Metal and Punk Christmas Songs
Christmas songs don’t have to be boring. Put aside visions of saintly carolers and crank up the volume. The following songs are festive offerings from the louder side of rock and roll.
RAMONES – MERRY CHRISTMAS (I DON’T WANT TO FIGHT TONIGHT)
This famous Ramones song originally appeared as a B-Side to “I Wanna Live.” Thankfully, the potential of the song did not got go unnoticed. “Merry Christmas” was saved from obscurity and released on the following LP. A memorable video reminded the masses that The Ramones were alive and well in the late 80’s.
DIO – GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN
Ronnie James Dio led a heavy metal super group in a LOUD version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” The mammoth guitar of Tony Iommi essentially makes this a mini Black Sabbath reunion. Rudy Sarzo provides a link to Ozzy Osbourne and Simon Wright lays down the backbeat that once fueled AC/DC.
FEAR – FUCK CHRISTMAS
Fear voiced their hatred of December 25th with “Fuck Christmas.” Released as their second single, this punk anthem was recorded in the same sessions that produced their debut album. Vintage Fear remains relevant to anyone sick of yuletide cheer.
THE DEAD MILKMEN – CHRISTMAS PARTY
Christmas doesn’t have to be a dreadful affair. Armed with an acoustic guitar and lots of beer, the Dead Milkmen avoid the punk rock cliche of hating Christmas and recorded a fun, upbeat song that will make even the most hardened misanthrope smile.
VENOM – BLACK CHRISTMAS
Venom was falling apart in 1987. Guitarist Mantas had left the band and Cronos would leave shortly after. Despite this instability, Venom recorded another classic with “Black Christmas.”
THE DICKIES – SILENT NIGHT
The Dickies take on “Silent Night” is anything but silent. Loud, brash, and full of attitude, this punk classic injects a dose of energy into dull Christmas activities.
MANOWAR – SILENT NIGHT
Manowar present the polar opposite in their version of “Silent Night.” Quiet and peaceful, gentle acoustic guitars keep the amplified rage of heavy metal at bay. Quality vocals ensure that Manowar can infiltrate holiday playlists in any setting.
TESTAMENT/ANTHRAX – SILENT NIGHT
Would you rather have a head-banging version? Members of Anthrax and Testament unite to give “Silent Night” a thrash metal makeover.
PANSY DIVISION – HOMO CHRISTMAS
Pansy Division wrote this holiday ditty for gay brethren that lack family support at holiday gatherings. Juvenile lyrics keep the song light-hearted and fun. “Homo Christmas” is bound to be the most memorable song on any Christmas playlist!
TWISTED SISTER – OH COME ALL YE FAITHFUL
Dee Snider cited “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” as an influence for “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” When recording a Christmas album, it was obvious that Twisted Sister would record the holiday classic. “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” sounds surprisingly similar to their 1984 smash hit. In true Twisted Sister fashion, the band filmed a hilarious video.
KING DIAMOND – NO PRESENTS FOR CHRISTMAS
After the demise of Mercyful Fate, metal fans expected King Diamond to continue the satanic themes of his former band. To the surprise of everyone, the singer kicked off his solo career with a Christmas single! “No Presents for Christmas” proved that even the darkest performer could have a sense of humor.
