Actor William Shatner has recorded a cover version of Black Sabbath's heavy metal track Iron Man for his new concept album.

The Star Trek icon is working on his third musical release, Searching for Major Tom, which features Shatner channelling David Bowie's Space Oddity character for his own take on a variety of space-themed songs, including tracks by The Police (Walking on the Moon), Frank Sinatra (Lost in the Stars) and Pink Floyd (Learning to Fly).

And Shatner's version of Black Sabbath's 1970 hit has been given the thumbs up from Zakk Wylde, Ozzy Osbourne's former guitarist, who added a little credibility by collaborating with the veteran TV star on the track.

Wylde says, "He's super cool. We had an awesome time working together."

Searching for Major Tom is due for release later this month.