This book is a ton of fun to read. I don’t know what possessed this self-professed “yam-yam” from Walsall to sit down and write his “bible” of rock and metal, but whatever it is, we are richer from the result. Halford ingeniously outlines his Book of Genesis (the early days of Judas Priest), his Book of Job(s) (descriptions of each role and responsibility tied to rock bands, from lead singer to tour manager), his Book of Vestments (denim and leather, of course) and his Book of Temptations (and there are many, as you can imagine), among others. Throughout it all he is frank, honest and hilarious as he describes life as one of the pioneers of heavy metal. It’s very different in structure and scope from his previous “Confess”, but just as engaging

This book was mildly entertaining, but if you've read Confess, unless you absolutely love Judas Priest or Rob Halford, there's not much reason to pick this one up. It's separated into distinct categories like "Lawyers" and "managers" and "drummers" and "playing shows" and are some random musings on each subject by Halford. I didn't dislike it, but I also didn't consider it time particularly well spent.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Hachette Books for an advanced copy of this book on the holy scriptures of being a Metal God.

Few in the world of heavy metal music have lived so well after midnight, called the faithful to the temple to pray and sing along, arrived to lead the faithful on a mighty Harley steed, and loved his fans as much as Rob Halford, singer, songwriter and force behind the band Judas Priest. With honesty and faith in his mission to entertain the fans, Rob has spend the last 50 years in the lights where he has learned many things and made just as many mistakes, which being a benevolent Metal God, Rob is more than willing to share with all of us. Biblical: Rob Halford's Heavy Metal Scriptures is a repository of hard learned lessons, harder learned mistakes, learning how to forgive yourself as well as others, and a lot of fun stories and memories.

After 70 years on Earth, 50 of them in the band Judas Priest, with a little break that is addressed, Rob Halford has seen the world, the highs of musical success and using pub bathrooms to change into stage costumes. The book is a companion piece to his biography, which goes more into depth about his life, his coming out as a gay man in rock, and the fans acceptance of him. Biblical is more of a guide to life for the up and coming rocker starting with what to listen, for how to start and negotiate band life, lawyers, management, and early tours. Rob discusses song creation and working within a band to try and be equal when possible, or lay down the law when someone in the band is breaking the law. The book also covers changes in the music industry, touring, merchandise and trying to craft a legacy, when and if a band becomes successful. Also fans, groupies, drugs, alcohol, health issues and mental and band issues are discussed in stories, parables, psalms and a few lamentations.

The writing is really good. Rob has a very folksy, humourous way of talking, with a lot of information conveyed, but not in a reference way, but in the way a leader wants to mentor young rockers. There are plenty of stories, and a lot of stories that don't put Rob in the best life, which he admits, and confesses, yeah that was dumb, but well it made sense at the time. I really can't think of anything from the music business and being in a band that Rob does not cover. A graduate class in being a Metal God. The stories are very well told, many very touching, especially about his coming out, and the acceptance he received from the community. This is a book by a person who is thankful for everything, even the things that might have killed him, drugs, drinking and cancer. That he is around to share all this is a blessing.

A collection of stories and tales, and best of all information that any young rocker or old fan will love and get a lot from. I look forward to more stories and tales from this man, as he shows no sign of stopping. I'm very glad that he is happy, and that his life is full. A true Metal God who loves all the people, no matter if they are fans or not.

When I was growing up, it seemed like if you were into the NWOBHM, you were either more into Maiden or more into Priest. I confess I was more a huge Maiden fanatic. But damn...every time "You've Got Another Thing Coming" started playing on the radio or MTV, everyone was an acolyte of the Priest! Another confession: Halford always seemed so intimidating and unknowable to me. It was a surprise to me when reading this book, I found that Halford is, in fact, quite funny, humble, and insightful. (And he loves cats!) 😻 I truly enjoyed every word of this.

This book is about Rob's experiences with Judas Priest and everything that goes along with the music business and fame. It has everything: how the band struggled to survive and become successful, to all the ins and outs of touring, merch sales, recording, songwriting, temptations of alcohol/drugs/sex, and how much Rob hates Spotify. And it's notable that he doesn't gossip or slag off on anyone. He's respectful, and that is refreshing.

Throughout the book, Rob offers up his reflections on everything he has learned and experienced in the 50 (FIFTY!) years Priest has been around. I was unaware he had prostate cancer recently, and his musings about the eventual end of the band and his life made my heart ache. You always hope that the people you admire are good. I was pleased to find that Halford (despite scaring me a bit in my teen years) IS a good guy. He's up front about his shortcomings, his addictions, his mistakes. His down to earth talk made me feel like I had sat down across from him and had a long listen over a cup of tea. I learned a lot about Priest, Halford, and the music business, all told in his charming Black Country way. The closing chapter made me tear up. He speaks wisdom gained through his own blood, sweat, and yes, tears, because his life has not been all posh and pretty.

I highly recommend this book to all Metal and rock fans. Hell, I recommend it to everyone, even to those who still subscribe to the Tipper Gore way of thinking because this is a very human guy talking about his work and art and the incredible amounts of work you just do to become successful. I'll be watching when Judas Priest is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this fall. Well deserved and long overdue!

Mr. Halford, thank you for the decades of music and memories, and thank you for this wonderful read. I hope there will be more to come from you, both in print and in music.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

Biblical by Rob Halford is basically a heavy metal guide of sorts that talks of everything from producers, tours, groupies, health, and even mental health. It gives some solid advice for aspiring musicians and gives us fans an interesting history of Judas Priest. I found it very well-written and enjoyed everything from the metal facts to the yam-yam dialogue. Throughout the book, Halford comes across as not only smart but funny and empathetic. He never really calls out people who he probably had every right to, he simply wishes them well, and off we go onto the next adventure. I really felt for the band when I read the Spotify parts, I was not familiar with how badly they screw over musicians, and I hope that people will learn a bit from what he says. Reading the book was like sitting and listening to a friend talk, he really comes across as a stand-up guy. Be prepared to go on some Youtube journeys to watch old videos after you get the behind-the-scenes info and yes, there is a yam-yam Black Country dictionary of sorts online which is fun. All in all, this is fantastic and fans and newcomers alike will love this book. If you enjoy this one he has previously released an autobiography called Confess which delves more into his personal life.