Celestial

Description

Without question, Rob Halford is one of heavy metals all-time great vocalists as heard through his highly influential and groundbreaking work with Judas Priest. But over his career, he has also proven able to master a variety of other styles vocally including holiday-themed music. Credited to Rob Halford with Family and Friends, Celestial mixes holiday classics with all-new compositions, and will appeal to lovers of traditional holiday music and headbangers alike.

The great thing about heavy metal is its got these kinds of multiple dimensions, explains the man also known as the Metal God. I think when you look at it from an outside point of view if youre not really familiar with the metal scene it can look pretty intimidating. And it is a very strong, powerful experience. But it comes at different levels. I think the music that weve made on Celestial, for example, gives a display of that. Metal maniacs as we call ourselves are just as ready for the holidays as everybody else. And what weve tried to do with this music is to reach out to as many of those metal dimensions as we possibly can.

And judging from the Rob Halford with Family and Friends banner, Celestial sees Halford joined by a supporting cast of those very close to him his brother (Nigel) on drums, his nephew on bass (Alex, son of Priest bassist Ian Hill), has sister (Sue) on bells, and twin guitar tandem of Robert Jones and Jon Blakey. Once all the contributors were in place, Halford went away and listened to a lot holiday music and Christmas carols. Traditional stuff. 12 tracks including original tracks that Im particularly excited about. And in that way, because of the dimensions of each song and the messages of each song, I think we cover a really broad platform. To me, more than anything, I wanted it to have its own characteristics and be a little bit more different than the regular rock n roll Christmas album.

Halford has certainly accomplished this goal, as evidenced by such standout originals as the album-opening title track, Donner and Blitzen, and Protected by the Light, as well as reworkings of such holiday standards as God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Joy to the World, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, among other standouts. Donner and Blitzen gets the snowball rolling for Celestial a song full of excitement, love and hope, says Rob. You can hear and feel the power of Christmas time energy roarin with rockin reindeers haulin!

I think the holidays for any family are a mixture of fun and excitement and apprehension of the whole event. The magic of it more than anything else. Its just a beautiful time of year which a lot of us wish would be for every day of the year. Its a beautiful thing as far as bringing families together. So, what better way to celebrate it than with your family, friendsand music. You must have music at Christmas time. And with the arrival of Celestial, Rob Halford has certainly done his part!