According to Blabbermouth.net, it has been reported that Brian May is the latest rock star to appear on William Shatner’s forthcoming heavy metal album. Full details of their team‑up is still under wraps but May will contribute his unmistakable guitar sound and is also set to mix the track. With Shatner confirmed to appear at Riot Fest in September, work on the album is moving fast. May joins an already heavyweight lineup including Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford, Disturbed bassist John Moyer and drummer Dave Lombardo, whose work with Slayer and the Misfits helped define entire eras of metal.

William Shatner will take the stage at Chicago’s Douglass Park on September 20 and said the artist spoke about the honor in a statement: “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.” As for May, he has built a second career in the world of astrophysics. He returned to academia to complete his doctorate in 2007, later contributing to NASA’s New Horizons mission and helping launch the global Asteroid Day campaign. He even shares a cosmic connection with Shatner because both men have asteroids named in their honor.