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Not in the mood for the thousandth repetition of the Christmas charts on the radio? Then we have the solution for you: a whole list of metal songs about Christmas!
You actually want to look forward to Christmas, but Mariah Carey and "Last Christmas" are just getting on your nerves? Then turn off the radio and let us introduce you to some amazing alternatives for your Christmas playlist. This way, you can get into a wonderful pre-Christmas mood without having to give up your favorite genre. Maybe you'll even discover a new band for yourself!
1. Twisted Sister - Heavy Metal Christmas (The Twelve days of Christmas)
The title says it all: "Heavy Metal Christmas" is exactly what we want. Twisted Sister delivers a real Christmas classic with hard rock and glam metal vibes. In fact, the musicians from the USA released a whole album about Christmas in 2006: A Twisted Christmas. If you want a bit more input, why not listen to the whole album on your journey home for Christmas!
2. Type O Negative - Red Water (Christmas Mourning)
Although Christmas is usually associated with cheerful and festive moods, it is also a time for remembrance. In the song "Red Water" from Type O Negative's album October Rust from 1996, singer Peter Steele processed his grief. His father had passed away on a Christmas morning. The song features small excerpts from the Christmas songs "Carol of the Bells" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen".
3. Sabaton - Christmas Truce
Sabaton deal with history and past wars in all their songs. This also applies to "Christmas Truce". The song is about the so-called Christmas Truce that happened on December 24, 1914, during World War I. Many soldiers had originally been promised that the war would be over by Christmas. However, this was not the case, so they had to stay at the front instead of returning to their families. On Christmas Eve and the following days, there was a spontaneous ceasefire between German and British soldiers. Christmas carols were sung, gifts were exchanged, and the opposing soldiers even spoke peacefully to each other. Although reports and sources contradict each other regarding the exact events, this is still a memorable moment in history.
4. Corey Taylor - X-M@$
Not everyone is a fan of the pre-Christmas season or the holiday itself. If you belong to these people, you can join forces with Corey Taylor. The Slipknot frontman expresses his displeasure with Christmas in his song "X-M@$". It's also a song that you can listen to on your way to the next Christmas party…
5. Lacuna Coil - Naughty Christmas
With "Naughty Christmas," you're not quite sure whether it's a Christmas song or a Halloween song just by looking at the cover. The Italian alternative metal band delivers a song for those who are more likely to be on Santa's naughty list!
6. Sonata Arctica - Christmas Spirits
Rudolph, the reindeer, presents his bright red nose on the cover of "Christmas Spirits". A truly festive image for a metal band. But then again, it's fitting; after all, Sonata Arctica come from Finland, and that's where Santa Claus is from as well. So, there's Power Metal for Christmas too!
7. Various Artists - Santa Claws Is Coming To Town
Several big names from the metal and rock world were involved in the twisted title "Santa Claws Is Coming To Town". Leading the way is Alice Cooper, who takes over the vocals here. The perfect voice for Christmas songs, isn't it? He is accompanied on guitar by none other than John 5. So get ready for an epic Christmas guitar solo from the former Rob Zombie guitarist. By the way, he is now an official member of Mötley Crüe!
The song is part of a well-filled Christmas album called We Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New Year. The 2006 record features many more stars from the rock 'n' roll community. Lemmy takes the microphone on "Run Rudolph Run" and Dave Grohl plays the drums. Ronnie James Dio even sings on "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", while the distinctive power voice of Metal Queen Doro can be heard on "O' Christmas Tree"!
8. J. J. Hrubovcak - Nutcracker: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
The album title says it all: Death Metal Christmas. So even during the contemplative time of year, you can still enjoy some heavy music. Fast guitars and hard drums make you almost forget that these are actually Christmas songs.
9. Santa Sabbath - Frosty The Snowman
It's simple: "Frosty The Snowman" in the style of Black Sabbath. A must for fans of hard rock and Ozzy Osbourne. You can hear more on the EP "Children of the Sleigh", with tracks like "Santa Sabbath" and "Sled in the Sky".
10. Déhà and the Social Distancing Choir - Jingle Bells
As you can easily guess, this song, or rather this album, was released in 2020 during the time of the Corona pandemic. It goes by the wonderful name Pandechristmas!. "Jingle Bells" is just one of many examples of the tracks - especially "Last Christmas" is a blessing. The ultimate album for Christmas Metal vibes. Your playlist should have grown significantly with this. In that sense: Merry Christmas!
