Flashback Review: Halford - Resurrection

Flashback Review: Halford - Resurrection

On August 8th, 2000, Halford released their debut album “Resurrection.” The album was met with critical acclaim being named one of Rock-Hard Magazines Greatest Metal Albums of All-Time and marked a true return to the world of heavy metal for lead singer Rob Halford. 

Halford had been active since his departure from Judas Priest in 1991, indulging in experimental projects with “Fight”, and the industrial-influenced “Two/2wo”, which was interesting, if nothing else. 

Within seconds of the album’s opening track “Resurrection” starting we can hear that a rejuvenated Halford has become vitriolic in his vocal delivery, which makes his work on “Painkiller” seem like a Celine Dion performance in comparison.  

The record features all the hallmarks of the precise execution we have come to expect from the “Metal God” particularly on the track “Silent Screams” which has Halford playing the role of two characters, with equally unique styles. A great surprise is found on the track “The one you love to hate” which is a duet with Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson. It is one of the strongest tracks on the record.  

Halford assembled a great band to unleash the musical savagery behind him. The band is tightly produced by Roy Z and packs a heavy punch. The track “Made in Hell” (my favourite) is semi-biographical to both metal and Halford’s musical journey, but the band is really the stars of this song as they sound positively unstoppable, with blast beats, harmonies, and scorching solos. 

Lyrically, much of the record sees Halford take a self-introspective approach to the words and themes presented. At the heart of it, “Resurrection” is a very cathartic album for Halford, and you get the sense that he is healing wounds that were not self-inflicted and struggling with inner turmoil and accepting oneself. 

There are also plenty of retrospective moments to be found on the record that makes it feel reminiscent of the golden age of metal with “Nightfall” and “Locked and Loaded” sounding like they are fresh from the ‘80s. 

In my opinion, “Resurrection” saw Halford fully embody the persona of “Metal God” and the record stands as an unrivalled statement of the power of heavy metal.  

Halford managed to pay homage to the different eras of his career while presenting the material with a youthful and fresh approach. With minimal fillers, “Drive,” and “Temptation,” there is no doubt “Resurrection” will leave your appetite for metal satiated.  

Until next time, play it loud friends!

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