Celestial, Rob Halford (Legacy)

The once and future Judas Priest singer went solo for Christmas last in 2009, and 10 years later he's back in the saddle, or should we say the sleigh, with this new album featuring four new songs, the portentous title instrumental, the romping "Donner and Blitzen," the midtempo "Morning Star," and the reflective "Protected By the Light." The rest are classic carols like "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Deck the Halls," "Joy to the World," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," the lengthy, almost progressive take on "Good King Wenceslaus," and downtempo takes on "Away in a Manger" and "The First Noel." No real surprises here; it's metal, dudes! But Halford's always been a good singer and he brings the bombast to the holiday.