It’s that time of year again, when snow falls (depending on where you live), the stockings get hung and kids are nearly unbearable with excitement. And while there is much joy that surrounds the holiday, the practical reality of getting prepared can be extremely stressful. Sometimes you need to let off some steam. That’s where hard rock and heavy metal Christmas tracks come in. They still keep you in the spirit while helping vent a little of that Christmas krampus. Here’s a quick playlist to aid in Holiday’s.
Cheap Trick – Merry Christmas Darlings
While this song might not be a pure, heavy powerhouse of a track, it’s a perfect original from Rockford’s best. The northern mid-west is the Christmas capital of the world. And when Cheap Trick decided to do a Christmas album two years ago, it was more than a perfect move. It just seems so natural. Almost like it’s just another Cheap Trick album in their immense discography. The album opener ‘Merry Christmas Darlings’ is a perfect example of what the album has to offer. It rocks with classic Christmas oriented melodies. Creating a cozy home atmosphere around the fireplace.
Twisted Sister – Silver Bells
There’s no other way of putting it. Twisted Sister’s Christmas album is freakin’ hilarious. And it’s also majorly kick ass. While many bands create original Christmas tunes. Twisted Sister opted to put their New York glam metal spin on Christmas classics. And the results are equal parts hilarity and kick asserey. They run through all the traditional songs: ‘Let It Snow,’ ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ and a really kick ass version of ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful.’ But the track that takes the cake is their metal interpretation of ‘Silver Bells.’ They didn’t even make it a ballad. It’s just a straight forward metal chug and 80’s mid range power chord structure. It’s impossible not to love.
AC/DC – Mistress For Christmas
This is truly AC/DC at their bluesiest. Sure, it follows the same formula as most of their other songs. Except for the drums not providing the 2 beat on the snare. But what’s wrong with that? I mean, it’s AC/DC!! Their formula has stood the test of time. And the word on the street is that they’re gearing up for a new album with Brian Johnson on vocals and Phil Rudd on drums. So not only is it timely to put this track on the playlist, it fits perfectly with what AC/DC have in store for 2020. The song title is obviously very clear what the song is about. Which makes for a good, sexy, Christmastime blues rocker that can be enjoyed by everyone. Classic heavy blues AC/DC mixed with some traditional Christmas musical tropes. Such as the sleigh bells in the intro.
Henry Rollins – ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas
Henry Rollins brings his excellently spoken word attack to this Christmas classic. The narrative is strong. The angle is addictive. I mean, who doesn’t want a Henry Rollins narrated version of ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas?’ Well, probably a few people, but it doesn’t change the fact that this alternative take on the Christmas staple is truly bad ass. It’s actually kind of hard to pin point. All you need to know is that it’s Rollins and it’s going to be his unique, spoken work take.
Enuff Z’Nuff – Happy Holiday
This is without a doubt the most underrated and overlooked song on this short list. Most have heard the other four tracks at one point or another. But in the 90’s Enuff Z’Nuff were truly an underground band. Despite their accessible, pop oriented hard rock sound. Which bears a strong resemblance to their Illinois brethren Cheap Trick. And it’s that sound that the band brings to their excellent holiday track ‘Happy Holidays.’ The song paints a wonderful picture of urban suburbia covered in snow. While the Christmas lights shine and people get cozy indoors with family. For me, this is the ultimate Christmastime song. Hits all the right spots.
