The holiday season is upon us, and while many of us are accustomed to the traditional sounds of Bing Crosby and Mariah Carey, there are those who crave something a bit more...metal. If you're one of the rebels who dare to be different, then we've got just the thing for you: a list of heavy metal Christmas albums that are sure to shred your holiday season to pieces.
These albums are not for the faint of heart. They're a collection of face-melting, ear-shredding, and head-banging holiday tunes that will leave you screaming for more. So, if you're ready to ditch the usual holiday playlist and indulge in some serious metal mayhem, then keep reading.
1. Twisted Sister - A Twisted Christmas
We're starting off with a classic. Twisted Sister's A Twisted Christmas is a masterclass in metal mayhem, with the band putting their own unique spin on holiday classics like "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas". Dee Snider's vocals are as snarling and sarcastic as ever, making this album a must-listen for any metalhead looking to shake up their holiday season.
Key Tracks:
- "Oh Come All Ye Faithful"
- "I'll Be Home for Christmas"
- "Heavy Metal Christmas"
2. Hanoi Rocks - A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise
While not strictly a Christmas album, Hanoi Rocks' A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise features a few holiday tracks that are sure to get you in the mood for some Finnish metal mayhem. The band's blend of glam rock and punk influences makes for a unique listening experience that's sure to leave you wanting more.
Key Tracks:
- "Dead by Christmas"
- "Christmas Song"
- "People Like Me"
3. Lemmy Kilmister and Billy Gibbons - Run Rudolph Run
A supergroup featuring Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, this album is a one-off collaboration that sees the two metal legends tackling holiday classics with their signature style.
Key Tracks:
- "Run Rudolph Run"
- "Santa Claus Is Back in Town"
- "The Little Drummer Boy"
4. AC/DC - Mistress for Christmas
While not an official Christmas album, AC/DC's "Mistress for Christmas" is a bonafide holiday classic that's sure to get you in the mood for some hard rock holiday cheer. The track features the band's signature riffs and Brian Johnson's snarling vocals, making it a must-listen for any metalhead.
Key Tracks:
- "Mistress for Christmas"
5. Metal Christmas - Various Artists
This compilation album features a range of metal bands tackling holiday classics, from the likes of August Burns Red to Theocracy. With 14 tracks to choose from, there's something for every metalhead looking to shake up their holiday season.
Key Tracks:
- "August Burns Red - Carol of the Bells"
- "Theocracy - Ryse"
- "Living Sacrifice - 12 Days of Christmas"
6. Wednesday 13 - The Dixie Dead
Wednesday 13's The Dixie Dead is a horror-punk infused Christmas album that's sure to leave you screaming for more. The band's blend of metal and punk influences makes for a unique listening experience that's perfect for those looking for something a little different this holiday season.
Key Tracks:
- "Buried with Children"
- "The Dixie Dead"
- "Blood Sucker"
7. Rob Halford - Winter Songs
Rob Halford's Winter Songs is a critically-acclaimed album that sees the Judas Priest frontman tackling holiday classics with his signature style. From "Get into the Spirit" to "Winter Song", this album is a must-listen for any metalhead looking to get into the holiday spirit.
Key Tracks:
- "Get into the Spirit"
- "Winter Song"
- "The Christmas Song"
8. Dave Lombardo and Friends - Christmas with the Devil
This supergroup featuring Dave Lombardo (ex-Slayer) and a range of other metal musicians is a one-off collaboration that sees the group tackling holiday classics with their signature style. From "Christmas with the Devil" to "We Wish You a Metal Christmas", this album is a must-listen for any metalhead.
Key Tracks:
- "Christmas with the Devil"
- "We Wish You a Metal Christmas"
- "Silent Night"
There you have it - 8 heavy metal Christmas albums to shred your holiday season to pieces. Whether you're a fan of classic metal, punk-infused holiday tunes, or something a little more experimental, there's something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, ditch the usual holiday playlist, and indulge in some serious metal mayhem.
What is the best heavy metal Christmas album?
+While opinions may vary, Twisted Sister's A Twisted Christmas is a classic heavy metal Christmas album that's sure to get you in the mood for some holiday mayhem.
Who is the most metal Santa Claus?
+Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead is often referred to as the most metal Santa Claus, thanks to his iconic beard and penchant for holiday cheer.
What is the best way to celebrate a metal Christmas?
+The best way to celebrate a metal Christmas is to gather with friends and family, blast some heavy metal holiday tunes, and indulge in some festive cheer.