Brian May Joins William Shatner’s All-Star Heavy Metal Album

Brian May has been added to the roster of William Shatner’s upcoming all-star heavy metal album, with the Queen guitarist set to contribute guitar work and mix the song he appears on. The addition, announced through Shatner’s label Cleopatra Records, expands an already stacked lineup of metal and hard rock names assembled for the record.

May now joins previously confirmed contributors Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Disturbed bassist John Moyer, and drummer Dave Lombardo, whose past work spans Slayer and the Misfits. Full details of May’s specific track have not been released.

• The album is said to bring together 35 hand-picked metal musicians and guitarists.
• Expected material includes covers of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden songs alongside new original tracks.
• Production is handled by Adam Hamilton and Brian Perera, with additional production from Derek Hughes, Marcus Nand and Jurgen Engler of Die Krupps.
• Both Shatner and May have asteroids named for them: Asteroid 31556 Shatner and Asteroid 52665 Brianmay.

What Songs Will Be on William Shatner’s Heavy Metal Album?

Shatner has indicated the project will pair classic metal covers with newly written songs from his production team. He has specifically named Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden as artists whose material will be reworked for the record, though a full track listing and release date have not yet been made public.

Brian May’s Astrophysics Ties to the Project

Beyond his guitar work, May holds a PhD in astrophysics that he completed in 2007. He has since served as a science team collaborator on NASA’s New Horizons mission to Pluto and helped establish the Asteroid Day awareness initiative. That background gives him an unusual point of connection with Shatner, since both men have had asteroids named in their honor.

In a statement about joining the project, May said: “I’ve always believed that music, like space, is about exploration. Riot Fest is exactly the kind of place where anything can happen. We’re bringing volume, intensity, and a few surprises. I can’t wait to share this experience with the fans.”

Why Shatner Started the Heavy Metal Project

Shatner has said the idea for the album took shape after he encountered the current work of former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland in the band Nuclear Messiah. “When Nuclear Messiah came to life, something clicked,” Shatner said. “It wasn’t just a track, it was a doorway.”

William Shatner’s Riot Fest Appearance

Shatner is scheduled to perform at Riot Fest in Chicago’s Douglass Park on September 20 with his band The *uckers. Sources differ slightly on Shatner’s current age, with one report quoting him saying “At 94, one does not slow down,” while other coverage lists him as 95 years old.

Shatner has previously said Queen is his favorite band and Freddie Mercury his favorite singer, and he has recorded his own version of “Bohemian Rhapsody” in the past.

More Info

• William Shatner’s Heavy Metal Dream Just Got Bigger With Queen’s Brian May | myq105.com
• Queen’s Brian May joins William Shatner’s upcoming heavy metal album | goldradio.com
• Queen legend Brian May joins William Shatner’s heavy metal album | contactmusic.com
• “Asteroid 52665 Brianmay, meet Asteroid 31556 Shatner”: fOXX Phaser set to stun! Queen’s Brian May signs up for William Shatner’s all-star metal enterprise | MusicRadar
• WILLIAM SHATNER Recruits QUEENs BRIAN MAY For Upcoming All-Star Heavy Metal Album | Blabbermouth