Winter Family

Heavy metal and the holiday season might not seem like the most obvious pairing. But there’s nothing wrong with loving both, as Rob Halford is here to prove. The legendary Judas Priest frontman and solo artist loves Christmas more than you could know. And for his second Christmas-themed album—coming a decade after his first, Winter Songs—he’s given traditional carols a metal makeover, alongside four new original songs. Chances are you already know the centuries-old melodies of “Joy to the World,” “Deck the Halls,” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” But you’ve never heard them quite like this, all speedy, chunky riffs and wild guitar solos. Still, it’s feel-good, sweetly melodic, and (mostly) family-friendly, especially during gentler moments such as the organ-driven “The First Noel” and the epic original closing hymn “Protected by the Light.” Written and recorded by a group that includes Halford’s brother and sister, Nigel and Sue, his nephew Alex (whose father is Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill), and guitarists Robert Jones and Jon Blakey, it’s truly a festive family affair.