| Former Judas Priest singer Rob Halford's solo appearance on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer soundtrack caused some to speculate that he was preparing to have another go at things, this time on his own. With Priest carrying on without him, and Halford's post-Priest projects -- Fight and Two -- sucking fumes, Halford was a man in need of redemption. Resurrection (2000) is nothing less than it claims to be, a thrilling return to form. For the first time perhaps since Screaming for Vengeance, that voice is given free range; it soars unfettered to incredible heights. Halford has managed once again to tap into that inner reservoir of power that makes him the greatest vocalist in Metal, and the band he's assembled sounds just as tight as 1980s Priest. They ratchet up the intensity of Priest's trademark dual guitar leads for some amazing shreds. Halford, as the new band is called, will be opening up for Iron Maiden to support the debut. That should get the word out that the kingdom of heavy metal has been restored and Rob Halford is again regnant. |
