Rob Halford's 2nd solo album might sound weaker than "Resurrection" at first, but after listening to it several more times, you realize it's just as good and in some ways better. It's not as catchy or as melodic as his first one. It actually sounds a little more raw. A little meaner. Musically, that is. Lyrically, this is Halford at his best. The songs on this one seem to be much more personal than his other ones and he sings on all the tracks like he means it. My favorite ones here are the title track "Crucible"; "One Will", which sounds a little closer to the songs on "Resurrection"; the heavy and crunchy (and 70's Priest-like) "Golgotha"; the thrasher "Wrath of God"; the powerful ballads (well, not "real" ballads, but close enough) "She" and "Trail of Tears"; and finally, my absolute favorite track on the whole disc, "Sun". This song is absolutely amazing. It's extremely hypnotic and when it begins, it will grab you instantly. Again, this whole disc is pretty experimental, a little more "mature", but it's also a lot truer to the way Halford's supposed to sound right from the beginning. This is definitely his strongest recording to date. At least I think so. Just buy it and give it a chance. Oh, and it's about time he got back together with Judas Priest. That's gonna be one mean CD!
