The Best Heavy Metal Christmas Music
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We’ve compiled a list of the best heavy metal Christmas music to get you through the holidays. From Metallica to Megadeth, these songs will help you get through the season.
Best Heavy Metal Christmas Albums
It’s that time of year again! Time to break out the eggnog, put up the Christmas tree, and most importantly, blast some holiday tunes! But why settle for the same old Christmas carols when you can rock out to some heavy metal Christmas music instead? Here are some of the best heavy metal Christmas albums to get you into the holiday spirit.
A Very Metal Christmas
It’s that time of year again where we all need to get into the Christmas spirit! And what better way to do that than by listening to some of the best heavy metal Christmas albums out there?
Whether you’re a fan of thrash metal, death metal, black metal, or any other subgenre, there’s bound to be an album on this list that will get you into the holiday spirit. So crank up the volume, put on your Santa hat, and get ready to rock out with these 10 best heavy metal Christmas albums!
1. A Very Metal Christmas by Iron Maiden
2. A heavier kind of christmas by Metallica
3. Slay Bells Ring by Anthrax
4. Silent Night, Brutal Night Vol. 1 by various artists
5. Winter Retreat by Suffocation
6. Death Before Dishonor by Exodus
7. No Sleep ‘Til Hammersmith by Motörhead
8. Season’s Beatings by GWAR
9. We Wish You a Metal Xmas and a Headbanging New Year by various artists
10. Hannukah Rocks! By Matisyahu
We Wish You a Metal Christmas
We Wish You a Metal Christmas is the debut studio album by American heavy metal supergroup Hollywood Undead. The album was released on November 21, 2010, through Interscope Records and Polydor Records, and was produced by Don Gilmore. It is the band’s first album to feature new member Danny.
The album comprises eight original songs and four cover versions of popular Christmas songs. It debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 54,000 copies in the United States. Four singles were released from the album; “California Dreaming”, “Hear Me Now”, “Comin’ in Hot”, and “We Are”.
A Heavy Metal Christmas Too
A Heavy Metal Christmas Too is the second studio album by Canadian rock band Kittie. It was released on October 30, 2020, through Spinefarm Records. The album features cover versions of Christmas-themed songs, performed in a heavy metal style.
Best Heavy Metal Christmas Songs
It’s that time of year again! Time to break out the eggnog, put up the Christmas tree, and blast some heavy metal Christmas music! There are so many great heavy metal Christmas songs out there, but which ones are the best? Here is a list of the best heavy metal Christmas songs of all time!
“Deck the Halls” – Metallica
From the “A Very Special Christmas” album, this song features Metallica’s take on the classic Christmas tune. Deck the Halls is one of the few songs on the album that isn’t a cover, but an original composition by the band.
“We Three Kings” – Megadeth
This classic holiday carol gets a face-melting metal makeover from Dave Mustaine and co. Clocking in at just over four minutes, the song features all the expected carol elements like “we three kings of Orient are” and “frankincense and myrrh,” but with added metal lyrics like ” ripping your head off / is what I long to do.”
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” – Slayer
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is a traditional Christmas carol that dates back to the 12th century. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, but none quite like Slayer. The heavy metal legends put their own spin on the holiday classic with this fast-paced, head-banging version that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” – Pantera
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is a traditional English Christmas carol from the early modern period. The song’s origins are unknown, but it was printed in England in 1760 and first became popular in the United States in the 19th century. The lyrics to “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” are based on the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ.
In the traditional version of the carol, the first verse is sung by a soloist or a small group, and the second verse is sung by the entire choir. The third verse is typically a repeat of the first verse.
The song has been covered by many heavy metal and hard rock bands, including Pantera, Metallica, Megadeth, Sodom, Accept, and more.
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” – Iron Maiden
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is a popular Christmas carol that was originally written by Charles Wesley in 1739. The lyrics were later adapted by George Whitefield and John Newton. In 1855, William Hayman Cummings wrote new lyrics for the hymn. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” has been recorded by many artists over the years, but one of the most famous versions is by British heavy metal band Iron Maiden. Released in 1993, their version topped the charts in several countries including the United Kingdom, Sweden and Poland.
Best Heavy Metal Christmas Covers
It’s that time of year again! Time to break out the eggnog, put up the Christmas tree, and blast some holiday tunes. But what about those of us who want to rock out instead of deck the halls? Never fear, headbangers! We’ve got you covered with the best heavy metal Christmas covers. From traditional classics to modern favorites, these covers will get you in the holiday spirit while satisfying your need for speed. So crank up the volume and get ready to rock around the Christmas tree!
“Please Come Home for Christmas” – Anthrax
Christmas songs and heavy metal might not seem like they go together, but Anthrax’s version of “Please Come Home for Christmas” is proof that they can. This cover is a faithful recreation of the original, with added metal guitar solos and an overall heavier sound. It’s the perfect Christmas song for metalheads, and it will surely get you in the holiday spirit.
“Run Rudolph Run” – Motorhead
This cover of the classic Christmas song by Motorhead is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. The heavy metal legends give the holiday tune a gritty makeover, complete with heavy guitars and Ozzy Osbourne-esque vocals.
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” – Megadeth
One of the most interesting things about Megadeth’s take on “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” is that it doesn’t necessarily sound like a Christmas song. It’s more like a thrash metal song that happens to mention Christmas. But that’s part of what makes it so great. This is a band that takes the spirit of Christmas and amplifies it through their own unique lens.
The result is a song that is equal parts menacing and festive, with Dave Mustaine growling his way through the iconic lyrics with signature snarl. The rest of the band keeps up the intensity, making for a track that would get even Scrooge headbanging.
“Little Drummer Boy” – Metallica
One of the best-known and most popular Christmas songs, “Little Drummer Boy” was originally released in 1941. The song tells the story of a poor young boy who is asked to perform for the infant Jesus. He has no gift to give, so he plays his drum instead. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, but Metallica’s 1998 version is by far the heaviest and most metal. With its driving drums and crunchy guitars, Metallica’s “Little Drummer Boy” is the perfect Christmas headbanger.
“Silent Night” – Slayer
Slayer’s metal rendition of “Silent Night” is nothing short of festive, and it will get your head banging no matter how many eggnog drinks you’ve had. The song starts with a fast-paced guitar riff before settling into a more mid-tempo groove. From there, the song features some signature Slayer twin guitar leads and solos, and Kerry King’s iconic riffing. It’s a Slayer Christmas classic that any metalhead can enjoy.
