Halford IV Made of Metal
by Alex Barbieri
Staff Writer
If you’ve ever wondered what Rob Halford would sound like singing different types of music in other bands, this album is a pretty good indication. Halford IV Made of Metal is a diverse collection of songs, and the album title is a bit misleading because of that.
From the Coldplay keyboards of “I Know We Stand a Chance” to the blaze-of-glory slide guitar in “Till the Day I Die,” Made of Metal may disappoint hardcore Judas Priest fans. But the more open-minded listener will get an interesting glimpse into the multi-faceted personality and palette that makes up “The Metal God,” Mr. Rob Halford.
The straightforward Maidenesque gallop of lead-off track “Undisputed” is a welcome relief from the dense complexity of Priest’s Nostradamus. If this were written specifically for a World Boxing Association, it would be a lot more exciting. Because it was not, it borders on silly. But The Voice is still there, and you’ll feel like an old friend has come to visit your speakers again.
“Fire and Ice” is vintage Priest, all double bass and twin lead guitars, hearkening back to “Jawbreaker” from Defenders of the Faith. “Made of Metal” is the perfect soundtrack to a sci-fi shooter game. Sure, the lyrics are a bit cartooney, (Supersonic silver flying machine / made of metal racing alien beings), but so were those in “Electric Eye” on Screaming For Vengeance.
“Speed of Sound” and “Like There’s No Tomorrow” is more old-school Priest in a modern-day package. Crank these loud as you’re blasting away on your Xbox to add a whole new meaning to the word, multimedia. “Till the Day I Die” is the turning point on the album, where Halford gets more eclectic. His low-range vocal intro over whisky-soaked slide guitar gives way to a thoroughbred stomp.
Halford’s poppier side on “Heartless” and “Thunder and Lightning” are uniquely refreshing, but they’re followed by some average moments in “Hell Razor” and “Matador.” But—wait for it—wait for it—“The Mower” is as heavy and high range as anything Halford has ever recorded. He threw a bone to hardcore fans.
There is no denying that Halford is rock royalty, and his musical journey is worthy of respect, wherever he may roam. At this point, he can release any type of album he damn well wants to—and has. (Consider Halford III Winter Songs.)
Halford, the band, is clearly his side project to go beyond the parameters that define Judas Priest. And he’s earned that right. Traditionalists, go buy British Steel – 30th Anniversary – Live. Fans of Halford who respect his prerogative to stretch his metal wings, give Made of Metal a listen. Long live The Metal God.
Watch the new video for “Like There’s No Tomorrow.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnZD-TOU-Rs&feature=player_embedded
Watch the animated video for “Made of Metal.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS4jMGUP8Xs&feature=player_embedded
Genre: Hard Rock/Heavy Metal
Band:
Rob Halford – Vocals
Metal Mike Chlasciak – Guitar
Roy Z. – Guitar
Mike David – Bass
Bobby Jarzombek – Drums
Track Listing:
1. Undisputed
2. Fire and Ice
3. Made of Metal
4. Speed of Sound
5. Like There’s No Tomorrow
6. Till the Day I Die
7. We Own the Night
8. Heartless
9. Hell Razor
10. Thunder and Lightning
11. Twenty-Five Years
12. Matador
13. I Know We Stand a Chance
14. The Mower
Label: Metal God Entertainment
Online:
http://www.robhalford.com/madeofmetal/
www.facebook.com/pages/Rob-Halford/136458273486
http://www.myspace.com/robhalford
Hardrock Haven rating: 7.5/10