Album Review: Rob Halford: Winter Songs

The latest solo album from the Judas Priest frontman, Halford 3: Winter Songs is a holiday-themed record and a wonderful holiday surprise. Christmas music in the heavy metal style has a long history (going back to King Diamond's "No Presents For Christmas") but what makes this disc rise above the others is the serious nature of its content and the power and commitment of Halford's voice.

"Get Into the Spirit" opens the record in thunderous fashion, making its title more of an order than a plea. The band evokes Painkiller with its go-for-the-throat style. "Winter Song" is a powerful ballad about love and isolation, and "Light of the World" is an old-fashioned Priest-style rouser, very much in the style of British Steel.

The record is split evenly between the five original songs d five covers of classic Anglican Christmas carols. It's interesting that Halford chose to do "sacred" material on this disc--there is nothing "holly" or "jolly" about these songs. "We Three Kings" (which might be the most serious Christmas carol ever written) is an urgent gallop. "O Come O Come Emmanuel" is given drive and power, a real plea for redemption. "What Child Is This" (sung to the melody of "Greensleeves") is delicate and contemplative.

Rob Halford knows that you've been very, very naughty....

"O Holy Night" (delivered here with the full lyrics, including the plea for tolerance and peace that somehow gets 'left out' in some churches) is a real vocal challenge, which the Metal God meets admirably. The album closes with a powerful version of "O Come All Ye Faithful" has a dual purpose, summoning those who believe in God and those who revel in the power of heavy metal. It's not a joke. It's not an embarrassment. Winter Songs is a commendable solo effort, a holiday offering from one of the greatest singers in all of heavy metal.