Album Review: Rob Halford with Family & Friends – Celestial (Self Released)

We love a rock and/or metal Christmas release. We really do, especially if the band in question is willing to give it their all. We’re not necessarily talking about taking themselves too seriously as the likes of The Darkness has proven in the past, tongue into cheek can work.

However, a band or artist with the talent to want to do the festive time justice with rocked up versions of famous Christmas carols, hymns and songs will always get the nod of approval from us. Even more so if they’re also willing to throw the odd original track on there too.

Enter the legendary Rob Halford who absolutely blew us away with his 2009 Christmas themed record, III – Winter Songs. Arguably the best the Christmas record ever with arguably the best Christmas cover ever in the form of Oh Holy Night which appears at the end of the record.

It’s awesome but a one-off, right?

Happily, the answer is no as 10 years since the release of that album, Rob Halford is back with another Christmas themed solo record called, Celestial. Combine Halford’s voice, family and friends, the sound of classic heavy metal and Christmas and you have a recipe for greatness. Which is pretty much what Celestial is baring a few so-so tracks.

The important thing to remember about this and all Christmas albums I suppose is that your feelings on the original song/hymn will have an effect on how you feel about this new version. Take God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen or Joy to the World as examples. Neither song are particularly interesting so even a legend like Halford struggles to make them work even when rocked up.

Just like his previous releases, he also brings some original tracks to the party too. Four into total; The title track, Donner and Blitzen, Morning Star and Protected By the Light. Of these it is probably Donner and Blitzen that stands out the most. The rigorous and riotous heavy metal pace fitting the legend’s voice perfectly.

The other 8 tracks are all covers and by time Hark! the Herald Angels Sing arrives you may be beginning to think that the album is not going to have anything that really stands out. Well, hold on because The First Noel is next and is brilliant. It’s no ‘Oh Holy Night’ from III: Winter Songs but it is damn close. The quiet and soft melody allowing Halford’s voice to star while the chorus sees the ‘family and friends’ part come into play wonderfully.

Rob Halford With Family & Friends – Celestial Full Track Listing:

1. Celestial
2. Donner and Blitzen
3. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
4. Away in A Manger
5. Morning Star
6. Deck the Halls
7. Joy to the World
8. O Little Town of Bethlehem
9. Hark! The Hearld Angels Sing
10. The First Noel
11. Good King Wenceslas
12. Protected By the Light