{"id":436397,"date":"2026-02-20T16:29:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T16:29:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/436397\/"},"modified":"2026-02-20T16:29:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T16:29:12","slug":"william-shatner-94-to-release-his-first-heavy-metal-album","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/436397\/","title":{"rendered":"William Shatner, 94, to release his first heavy metal album"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"William<\/p>\n

(Credits: Cleopatra Records)<\/p>\n

Fri 20 February 2026 11:50, UK <\/p>\n

William Shatner<\/a> has announced the release of his first heavy metal album at the age of 94.<\/p>\n

While he\u2019s known for his work on Star Trek above all else, Shatner has been regularly releasing music<\/a> since the 1960s, collaborating with the likes of Iggy Pop, Zakk Wylde, Ritchie Blackmore, Edgar Froese, Wayne Kramer, and Henry Rollins.<\/p>\n

For his latest album, which currently doesn\u2019t have a title or a specific release date, Shatner has also invited along a series of 35 handpicked artists from the rock realm to contribute to the project.<\/p>\n

Taking to X on February 19th, Shatner told his fans, \u201cI have explored space.\u2028I have explored time.\u2028Now\u2026 I explore distortion. Yes. You read that correctly.\u2028I am releasing a HEAVY METAL<\/a> album.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also revealed what people should expect from the record: \u201cThirty-five metal virtuosos. Thunderous guitars. Chaos with purpose.\u2028Covers of legends like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest \u2014 and a few originals forged in the same cosmic fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shatner added of the untitled album, \u201cThis project is, quite literally, a gathering of forces. Loud imagination. Honest intensity. Unapologetic exploration.\u201d<\/p>\n

Acknowledging his late adoption of heavy metal in his mid-90s, Shatner said, \u201cAt 94, one does not slow down. One turns the volume up. So prepare yourselves.\u2028We are about to boldly headbang where no one has headbanged before.\u201d<\/p>\n

The album is set for release through Cleopatra Records. In a press statement issued by the label, Shatner revealed that it was his involvement in the upcoming Nuclear Messiah album\u00a0Black Flame\u00a0which inspired him to create a heavy metal record.<\/p>\n

Shatner shared, \u201cWhen Nuclear Messiah came to life, something clicked. It wasn\u2019t just a track\u2014it 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

The album title, release date, as well as the 35 musicians that appear on the project are set to be revealed in the near future.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ladies, gentlemen, SWs fans\u2026\ud83d\ude1d\u2070I have explored space.\u2070I have explored time.\u2070Now\u2026 I explore distortion.
Yes. You read that correctly.\u2070I am releasing a HEAVY METAL album.
Thirty-five metal virtuosos. Thunderous guitars. Chaos with purpose.\u2070Covers of legends like Black\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/Wk9HUzbYZK<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) February 20, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

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