by Dan Skiba
— Staff Writer —
Rob Halford shocked the Heavy Metal Community back in 2009 with Halford III: Winter Songs, which proved both the Metal God was spiritually devoted to the Christmas Holiday and that you could indeed Metalize virtually any seasonal song into a true rocker – no matter how sacred — if you wear black leather and studs while in Santa’s Studio. At that time in 2009, word had it that Halford was considering making several Holiday albums, and perhaps entertaining thoughts of touring during the Christmas Season to perform his concoctions … similar to Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Dee Snyder, and Mannheim Steamroller (to name but a few).
Fast-forwarding ten years later to 2019, Halford has resurrected the Holiday-themed album concept, however, this time its creation was a true “family and friends affair” that Halford quickly admits he had little influence over. Who exactly did what and how much may never be known to the public at large, but whenever Halford’s voice is stamped on a piece of work, it’s going to be labeled as a Rob Halford creation … so then shall it be considered such here as well.
That said, Celestial contains an introduction, “Celestial”, along with 11 full length tracks, of which 3 are original compositions. The originals vary widely in technique and presentation; but are all interesting and certainly contribute to the overall enjoyment of the album. “Donner and Blitzen” is a full-out rocker … funny, but it almost sounds like Halford is admonishing both of them for (perhaps) not carrying their full load. “Morning Star” is much more lighthearted and uplifting, if you will … and it’s filled with enough Whoa Oh Oh Oh Oh’s to get you singing along by the second round of that chorus. “Protected By The Light” comes across as a Scottish Folk Song of sorts, and sends the clear message that family being together is by far the most important element to cherish at Christmastime.
The “covers” of traditional Christmas songs are all very recognizable, yet all vary in style … some have acoustical elements, some are Metalized, and some fall somewhere in-between. Halford provides the pipes, but friends and family do the rest … and by all considerations, they collectively do a fine job. If you enjoyed Winter Songs, then owning a copy of Celestial is a must.
Genres: Christmas Metal, Folk Metal
Band:
Rob Halford – Vocals
Robert Jones – Guitars
Jon Blakely – Guitars
Alex Hill – Bass
Sue Halford – Bells
Nigel Halford – Drums
Tracklisting:
Celestial
Donner and Blitzen
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (cover)
Away In A Manger (cover)
Morning Star
Deck The Halls (cover)
Joy To The World (cover)
O Little Town Of Bethlehem (cover)
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (cover)
The First Noel (cover)
Good King Wenceslas (cover)
Protected By The Light
Label:
Sony Music
Website:
https://robhalford.shop.musictoday.com/store
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(7 / 10)