“I really like the [William] Shatner track. He did that in one take, not only that…he did it in perfect 6/8 time, and there was no click track.”

Photo credit: Cleopatra Records

George Dionne interviews NUCLEAR MESSIAH guitarist CHRIS POLAND about their debut album ‘Black Flame’ for KNAC.COM. The album is set for release on April 24, 2026 through Cleopatra Records.

In addition, CHRIS POLAND is also working with producer Randy Burns (MEGADETH), to remix his 1990 solo album ‘Return To Metalopolos!’ for future release.

NUCLEAR MESSIAH also features the talents of:

• Vinny Appice, Andrew Freeman, Phil Soussan (LAST IN LINE)
• Glen & Shawn Drover (WITHERING SCORN)
• David Ellefson & Marty Friedman (ex-MEGADETH)
• Joe Lynn Turner, Don Airey, Ronnie Romero (ex-RAINBOW)
• Derek Sherinian & Bumblefoot (SONS OF APOLLO)
• Vinnie Moore & Simon Wright (UFO)
• Pat Travers & Carmine Appice (TRAVERS & APPICE)
• Sebastian Bach (ex-SKID ROW)
• Jonathan Cain (JOURNEY)
• Bob Daisley (OZZY)
• Steve Di Giorgio (TESTAMENT)
• Jon Mill Thor (THOR)
• Rick Wakeman (YES)
• Tim “Ripper” Owens (JUDAS PRIEST)
• Mick Box (URIAH HEEP)
• Joel Hoekstra (TSO)
• Chris Adler (LAMB OF GOD)
• Joe Bouchard (BLUE OYSTER CULT)
• Marc Lopes (ROSS THE BOSS)
• Lance Lopez (TWO WOLF)
• Fred Aching (KINGS OF THRASH)
• Alan Davey (HAWKWIND)
• Arthur Brown & William Shatner

Highlights include:

• How the idea for the project came about
• Who was responsible for the original music
• Assembling the all-star cast
• Working with 5 former MEGADETH members
• Utilizing a short run time
• William Shatner’s contribution
• Returning the favor
• Stories behind the songs
• Did anyone turn him down
• Performing the material live
• Working on an autobiography
• What’s going on with his OHM project
• Unearthed music material
• Thoughts on MEGADETH’s final tour
• Memories of MEGADETH’s first tour
• And much, much more!

https://cleorecs.com