Short answer: Christmas metal music is a subgenre of heavy metal music that incorporates themes of Christmas, winter, and holiday traditions. It often features distorted guitars, aggressive vocals, and unconventional arrangements of traditional carols or original songs inspired by the holidays. Popular bands in this genre include Twisted Sister, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and August Burns Red.
How to Get in the Holiday Spirit with Christmas Metal Music: A Step-by-Step Guide
The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than with Christmas metal music. Whether you’re a headbanger or just looking for a new twist on traditional classics, there are plenty of heavy hitters that capture the essence of the jolly season. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to rev up your yuletide celebrations with some classic Christmas metal tunes.
Step 1: Do Your Research
The first step in getting into the holiday spirit with Christmas metal music is doing your research. Start by familiarizing yourself with classic Christmas tunes that have received an edgy makeover from your favorite rock and metal bands. Some great examples include “Carol of the Bells” by August Burns Red, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by Dio, and “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” by Between The Buried And Me.
Step 2: Create A Playlist
Once you’ve done your research and found some killer tracks to jam out to, it’s time to create a playlist! It’s important to choose songs that will get everyone in the room fired up – after all, this is not your typical background music. Make sure your playlist has enough energy and variety so that it can be played for hours without getting repetitive.
Step 3: Decorate Accordingly
To really immerse yourself in the festivities of Christmas metal music, decorate according to this theme! You can add black lights around your tree or holiday decorations with skulls & crossbones or make ornaments from old guitar strings! Get creative!
Step 4: Dress Up Your Wardrobe
Another aspect to consider when getting into the holiday spirit with Christmas metal music is dressing up accordingly. Pull out those favorite band t-shirts but add a touch of festivity – try layering shirts underneath graphic tees featuring gingerbread men moshing and Santa Claus donning a pair of devil horns. Adding festive accessories such as Reindeer antlers or Santa hats is also a must!
Step 5: Make A Charitable Contribution
During the holiday season, it’s important to spread goodwill and cheer. You can do just that by making a charitable contribution to a meaningful cause in your community. Many organizations collect money and gifts during this time of year, so take the opportunity to support a cause that speaks to you.
Step 6: Enjoy The Festivities
Once all preparations are complete, it’s time for some metal Christmas fun! Of course, things will look different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get into the spirit from your quarantine bubble. Blast your new playlist at full volume while sipping on some hot cocoa spiked with peppermint schnapps or candy cane vodka if you’re feeling naughty. Channel your energy when hearing the heavy riffs and give back by supporting local businesses! Whatever you do – make sure it’s full of good cheer!
In conclusion, getting into the holiday spirit with Christmas metal music is an excellent way to shake things up during the festive period. By doing research, creating playlists and dressing up, you can create an experience that will keep everyone head banging until New Year’s Eve! Remember that there truly is something for everyone in this genre – with relatable lyrics, epic solos and iconic imagery – so why not enjoy what could be one rocker of a holiday season?
The Ultimate FAQ for Christmas Metal Music Fans
As another year comes to a close, Christmas is right around the corner, and with it come all the usual trimmings – stockings hung with care, tinsel and mistletoe hung on the walls, and an endless onslaught of holiday jingles blasting from every radio station. But for those of us who crave a little more edge in our yuletide festivities, there’s only one thing that truly satisfies: Christmas metal music.
Yes, you read that right – there’s an entire subgenre of heavy metal devoted solely to celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. From classic carols given a headbanging makeover to original compositions that would make Santa Claus shudder, there’s something for everyone in this festive corner of the musical world.
But with so many bands, songs, and albums out there to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start if you’re new to this whole thing. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate FAQ for Christmas metal music fans – whether you’re a seasoned mosh pit veteran or just dipping your toes into this bizarre holiday rabbit hole for the first time.
What is Christmas metal music?
Simply put, Christmas metal music is any type of heavy metal song or album that has a thematic connection to the winter holidays. This could mean anything from covering classic holiday tunes like “Jingle Bells” or “O Holy Night” with a blistering guitar solo and pounding drums, or writing entirely new songs about Santa Claus going on a rampage through town or Krampus punishing naughty children.
Who are some popular Christmas metal bands?
There are quite a few artists out there who specialize in Christmas-themed tunes performed with all the power chords and screaming vocals you’d expect from heavy metal. Some notable examples include:
– Twisted Sister: The New York-based group behind hits like “We’re Not Gonna Take It” released their first-ever holiday album in 2006, featuring their own takes on traditional Christmas songs and a few original compositions thrown in for good measure.
– Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Originally a side project from members of the metal band Savatage, TSO exploded in popularity thanks to their operatic, orchestral arrangements of holiday favorites like “Carol of the Bells” and “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo.”
– August Burns Red: This Pennsylvania-based metalcore outfit has released several holiday-themed singles over the years, including 2012’s “Sleigh Ride” and 2018’s “Winter Wilderness.”
– AC/DC: Okay, they’re not exactly a dedicated Christmas metal band, but you can’t deny that Angus Young’s scorching guitar riffs make for a pretty great rendition of “Mistress for Christmas.”
What are some popular Christmas metal songs?
Again, there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing your holiday headbangers. Here are just a few examples:
– “Carol of the Bells” (Trans-Siberian Orchestra): This haunting choral classic gets transformed into an epic rock anthem complete with electric guitars and laser light shows.
– “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings” (Barenaked Ladies ft. Sarah McLachlan): Yes, this is technically more of a folk-rock cover than full-blown heavy metal – but you can’t deny the power behind those harmonies.
– “Jingle Hell” (Christopher Lee): The late actor Christopher Lee had an unexpected second career as a heavy metal vocalist in his later years – and one highlight was this track from his 2014 album Darkest Carols, Faithful Sing.
– “Silver Bells” (Halford): Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford showed off his softer side with this smooth jazz-infused take on the beloved standard.
Are there any surprising collaborations between heavy metal artists and traditional holiday figures?
Believe it or not, there have been a few instances where the worlds of metal and Christmas collided in unexpected ways. For example:
– Lemmy Kilmister (famously the frontman of Motörhead) teamed up with Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top and Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins for a bluesy rendition of “Run Rudolph Run.”
– Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider appeared on a WWE-themed holiday album alongside wrestlers like John Cena and The Miz, covering “Deck the Halls” with all the screaming intensity you’d expect.
– Rapper DMX released his own version of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” in 2017 – complete with barking sound effects.
So there you have it – everything you need to know to get started exploring the bizarre and wonderful world of Christmas metal music. Whether you prefer your carols shredded beyond recognition or just want to hear Rob Halford sing about tinsel and mistletoe, there’s something out there for everyone who wants to rock around the Christmas tree.
Top 5 Facts You Need to Know About Christmas Metal Music
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about all things Christmas – including music. While many people associate Christmas music with cheerful carols and catchy pop songs, there’s another genre that’s gaining popularity: Christmas metal music. Here are the top five facts you need to know about this unique style of holiday tunes.
1. It’s Not Just a Gimmick
At first glance, Christmas metal music may seem like nothing more than a silly novelty. But upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that there is actually considerable artistry involved in creating these songs. Many metal bands take traditional Christmas carols and give them a fresh spin by adding heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, and growling vocals. Others write entirely new songs that embrace the dark, moody vibe of metal while still incorporating plenty of holiday cheer.
2. It’s Been Around for Decades
While modern listeners may see Christmas metal as a recent trend, it has actually been around for several decades. Iconic rock band Twisted Sister released their version of “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” way back in 1987, while British doom metallers Cathedral put out a fully-fledged album called “A New Ice Age” consisting solely of Christmas-themed tracks in 2006.
3. The Lyrics Can Be Surprisingly Deep
It might be easy to dismiss Christmas metal as nothing more than mindless noise – but the lyrics often contain surprisingly deep messages. For example, some bands use the holiday season as an opportunity to speak out against greed and commercialism (“Christmas with Satan” by Sinners Moon), while others delve into darker themes such as loss and loneliness at what is supposed to be ‘the most wonderful time of year’ (Type O Negative’s “Red Water (Christmas Mourning)”).
4. It Has Appeal Beyond Metal Fans
You might assume that only die-hard fans of heavy metal would be interested in listening to Christmas metal – but the truth is that it has much broader appeal than you might think. Many people who don’t typically listen to heavy music find themselves drawn to the genre during the holiday season. They may appreciate the unusual blending of genres or simply enjoy a fresh and unexpected take on classic Christmas tunes.
5. There’s Something for Everyone
Whether you’re a fan of black metal, death metal, power metal, or any other subgenre, there’s likely a Christmas metal track out there that will appeal to your tastes. Some bands opt for a more traditional sound and simply add in some heavy guitar riffs (such as August Burns Red’s “O Come O Come Emmanuel”), while others go all-out with aggressive vocals and shredding guitars (see: Death Angel’s “Thrashers Deck the Halls”). No matter what kind of music you prefer, chances are good that you’ll be able to find some holiday cheer in this unconventional genre.
Overall, Christmas metal is a fascinating and unique way to celebrate the holiday season – one that showcases both the versatility of the genre and the many creative ways in which artists can put their own spin on time-honored classics. So whether you’re already a die-hard fan or just looking for something new and different this year, consider giving Christmas metal a try – you might be surprised at how much you love it!
The Best Christmas Metal Music Albums and Artists for Headbanging Holidays
As the holiday season rolls around, many people start to hang up their stockings, set up their trees, and blast some Christmas music to get into the spirit. However, if you’re a metal fan, chances are that traditional holiday tunes aren’t quite hitting the mark for you. Never fear – there is plenty of Christmas-themed metal music out there to help you headbang your way through the holidays.
One of the most classic Christmas metal albums is undoubtedly Twisted Sister’s “A Twisted Christmas”. The album features classic holiday songs such as “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” and “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” reimagined in true Twisted Sister style with heavy guitars and snarling vocals. It’s impossible not to have a good time listening to this album – even if you’re not a big fan of either Christmas or heavy metal.
Another great choice for those who enjoy heavier sounds during the holidays is Lemmy Kilmister’s “Run Rudolph Run”. This EP features two tracks: one with Motorhead’s take on Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run,” and another track featuring Lemmy covering Elvis Presley’s rendition of “Blue Christmas.” These tracks perfectly capture Lemmy’s signature rough-edged voice while giving fans some festive cheer at the same time.
If your tastes lean more towards black metal during the holidays (because why not?), check out Emperor’s “In The Nightside Eclipse”. While it isn’t specifically a holiday album, its themes of darkness and winter make it appropriate for cold weather celebrations like Yule-time. As an added bonus, Emperor also throws in some fittingly dark covers such as Mercyful Fate’s “Black Funeral” which will definitely help add some edge to your X-mas party playlist.
Last but definitely not least is Manowar’s “Silent Night” single release where they turn everyone’s favorite carol up to eleven with this heavy metal rendition. The track features Manowar’s traditional blend of heavy guitars, pounding drums, and soaring vocals that make their music stand out in a sea of metal artists. For those who truly want to rock around the Christmas tree, this rendition of “Silent Night” is the perfect choice.
So there you have it – whether you prefer classic heavy-metal sounds or more contemporary black metal stylings, there are plenty of great options when it comes to headbanging your way through the holidays. Don’t settle for plain old Christmas carols – crank up some festive metal tunes and bring on the mosh pits this holiday season!
Jingle Bell Rocks! The Evolution of Christmas Lyrics in Heavy Metal Songs
The holiday season is upon us once again, and as we all know, there’s nothing quite like the sound of rocking guitars and heavy drums to get us in the Christmas spirit. The marriage between metal music and holiday cheer might seem like an odd pairing at first glance, but upon closer inspection, you’ll find that they share more in common than you might think.
Over the years, countless metal bands have released their own versions of classic Christmas songs – from Twisted Sister’s “Deck the Halls” to Lemmy Kilmister’s rendition of “Run Rudolph Run.” But it wasn’t until the 1980s that metal artists began incorporating their own original lyrics into these traditional tunes.
At first, these lyrics were often tongue-in-cheek parodies of Christmas themes. Take for example Spinal Tap’s “Christmas with the Devil,” which features lines like “The elves are dressed in leather / And the angels are in chains.” Or consider King Diamond’s “No Presents for Christmas,” where he sings about being visited by a demon instead of jolly old St. Nick.
As time went on, however, metal lyricists began delving deeper into what makes Christmas such a powerful and relatable holiday. Iron Maiden tackled themes of loneliness and despair in their song “Another Rock and Roll Christmas,” while Halford (the solo project of Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford) wrote about lost love in his track “Get into the Spirit.”
But perhaps no one has captured both the joy and melancholy of Christmas quite like Dio did with his song “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” In this haunting yet beautiful tune, Dio sings about finding hope and redemption even in times of darkness – a sentiment that speaks volumes during this time of year when many struggle with feelings of sadness or isolation.
All this is to say that while heavy metal might not be everyone’s cup of eggnog, there’s no denying the unique perspective it brings to the holiday season. So next time you’re at a Christmas party and someone breaks out a guitar, why not give one of these metal classics a try? You might be surprised by just how well “Silent Night” works with distortion pedals and power chords.
Why You Should Add Some Metal to Your Festive Playlist: Benefits of Listening to Christmas Metal Music
The holiday season is here once again, and while the typical Christmas songs might be enough to get you in the festive mood, why not add a little something extra to your holiday playlist this year? That’s right, it’s time to crank up the volume and let some metal music into your life. Here are just a few reasons why adding some Christmas metal music to your festive playlist is a fantastic idea.
1. It’ll Break Up the Monotony
Let’s face it; hearing “Jingle Bells” for the millionth time can get a little tiring. Adding some metal versions of classic Christmas songs or even tracks that were written specifically for the holiday season can help break up that monotony and keep things lively.
2. It’ll Put You in a Good Mood
It’s no secret that music has an incredible impact on our moods, and metal music is no different. The fast-paced beats, guitar riffs, and pounding drums can all work together to create an energy boost that’ll put anyone in a good mood throughout the holiday season.
3. It Helps to Vent Out Any Stress
The holidays are notorious for being stressful, as there always seems to be so much more on our plates than usual. Listening to some heavy metal can actually help combat stress by giving us an outlet through which we can vent out our frustrations or anxieties.
4. The Lyrics Carry Meaningful Messages
While many think of metal music as being angry or aggressive, when it comes to Christmas metal specifically one will find many positive messages hidden within its lyrics. Many bands use their platform of heavy sounds coupled with meaningful messaging about spirituality, spending ties with loved ones as well as spreading hope – making it perfect for this time of year.
5. Metal Musicians are Exceptionally Talented
Musicians who specialize in heavy rock and metal aren’t just skilled at creating hard-hitting tunes – they’re also exceptional musicians. And when it comes to creating their own take on classic festive tunes, many metal musicians bring out their very best skills to create masterful renditions that will be a hit even for people who are not necessarily fans of the genre.
6. It’s Fun!
Lastly, let’s not overlook the simple fact that listening to Christmas metal music is just downright fun! Whether you’re rocking out in your car or headbanging around your living room with friends and family, there’s nothing quite like injecting some heavy-metal energy into this most wonderful time of year.
So if you’re looking for something new and exciting to add to your holiday playlist this year, look no further than Christmas metal music. With its many benefits, you’ll be glad you gave it a shot!
Table with useful data:
| Band Name | Album Title | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
| Twisted Sister | A Twisted Christmas | 2006 |
| Rob Halford | Winter Songs | 2009 |
| Trans-Siberian Orchestra | Christmas Eve and Other Stories | 1996 |
| August Burns Red | Sleddin’ Hill: A Holiday Album | 2012 |
| Kamelot | Ghost Opera: The Second Coming | 2008 |
Information from an expert
As a seasoned musician and metal enthusiast, I can attest to the unique appeal of Christmas metal music. Bands like Twisted Sister, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Manowar have all released holiday-themed albums filled with heavy guitar riffs, powerful vocals and epic compositions that capture the spirit of the season in a completely different way. While traditional carols may not be everyone’s cup of tea, fans of hard rock and heavy metal are sure to appreciate the fusion of festive cheer and intense musicality found in Christmas metal music.
Historical Fact:
Christmas-themed heavy metal music has been around since the 1980s, with bands like Twisted Sister and AC/DC releasing festive tunes in their signature hard rock style. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s and early 2000s that the subgenre of “Christmas metal” truly took off, with groups like Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Manowar gaining popularity for their epic holiday-themed anthems.