Halford Albums (3)
What The Critics Say
Rob Halford returned to the classic heavy metal style that he helped make famous on the focused Resurrection, an album that garnered critical acclaim for its spectacular metal focus. On the follow-up to this monumental release he continues down the same path, as his assembled backing band is quite possibly one of the best on the scene in the early '00s, and his vocals are as focused and exceptional as they have ever been. Songs such as "Betrayal" and "Wrath of God" highlight Crucible, an album where Rob's signature falsetto wail is distinct and picture-perfect, while bandmates Pat Lachman, Mike Chlasciak, Bobby Jarzombek, and Ray Riendeau have seemingly topped their magnificent work on Halford's previous outing. Crucible keeps things fresh, as Rob himself states that he dared not retread on themes abundant on Resurrection; as a result, this is yet another classic metal album for the next generation. ~ Jason D. Taylor, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This double-live disc really shows why Judas Priest made a big mistake in not taking Rob Halford back. The album rocks out and captures the Priest magic much better than his old band's live album. Perhaps the spirit of JP lives on in this group more so than in the band being called "Judas Priest." This CD set includes a lot of old Priest gems (including "Stained Class" and "Tyrant"), quite a few tracks from the Halford album, and three studio pieces. The studio cuts range from pretty standard hard rock/metal to a killer ballad. The live cuts, for the most part, are performed quite faithfully. When changes are made to the arrangements, they really are interesting and seem to be improvements. ~ Gary Hill, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Former Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford finally re-embraced his roots, formed a band simply called Halford, and recorded 2000's Resurrection, a tremendous album of pure heavy metal. His three early-'90s Fight releases were metallic, unlike 1998's disastrous Two album Voyeurs, which was executive produced by Trent Reznor. Add to the musical shift Halford's new makeup-heavy image and public admission of his homosexuality and longtime fans were surprised, to say the least. Halford brought out the leather and motorcycle and recruited guitarists Patrick Lachman and Mike Chlasciak, bassist Ray Riendeau, and drummer Bobby Jarzombek to start over. The presence of this new band and producer Roy Z obviously inspired Halford because Resurrection is a triumphant return to form. It's the real thing, none of that rap-metal, alternative-metal hybrid stuff. Halford stretches his voice out by utilizing everything from piercing falsetto wails to sinister, throaty rumbles. Some songs have autobiographical lyrics, particularly the stunning one-two opening punch of "Resurrection" and "Made in Hell." The former features Halford admitting to past mistakes while the latter is a history lesson on the creation and rise of heavy metal. "Locked and Loaded" is a bit slower and the guitars settle into a groove, but the song's power isn't jeopardized. "Night Fall" sounds like a great lost Judas Priest song, and that's meant as a compliment. The seven-minute "Silent Screams" starts slowly and builds into a fiery rocker complete with Halford's multi-tracked vocals. Heavy metal fans will quake with joy after hearing Halford's duet with Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson on "The One You Love to Hate," a brutal three-minute blowout. "Slow Down" is another example of Halford displaying a variety of vocal styles within the same song. "Drive" and "Saviour" include traces of speed metal, the style Judas Priest embraced on 1990's Painkiller, Halford's last with the band. ~ Bret Adams, All Music Guide
