As the incomparable voice of thrashing beast
Judas Priest,
Rob Halford defined the role of the metal frontman. After his unamiable departure from the British juggernaut,
Halford formed
Fight with
Priest drummer-come-lately
Scott Travis.
Fight released three powerful records,
Halford straining to remain the masthead of the heavy rock movement he created.
Two, a trendy electro-exercise with
Trent Reznor, took two steps back on the misguided
Voyeurs.
Halford returned to his roots and formed a new unit, simply dubbed
Halford, with guitarists
Patrick Lachman and
Mike Chlasciak, bassist
Ray Riendeau, and drummer
Bobby Jarzombek.
Halford rebounded with his band at the turn of the century, releasing the aptly titled
Resurrection, a no-nonsense manifesto from a true metal legend.
Halford hit the road opening for disciples
Queensrÿche and
Iron Maiden before beginning a headlining tour, documented on
Live Insurrection. In 2002,
Crucible arrived quickly after their tour ended, even featuring two bonus tracks that were originally not going to be included. The following year, to the delight of
Judas Priest fans, the band reunited with
Halford on vocals, and the reinvigorated legends of metal released
Angel of Retribution in 2005 and
Nostradamus in 2008. During this time,
Halford's solo project lay dormant. However, after nearly seven years,
Rob Halford returned to recording under his surname in 2009, only to surprise fans by releasing a Christmas album titled
Halford III: Winter Songs.
Halford and company followed up the next year with Halford IV: Made of Metal, followed by the live recording/concert film Live at Saitama Super Arena in 2011.
–
Doug Stone, Rovi