Short answer Christmas music metal: Christmas-themed songs played in the style of heavy metal. These songs may include classic carols and original compositions featuring heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, and roaring vocals. Popular examples include “Carol of the Bells” by August Burns Red and “Run Rudolph Run” by Lemmy Kilmister.
How to Get Started Listening to Christmas Music Metal
There’s nothing quite like the sound of metal music over the festive season. As you drape your Christmas tree with tinsel and hang your stockings by the chimney with care, why not mix things up by introducing some heavy thrash to your playlist? Here are some tips on how to get started listening to Christmas music metal style.
1. Start with classics
First things first, it’s important to get familiar with some classic holiday tracks before diving headfirst into more obscure metal renditions. The likes of “Jingle Bells”, “Joy To The World” and “O Holy Night” all have iconic versions in the world of traditional pop, so it only makes sense that you start there before venturing further afield.
2. Explore Metallica
When it comes to branching out from the norm, Metallica is always a great starting point for fans old and new. Their rendition of “Carol of the Bells” perfectly showcases their ability to turn something traditional into something epic, giving this classic carol a metallic makeover that will have even non-metal fans nodding along.
3. Check out Twisted Sister
Another classic addition to any Christmas rock/metal playlist is Twisted Sister’s famous single,”Oh Come All Ye Faithful”. While certainly not as dark or growling as certain other metal songs, Twisted Sister is an excellent introduction for those who aren’t really sure if they like extended guitar solos or blistering drumbeats just yet; plus there’s nothing more rocking than someone yelling Fa-la-la-la in perfect time signature.
4. Seek out lesser-known bands
Once you’ve got the basics down pat, it’s time to dig deeper! There are plenty of contemporary bands putting their own spin on holiday hits these days; groups such as August Burns Red and Hatebreed offer some hardcore takes on old standards (such as “Frosty The Snowman” ). And don’t miss out on Trans-Siberian Orchestra; formed for the specific purpose of rock operas in holiday standards!
5. Don’t forget about the classics
Despite delving into some heavier territory, it’s important to remember that many metal bands still regard classic Christmas tunes with respect and care when creating their own cover versions. For example “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Riot is a fantastic uplifting track that offers up all the nostalgia of those ’50s dance numbers, albeit with amplified guitars.
Christmas music metal style may seem like an acquired taste at first, but it’s a perfect way to inject some extra energy and excitement into your celebrations. Whether you’re blasting your favorite artists while cooking up a storm in the kitchen, or playing festive songs while enjoying a nightcap with friends, just remember – metalheads love the holidays too!
A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Own Christmas Music Metal Playlist
If you’re a metalhead and love everything about the holiday season, then putting together your own Christmas music playlist is a must-do activity. While traditional carols and festive jingles fill the airwaves during this time of year, they don’t quite get the blood pumping like some heavy metal screaming guitars or thunderous drums.
But where do you start when it comes to creating your very own Christmas-themed metal playlist? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide. Here’s how to create the perfect blend of dark and merry tunes that will have you headbanging all through the holidays.
1. Start with The Classics
You want to begin by adding some ofthe classics to your list – tracks that are already familiar but with a heavy dose of metal thrown in. Songs like ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ from Bobby Helms can easily transform into Jingle Hell Rock if given enough distortion.
Look for similar classics that are associated with Christmas and try to add them to your list too.
2. Add Some Unique Tracks
One thing that makes a playlist great is its versatility, so look for unique songs apart from just metal covers. For instance, King Diamond’s ‘No Presents for Christmas’ could be an addition worth considering as it presents a more sarcastic tone when dealing with holiday themes.
Other notable mentions include Twisted Sister’s rock-infused ‘Heavy Metal Christmas,’ Lemmy’s Motörhead version of ‘Run Rudolph Run,’ Slayer’s ‘Silent Scream’, etcetera.
3. Mix It Up With Instrumentals
While holiday-themed instrumental pieces aren’t typically done using guitar shreds and double bass drumming overdrive mode, blending these two competing sounds together can create something incredibly fascinating which maintains your Holiday spirit without compromising on intensity.
Incorporate instrumental pieces from bands like Trans-Siberian Orchestra or Dream Theater’s version of “O Holy Night” to your playlist as well.
4. Try Alternative Covers
There’s always another way to represent a song; you can look for covers of holiday music by Metal musicians.
Some popular ones include August Burns Red’s rendition of ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel,’ Children of Bodom’s cover of “Silent night,” and Rob Halford’s ‘Winter Song’. Alternatively, search out less-known artists who have taken on Christmas songs in unusual ways.
5. End with a traditional religious song
It is important to top off your playlist with something that reverts back to the true meaning behind the season, with hits performed by established metal bands.
For example, listen to Nightwish’s sombre version of ‘Ave Maria,’ or their beautiful interpretation of ‘Walking in the Air’ from The Snowman that was previously made popular by Aled Jones. While metal may not naturally be associated with religious-influenced Christmas carols, it is important to end on this note.
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for creating a metal-heavy holiday playlist that will keep your spirits lifted throughout the festive period. Just remember that there are many other awesome tracks left to discover out there during this season; therefore, don’t stick only to what we’ve listed above!
Find other unique ways you can incorporate more metal music into your festive celebrations; after all, tis’ the season to bang some tunes and engage in mosh-pit action! Happy Holidays!
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Music Metal Answered
As the holiday season approaches, it’s not uncommon for metalheads to begin dusting off their favorite Christmas albums. That’s right – there is such a thing as Christmas music metal! However, if you’re new to the genre, you might have some questions about what it entails. Here are some frequently asked questions about Christmas music metal answered:
Q: What exactly is Christmas music metal?
A: It’s a subgenre of heavy metal that incorporates traditional Christmas songs into its sound. Often, these covers feature distorted guitars, thunderous drums, and growling vocals.
Q: How did this genre come about?
A: The origins of Christmas music metal can be traced back to Twisted Sister’s 2006 album “A Twisted Christmas.” This record featured heavy renditions of classic holiday tunes like “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” and “Deck The Halls.” Since then, other bands have followed suit and created their own versions of festive hits.
Q: Who are some popular bands in this genre?
A: Some notable bands who have released Christmas music include Rob Halford (of Judas Priest), Lemmy Kilmister (of Motörhead), Bad Religion, August Burns Red, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Q: Are these covers faithful to the original songs?
A: While the core melody of many songs remains intact, most covers take liberties with arrangements and instrumentation. Think jingle bells replaced by scream guitar solos!
Q: Is it sacrilegious to turn sacred hymns into heavy metal anthems?
A: That is a matter of personal opinion. Some may argue that such an interpretation disrespects the original intent of the song while others see it as a fun way to incorporate heavier musical styles into traditional holiday celebrations.
Q: What are some recommended tracks for those interested in exploring the genre?
A: Some must-listen tracks include “O Come O Come Emmanuel” by August Burns Red, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Bad Religion, and “Run Rudolph Run” by Lemmy Kilmister.
Q: Will listening to Christmas music metal make me more or less festive?
A: Only you can decide that! Some may find the rowdy energy of metal injects a new level of excitement into holiday gatherings, while others prefer to stick with more traditional sounds. There’s no right or wrong answer – it all depends on your personal preferences!
In conclusion, Christmas music metal is not for everyone – but for those who enjoy both heavy tunes and holiday cheer, it offers a unique twist on classic songs. Give the genre a chance this season and see if it rocks your world!
Top 5 Facts You Didn’t Know About Christmas Music Metal
Christmas music has been a beloved tradition for centuries, but did you know there’s a metal subgenre dedicated to holiday tunes? That’s right, Christmas Music Metal is an actual thing, and it’s gaining popularity among fans of both metal and holiday cheer. If you’re not familiar with this unique musical style, then allow us to share the top 5 facts you didn’t know about Christmas Music Metal.
1. It’s Not Just Screaming
When we think of metal music, we often picture loud guitars and screaming vocals. However, that’s not always the case with Christmas Music Metal. Many artists in this subgenre combine traditional holiday songs with melodic metal instrumentals and smooth vocals. It’s a perfect blend of festive lyrics and headbanging beats.
2. It Has Plenty of Traditional Classics
Just because it’s metal doesn’t mean that Christmas Music Metal abandons traditional holiday classics. In fact, some bands in this subgenre offer covers of classic yuletide favorites like “Silent Night,” “Deck the Halls,” or even “Jingle Bells.” The only difference is they add their own creative touch by adding harder guitar riffs making these tracks more rock than innocent carols.
3. It Can Get Weird
While some artists keep things light-hearted and festive, others have taken Christmas Music Metal to strange new extremes – such as incorporating horror-themed elements into their songs! Yes, really! Some bands make use of spooky themes to make their performances more unique like shock-rock group Alice Cooper once had a tour called “Christmas Pudding” which combined heavy-metal versions of popular Christmas carols with Alice Cooper’s classics.
4. It Has Its Own Festivals
Which brings us to our next point – there are actually festivals dedicated entirely to Christmas Music Metal! For example; ProgPower USA Festival held every year around September end dedicates its Friday evening shows entirely showcasing performances from bands that have adapted heavy-metal style to traditional Christmas melodies. More and more festivals, shows and solo performances are scheduled every year globally.
5. It’s a Unique Way of Sharing the Love
Finally, Christmas Music Metal is an excellent way to celebrate the festive season with those who might not usually love traditional carols. For instance; The WeihnachtsMetal Night (another Christmas music festival in Germany) has opened doors for people on both sides by providing an alternative way of enjoying seasonal music while also introducing them to the metal genre.There is something there for everyone!
In Conclusion
If you’re a fan of both metal and holiday cheer, then you owe it to yourself to check out some Christmas Music Metal tracks once the season comes around. There’s plenty of diversity in this unique subgenre – With everything from horror themes to traditional classics blended with energetic instrumental elements.So don’t shy away from blasting some “Jingle Bell Rock” or “The Little Drummer Boy – but don’t forget your air guitar handy along!
The Best Metal Covers of Classic Christmas Songs: Our Top Picks
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to get into the festive spirit and what better way to do that than with some heavy metal Christmas covers. These covers add a fresh, unique twist to classic holiday tunes and give fans of heavy music something extra to celebrate. From the haunting beauty of “Silent Night” to the thundering beats of “Jingle Bell Rock”, there are countless options when it comes to metal covers of Christmas classics. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks for the best metal covers of classic Christmas songs.
1) “Carol of the Bells” by August Burns Red – This cover takes an already intense song and ramps up the energy by adding in powerful breakdowns and shredding guitar solos. The addition of an electric guitar brings a modern touch while still maintaining the essence of the original composition.
2) “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by Metallica – Metallica’s take on this traditional carol is nothing short of epic. With crunching riffs and a rough-edged vocal performance from James Hetfield, this cover captures everything that makes Metallica great.
3) “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” by For Today – This Christian metalcore band adds its own edgy flavor to this beloved hymn with crushing screams and a breakneck pace mixed in with clean singing during more intimate moments making for one chilling track.
4) “Jingle Bell Rock” by Racer X – At first listen, this cover seems like a straightforward rock version but within seconds you realize there is so much more going on musically as they throw down intricate runs at break neck speeds all while keeping up that high energy feel-good rhythm we all love about this classic tune.
5) “Silent Night” by Sonata Arctica – Far from their typical melodramatic symphonic power sound, sad piano notes in combination an acoustic guitar play out until slowly the band builds the intensity, speeding up and adding in fast-paced riffs for a truly show-stopping performance which snatches the soul from everyone listening.
In conclusion, there is nothing wrong with traditional holiday music but these metal covers will add a new layer of enjoyment to your seasonal playlist. These heavy renditions bring an exciting new interpretation to beloved classics while still staying true to their original themes. So crank up the volume and headbang your way into some serious holiday cheer this year! Happy holidays!
Mixing Up Your Holiday Season with the Heavy Sounds of Christmas Music Metal
The holiday season is finally here and what better way to celebrate it than with some headbanging, fist-pumping Christmas music metal? Yes, you heard that right! Christmas music doesn’t just have to be the same old boring jingles we hear every year on repeat. There’s a whole new world of festive rock and metal tunes out there waiting for you to discover.
The first thing that comes to mind when we think of Christmas music is probably Michael Bublé or Mariah Carey. However, with the rise of rock and heavy metal genres over the years, we now have an unlikely pairing of seasonal carols and shredding electric guitars. Heavy Christmas tunes are not only entertaining but also give a fresh twist on celebrating this magical time of year.
One band that has nailed the artful mix of heavy metal and holiday cheer is Twisted Sister with their iconic rendition of “Oh Come All Ye Faithful.” The classic carol gets transformed into a fast-paced headbang-inducing track while still maintaining its original meaning.
But Twisted Sister isn’t alone in this genre as other metal bands like Judas Priest and Trans-Siberian Orchestra have released their own takes on favorite carols. From “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” to “Carol of the Bells,” these bands have created heavy renditions that will get any true fan of rock and metal feeling festive.
And if traditional carols aren’t your thing, fear not as many bands write their original compositions revolving around the holiday season. One standout example is August Burns Red’s album, “Sleddin’ Hill,” which features ten instrumental tracks named after popular winter icons such as “Frosty The Snowman.”
So why not take your holiday celebration up a notch by mixing up your playlist with some electric-powered Christmas songs? It’s time to embrace something different but equally fun while still getting into the spirit of things!
In conclusion, the holiday season is a time where we come together, celebrate, and spread joy. And what better way to do that than with some heavy Christmas tunes? These songs offer a refreshing twist on our usual lineup of carols, and give a unique experience reinforcing the idea that there’s always something new to discover in music. So grab your Santa hats and start headbanging away!
Table with useful data:
| Band Name | Song Title | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| Twisted Sister | Heavy Metal Christmas | 2006 |
| August Burns Red | Carol of the Bells | 2007 |
| Trans-Siberian Orchestra | Christmas Eve/Sarajevo | 1996 |
| King Diamond | No Presents for Christmas | 1985 |
| Rob Halford | Get Into the Spirit | 2019 |
Information from an expert:
Christmas music and metal might seem like two things that don’t go together, but for fans of the genre, there are plenty of options out there. Some metal bands have released full Christmas albums or EPs, incorporating festive elements like sleigh bells or lyrics about Santa Claus into their heavy sound. Other bands may have individual songs with holiday themes or covers of classic Christmas tunes. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, metalheads who love Christmastime can find plenty of ways to get into the spirit while still rocking out.
Historical fact:
Christmas metal music, also known as “holiday black metal,” originated in the early 1990s when Norwegian band issues their album “Black Christmas.” This unique genre incorporates heavy metal elements with traditional Christmas melodies or lyrics.