Sadly, these are the only offerings from the Fight era. Nothing from Small Deadly Space are included. To think of what was left off makes me think this could have easily filled two disks.
Fight disbanded after the 1995 release of Small Deadly Space. Halford would return to the scene in a slightly different form in 1998 with a new project called Two and an album called Voyeurs. The less said about this failed experiment the better.
It was a metal/electronic hybrid of Halford's music reinterpreted by Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails). The result was not compelling and instantly forgettable. It is thankfully left out of this compilation. Shall we move on?
The vast majority of Metal God Essentials Vol. 1 is comprised of Halford's next band, simply called Halford. Halford has, so far, released three studio albums, including the iTunes exclusive collection of 1999 demo material (Silent Screams - The Singles), plus a live album.
After hearing the songs on this collection I feel the urge to go out and pick up the complete albums. The music is classic sounding heavy metal that is undeniably Rob Halford, but has the aura of contemporary production values.
The collection kicks off with the title cut from 2002's Resurrection. I cannot think of a better song to start with as the opening moments feature Halford doing what few others can do, hit those high notes. Other strong tracks are the mid-tempo rock "Sun," the live recording of "Screaming in the Dark," and the emotion filled demo for "Silent Screams."
Beyond those songs there are a couple of new tracks. I believe both of these were intended for the upcoming Halford IV album. Those songs are "Forgotten Generation," and "Drop Out." Both of these songs are excellent metal tunes.
Even though Rob cannot hit the high notes like he used to, these are songs not to be missed. In particular "Forgotten Generation" is one to focus on. There is something about "Drop Out" that reminds me of a Fight song but I cannot quite put my finger on which one. It is the way he sings the chorus; the cadence seems very familiar.
The final track is a remix of "Forgotten Generation" called "U.S. Hypocrisy Mix." It is interesting, but not a strong way to go out on the collection. Rob's vocals seem a bit buried in the wall of guitar and programmed drums. I would have preferred this be left off in favor of another Fight track, perhaps "Little Crazy"?
Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
yeah, you know, i've never purchased any of his solo stuff either...that's despite me having (and loving) an mp3 of "Resurrection"
2 - Guy Smiley
I am a fan of Priest/Halford. The Two album Voyeurs is one of my favorites.