Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
William Shatner is announcing something quite out the extraordinary, as per Blabbermouth. Today, the renowned actor, writer, and cultural icon unveils his most recent album, a heavy metal spectacle driven by an army of metal stars that Shatner personally hand-picked to help craft a project that is equal parts theater, thunder, and daring innovation. Music that pushes boundaries and enhances narrative has always captivated Shatner. His recordings have drawn a remarkable array of musicians over the years from heavy music and other genres; these performers were picked for their unique voices, courage, and legitimacy.
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
Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow), Edgar Froese (Tangerine Dream), Wayne Kramer (MC5), Henry Rollins (Black Flag, The Rollins Band), and Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne) have all recorded with the legend. Shatner has a well-documented history of breaking expectations, and his music has long existed in the area where intense spoken word meets atmospheric film. With more musicians, more distortion, more drama, and a greater impact, this new album ups the ante even further.
The record, which is centered on Shatner’s trademark vocal intensity, dramatic arrangements, and enormous guitars, plays like a high-voltage movie with unexpectedly beautiful parts intercut with dark humor, raw passion, and sharp turns. As a result, an event album was created, bringing together a plethora of metal’s most renowned artists under a single, distinctive concept rather than as a novelty. Shatner’s participation in the impending Nuclear Messiah album “Black Flame” served as the impetus for the project. He narrated an opening track written with Chris Poland, the former guitarist for Megadeth and a highly regarded metal pioneer. In addition to setting the tone, that partnership inspired Shatner to assemble a full-scale metal record featuring top metal musicians.
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. – William Shatner
Metal guitar legend Zakk Wylde personally gave Shatner a guitar, which added to the momentum. Shatner recalls this as an unexpected and incredibly inspiring gesture. Soon, more information about the album will be made public, including the title, track list, release date, lead single, and the complete list of participating performers.
