How to Create Your Own Metal Christmas Music: A Step-by-Step Guide
As the holiday season approaches, so does the desire to add some festive cheer to our lives. One way to do this is by creating your own metal Christmas music. You may be wondering, how exactly can one combine heavy guitar riffs with jingle bells and sleigh bells? Fear not, for we have created a step-by-step guide on how to create your very own metal Christmas music.
Step 1: Choose Your Instruments
The first step in creating any genre of music is choosing the right instruments. For metal Christmas music, you’ll want a solid drum kit with double kick drums, an electric guitar or bass guitar, and some festive instruments such as sleigh bells or chimes. Consider also incorporating horns or strings if you’re looking for a more symphonic metal sound.
Step 2: Set The Tone with Lyrics
Lyrics are essential when creating any song because they tell the story and set the tone for your creation. When it comes to creating a holiday-themed song, consider touching upon traditional themes like family moments or joyous festivals centering around gift-giving, while keeping the heavy and intense feel of Metal.
Step 3: Add some Sleigh Bells and Chimes
Add in specialty instruments that will give out distinct jingles on top of heavy riffs like orchestral bells or xylophone-style chimes; never forget that these instruments must be true-to-sound during mixdowns.
Step 4: Keep It Heavy
Remember that even though this is themed towards yuletide cheer, you should still keep it true-to-metal at its core. The drums should be dynamic enough to maintain speed while following defined rhythm sections independently from guitars. Keeping consistent time signatures creates pleasing note progressions throughout each measure’s distinctive riff work supports vocals that demand attention!
Step 5: Focus On Production Quality
To make sure that your music sounds professional-quality at all times (and ready for release), invest in recording equipment that is well-suited to produce the clear and brilliant sound you need. Consider collaborating with professional audio mixers to help get an outside perspective on how your mix can improve, as well.
Step 6: Experiment and Play Off Your Musical Instincts
Metal Christmas music falls in a small bucket genre of holiday themes – this will allow for creative freedom when experimenting with elements from other specialized metal genres (i.e., Black Metal). Take the opportunity to experiment and challenge yourself and your audience; fuse some genres like Folk Metal, Folk Rock, or Viking Metal–the possibilities are endless!
In conclusion, creating your own metal Christmas music takes some creativity and imagination but can be done relatively easily with these essential steps. Just remember to stay true to both the feel of the season while delivering heavy riffs that keep headbanging until December ends!
Metal Christmas Music FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
The holidays are here and it’s time to crank up the Christmas tunes! But for those who have a taste for heavy metal, traditional holiday music just won’t cut it. Fear not – with the rise of metal bands creating their own renditions of classic Christmas songs, there is no shortage of headbanging holiday jams. However, you may still have some burning questions about metal Christmas music, so we’re here to answer them for you.
Q: What makes a song a “metal” Christmas song?
A: A metal Christmas song typically takes an existing holiday classic and adds heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, and/or screaming vocals. The tempo is usually faster than the original version and may include other elements like growls, blast beats or even orchestral arrangements.
Q: Who are some popular metal artists that have released Christmas music?
A: Twisted Sister’s “Twisted Christmas” album is a cult favorite featuring their twisted take on classics like “O Come All Ye Faithful”. Other artists include Halford (frontman of Judas Priest) with his album “Winter Songs”, August Burns Red with their album “Sleddin’ Hill”, and Ronnie James Dio with his rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”.
Q: Is there such a thing as a non-gimmicky metal Christmas song?
A: Absolutely! While many metal Christmas songs embrace the campiness factor that comes with combining two seemingly contrasting genres, some artists opt for a more authentic approach. Iron Maiden’s instrumental track “Another Rock And Roll Xmas” or Lemmy Kilmister’s bluesy rendition of Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run” come to mind.
Q: How do I convince my family/friends that metal Christmas music isn’t just noise?
A: Show them the musicianship involved in creating these songs – from skilled guitar solos to intricate drumming patterns; Metal takes great talent just like any other genre. Plus, it’s a unique way to switch things up and add excitement during the holiday season.
Q: Are there any metal Christmas songs that are suitable for children?
A: While some metal Christmas songs may not necessarily be appropriate for younger listeners, there are still family-friendly options out there. For example, Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” is an instrumental fusion of classical music and rock with no explicit lyrics.
So there you have it – your burning questions about metal Christmas music answered. Next time you’re in the mood for something loud and festive, put on some headbanging tunes and rock out this holiday season!
5 Facts You Need to Know About Metal Christmas Music
When it comes to Christmas music, most people probably think of classic carols or modern pop covers. But did you know that metal Christmas music is actually a thing? That’s right – heavy metal bands have been putting their own spin on holiday tunes for years. Here are five facts you need to know about this unique genre:
1. The first metal Christmas song was released in 1984
The pioneer of metal Christmas music is widely regarded as American glam rock band Twisted Sister. In 1984, they released a now-iconic version of “Deck the Halls” called “Heavy Metal Christmas (The Twelve Days of Christmas).” Since then, dozens of other bands have followed suit.
2. There are sub-genres within metal Christmas music
Just like how there are various types of metal (such as thrash, power, and black), there are different sub-genres within the realm of metal Christmas music. For example, Finnish symphonic metal group Nightwish put out an album called “Angels Fall First” which features holiday-themed songs with a gothic twist.
3. Metal musicians often put their own spin on traditional songs
While some bands create entirely original tunes for their holiday albums (like German death metal outfit Oomph!’s “Stille Nacht”), many choose to cover well-known carols and put their own unique spin on them. For instance, Canadian thrashers Annihilator transformed “Jingle Bells” into a fast-paced headbanger’s delight.
4. Not all metal Christmas songs are aggressive
While many people might assume that all heavy metal music is loud and angry, that’s not always the case when it comes to holiday tunes. Some bands opt for a more mellow approach, such as British doom metallers My Dying Bride’s hauntingly beautiful rendition of “I Am Jesus.”
5. Metal Christmas albums are becoming more popular
Believe it or not, metal Christmas music is gaining popularity each year. In fact, there are now entire record labels devoted to the genre (like Cleopatra Records) and countless bands releasing holiday albums. Some recent noteworthy releases include “A Pentatonix Christmas” by a capella group Pentatonix – who often incorporate elements of metal into their music – and Dee Snider’s “For the Love of Metal Christmas.”
In conclusion, metal Christmas music may not be for everyone, but it’s certainly worth exploring if you’re a fan of heavy tunes or just want to mix things up during your holiday party playlist. Who knows – you might just find yourself headbanging along to “Jingle Bells” by the end of the night!
The Best Metal Covers of Classic Christmas Songs
As we get closer to the holiday season, it’s time to start thinking about all of the classic Christmas songs that we love to hear each year. From Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” to Gene Autry’s “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” these festive tunes always bring a warmth and cheer to our hearts.
But what if you want something a little different this year? What if you’re tired of hearing the same old versions of these songs over and over again? Well, fear not my metal friends – there are plenty of amazing covers out there that will give your Christmas playlist a much-needed makeover!
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best metal covers of classic Christmas songs:
1. Twisted Sister – “O Come All Ye Faithful”
Twisted Sister may be known for their heavy rock anthems like “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock,” but they also know how to put their own spin on a classic Christmas carol! Their version of “O Come All Ye Faithful” (complete with pounding drums and screeching guitars) is an absolute standout.
2. August Burns Red – “Carol of the Bells”
August Burns Red have become known for their incredible instrumental proficiency, so it’s no surprise that their cover of “Carol of the Bells” is a true masterpiece. This song is already hauntingly beautiful on its own, but ABR manages to somehow make it even more epic.
3. Trans-Siberian Orchestra – “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24”
It would be impossible to talk about metal Christmas covers without mentioning Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Their blend of classical music, rock and roll, and firework displays has made them one of the most popular holiday acts around. But perhaps their most well-known song is “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24,” a powerful instrumental track that gets the blood pumping every time.
4. Rob Halford – “We Three Kings”
Rob Halford is best known as the frontman for Judas Priest, but his solo Christmas album “Winter Songs” features some truly incredible covers. His take on “We Three Kings” is particularly impressive, with his signature soaring vocals taking center stage.
5. Corey Taylor – “X-M@$”
If you’re looking for a more irreverent take on Christmas songs, look no further than Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor’s solo track “X-M@$.” This punk rock anthem may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s definitely one of the most unique takes on holiday music out there.
6. King Diamond – No Presents For Christmas
A true cult classic in the world of metal Christmas covers, King Diamond’s “No Presents for Christmas” is a perfect blend of heavy metal and holiday cheer. The lyrics tell a dark tale about being forgotten by Santa Claus – certainly not your typical yuletide fare!
So there you have it – six amazing metal covers of classic Christmas songs to add some edge to your holiday playlist. Whether you prefer your carols with screeching guitars or haunting instrumentals, these tracks are guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit.
10 Must-Listen Tracks for a Heavy Metal Holiday Playlist
If you’re a metalhead, the holiday season can be a bit tricky. While the rest of the world is listening to classic Christmas carols and sugary pop renditions of holiday hits, you might be feeling left out- but fear not! We’ve compiled a list of 10 essential heavy metal tracks that are perfect for your seasonal playlist.
1. “Carol of the Bells” by August Burns Red: The Pennsylvania-based band takes Tchaikovsky’s famous work and infuses it with their signature blend of hardcore and metalcore. The result is an adrenaline-pumping rendition that will have you headbanging under the tree.
2. “Jingle Hells” by Christopher Lee: If there’s anyone who could make Satan feel festive, it’s Count Dracula himself. This spoken-word track from the legendary actor/singer incorporates holiday classics like “Deck the Halls” into a sinister tale of dark magic.
3. “Run Run Rudolph” by Lemmy Kilmister: It wouldn’t be a proper metal holiday playlist without some Motorhead, and this cover of Chuck Berry’s classic tune is equal parts rockabilly swagger and hard-rock grit.
4. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by Dio: Ronnie James Dio was known for his soaring vocals, and this epic take on an old English carol shows off his range along with some killer guitar riffs from Tony Iommi.
5. “The Nutcracker Suite” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra: No one does bombastic Christmas music quite like TSO, and their rendition of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet score is no exception. Filled with intricate guitar solos and thunderous drums, this track will transport you to a winter wonderland like no other.
6. “Little Drummer Boy” by Black Label Society: Zakk Wylde may be best known for his blistering guitar work with Ozzy Osbourne, but his band Black Label Society shows off their softer side with this haunting take on the Christmas classic.
7. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Manowar: Kings of epic metal, Manowar’s rendition of this hymn is nothing short of majestic. With sweeping orchestral arrangements and thunderous percussion, it’s hard not to feel like you’re in the midst of a battle – but a holiday-themed one.
8. “Children’s Holiday” by Fear Factory: The industrial-metal pioneers put their own spin on traditional Christmas elements – this song will make you want to headbang along with Santa himself.
9. “We Wish You A Merry Xmas (War Is Over)” by John Lennon & Yoko Ono: It may not be strictly metal, but Lennon and Ono’s anti-war anthem has a gritty edge that fits in perfectly with the mood of a heavy holiday playlist. Plus, the chorus is an infectious earworm that’ll stick with you long after the holidays are over.
10. “Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End)” by The Darkness: This British glam-rock outfit brings the festive cheer in spades on this catchy rock tune, complete with wailing falsetto vocals and sleigh bell sound effects.
Whether you’re snowed in by winter weather or simply looking for something different to listen to during the holidays season, these 10 must-listen tracks will add some much-needed heavy metal edge to your celebrations. So crank up the volume, hoist that eggnog high, and get ready to mosh around the Christmas tree!
From Slayer to Trans-Siberian Orchestra: A Genre-Bending Look at Metal-Influenced Christmas Music
As the holiday season fast approaches, it’s that time of year when we all start hearing the traditional Christmas songs being played on repeat. But what about those of us who love metal music – is there anything out there for us? The answer is an emphatic yes! There are plenty of Christmas tunes out there that have been given a serious kick with some heavy guitar riffs and shredding solos.
One band that has become synonymous with Christmas in the metal world is Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Founded by Paul O’Neill, TSO takes classical music and infuses it with rock and roll, adding their own unique style to every one of their performances. Their album “Christmas Eve and Other Stories” has become a staple during the holiday season, featuring tracks like “Wizards In Winter,” “The First Noel,” and “A Mad Russian’s Christmas.” Their combination of intricate instrumentation and soaring vocals make for an unforgettable experience.
But they’re not alone – many other metal bands have tried their hand at turning traditional Christmas songs into something new and exciting. Perhaps one of the most surprising examples of this is Slayer’s rendition of “Silent Night.” That’s right – Slayer as in the thrash metal band known for aggressive tracks like “Raining Blood” decided to try their hand at a gentle carol. The result? A cover that still manages to feel intense despite being a song about peace on earth. It just goes to show how versatile these musicians truly are.
Of course, we can’t forget about Rob Halford’s solo project, aptly named “Halford” which also offered up its interpretation of classic yuletide melodies via Halford III: Winter Songs album. Featuring covers such as “Get Into The Spirit” and “Winter Song,” it features everything from acoustic ballads to heavier compositions perfect for cranking up at your next holiday party.
While these may seem like odd pairings on paper, the combination of metal and Christmas music is actually quite fitting when you think about it. After all, both genres are known for their high energy and passionate performances. If anything, it just goes to show that there’s truly something out there for everyone, no matter their musical tastes or preferences.
So while most people may be content listening to Bing Crosby croon “White Christmas” on repeat, us metalheads can take comfort in knowing that we have plenty of holiday tunes available to us that offer a little more edge. Whether you’re into the symphonic rock of Trans-Siberian Orchestra or the heavier sounds of Slayer or Halford, there’s something out there for every headbanger looking to add some Christmas spirit into their mosh pit.