What links Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson, grindcore pioneers Napalm Death, and the vastness of space? A new documentary showcasing music from some of metal’s greatest acts.
By Website Content Manager
Seas of the Sun: The Story of the Cluster Mission explores the European Space Agency’s 24-year investigation into space plasma.
Iron Maiden’s lead singer Bruce Dickinson and Napalm Death bassist Shane Embury have contributed music to a new documentary centered on space exploration.
Titled Seas Of The Sun: The Story Of The Cluster Mission, the 46-minute film chronicles a 24-year-long European Space Agency (ESA) mission that studied space plasma—a highly energized gas generated by stars.
The documentary was produced by Alexander Milas, founder of the Space Rocks Foundation and former editor of Metal Hammer, and co-directed by Milas alongside Ryan Mackfall.
The title Seas Of The Sun is derived from Dickinson’s 2005 solo track “Navigate The Seas Of The Sun,” which is featured in the film. Embury also contributed, collaborating with Danish musician Klaus Nielsen. Their work utilized a technique called data sonification, converting scientific data into sound for the soundtrack.
In addition to Dickinson and Embury, the film features an original score by Icelandic composer Karlotta Skagfield and performances by cellist Jo Quail, known for her collaborations with Mono, Myrkur, and My Dying Bride.
Milas shared, “Working closely with Shane and this incredible team of artists and filmmakers to bring the Cluster mission to life was extraordinary. The project not only highlights the groundbreaking discoveries of Cluster but also celebrates the brilliance and dedication of the people behind it. Space exploration offers lessons for everyone, and that’s the vision behind Space Rocks.”
The documentary underscores heavy metal’s ongoing fascination with space, a theme recently examined in a Hammer article exploring the genre’s growing cosmic influences. Bands such as Blood Incantation, Slift, Psychonaut, and Dvne were highlighted as part of this trend. Milas and Dvne’s guitarist/vocalist Victor Vicart contributed insights to the piece.
Milas added, “It’s inspiring to see musicians engaging with space-themed concepts. And this isn’t limited to metal—Steven Wilson’s The Overview, released earlier this year, is a 42-minute, two-track exploration of the universe. Artists are increasingly drawn to the limitless creative possibilities that space presents.”
In other updates, Dickinson continues to pursue his solo career alongside his work with Iron Maiden, with plans to record his eighth solo album in early 2026. Maiden will then resume their 50th-anniversary Run For Your Lives tour in May.
Napalm Death, meanwhile, are scheduled to perform at the Apocalypse Metal Fest in Le Havre, France, on November 22. They will tour South America through November and December, followed by additional European shows in early 2026.