well as original compositions. Shatner was inspired to take on this project after working with the metal supergroup Nuclear Messiah, led by former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland, on whom Shatner recorded a spoken-word intro.

  • Shatner announced the album on his Instagram page in February 2026.
  • The album is set to be released later this year.

The players

William Shatner

A 94-year-old actor best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the 'Star Trek' franchise, who is now venturing into the world of heavy metal music.

Zakk Wylde

A metal guitarist who is collaborating with Shatner on the new album.

Henry Rollins

A metal artist who is also collaborating with Shatner on the new album.

Chris Poland

The former Megadeth guitarist whose metal supergroup, Nuclear Messiah, inspired Shatner to take on this project.

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What they’re saying

“SWs fans…😝 I have explored space. I have explored time. Now… I explore distortion. Yes. You read that correctly. I am releasing a HEAVY METAL album. Thirty-five metal virtuosos. Thunderous guitars. Chaos with purpose. Covers of legends like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest — and a few originals forged in the same cosmic fire. This project is, quite literally, a gathering of forces. Loud imagination. Honest intensity.”

— William Shatner (Instagram)

“At 94, one does not slow down. One turns the volume up. So prepare yourselves. We are about to boldly headbang where no one has headbanged before. Stay tuned. The metal voyage begins this year.”

— William Shatner (cleveland.com)

What’s next

Shatner's heavy metal album is set to be released later this year, and fans are eagerly awaiting the project.

The takeaway

William Shatner's decision to release a heavy metal album at the age of 94 demonstrates his continued creativity and willingness to explore new artistic avenues, even late in his career. This unexpected move from the iconic 'Star Trek' actor is a testament to his enduring passion for music and his desire to push the boundaries of what is expected from a nonagenarian performer.