Christmas, a season traditionally associated with joy, peace, and harmony, is often accompanied by the soothing sounds of carols and holiday tunes. However, for fans of death metal—a genre known for its aggressive, guttural vocals, and powerful riffs—the usual Christmas songs might not cut it. But what if you could blend the festive spirit with the intense energy of death metal? Enter the world of death metal Christmas songs, where the brutal meets the jolly in an unexpected fusion that delivers a unique holiday experience.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 death metal Christmas songs that redefine the meaning of “holy nights.” These tracks bring together the unrelenting force of death metal with the festive themes of Christmas, offering something special for metalheads who want to celebrate the season their way. Whether you’re looking to spice up your holiday playlist or find the perfect soundtrack for a metal-themed Christmas party, these songs have got you covered.
15 Death Metal Christmas Songs for Holy Nights
1. “Carol of the Bells” by August Burns Red
August Burns Red, while typically more metalcore than death metal, delivers a blistering rendition of “Carol of the Bells” that any death metal fan can appreciate. The instrumental intensity and technical precision make it a standout track in the realm of metal Christmas music. The song retains its traditional melody but infuses it with heavy, chugging guitars, rapid double bass drumming, and intricate riffing that keeps the energy high.
2. “Little Drummer Boy” by The Last Ten Seconds of Life
The Last Ten Seconds of Life brings a deathcore approach to the classic “Little Drummer Boy.” With guttural growls and crushing breakdowns, this version transforms the gentle carol into a relentless auditory assault. The contrast between the original song’s peaceful message and the aggressive delivery adds a unique twist that makes this track perfect for a metal Christmas playlist.
3. “Jingle Hell” by Hellsingland Underground
“Jingle Hell” is a play on the classic “Jingle Bells,” but with a dark, death metal twist. The guttural vocals and heavy instrumentation take the familiar tune into uncharted territory. The lyrics have been modified to fit the macabre theme, making it a perfect example of how death metal can reinterpret even the most innocent Christmas songs.
4. “Silent Night” by Six Feet Under
Six Feet Under, a well-known name in the death metal scene, has created an entire album titled Graveyard Classics: Christmas Edition, featuring death metal covers of traditional Christmas songs. Their rendition of “Silent Night” is anything but silent. With deep, growling vocals and a slow, heavy rhythm, this track turns the peaceful carol into a menacing anthem, perfect for those who want to add a bit of darkness to their Christmas Eve.
5. “Deck the Halls” by Carnifex
Carnifex brings their deathcore prowess to “Deck the Halls,” creating a version that’s both festive and ferocious. The song’s cheerful melody is buried under layers of blast beats, downtuned guitars, and growling vocals. This version of “Deck the Halls” is ideal for fans who want to enjoy a traditional tune without sacrificing their love for heavy music.
6. “O Come All Ye Faithful” by Impending Doom
Impending Doom’s take on “O Come All Ye Faithful” is a relentless onslaught of death metal intensity. The band’s signature style, which combines elements of deathcore with themes of Christian faith, shines through in this track. The lyrics remain unchanged, but the delivery is anything but conventional, making this a standout death metal Christmas song that maintains a connection to the original while bringing a brutal edge.
7. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by Becoming the Archetype
Becoming the Archetype offers a technical death metal rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” that showcases their instrumental prowess. The song’s complex guitar work and intricate rhythms transform the traditional carol into a high-energy metal masterpiece. The band’s blend of melody and aggression makes this track an excellent addition to any metalhead’s holiday playlist.
8. “Frosty the Snowman” by Ice Nine Kills
Ice Nine Kills, known for their horror-inspired metalcore, takes on “Frosty the Snowman” with a dark twist. The song’s cheerful lyrics are juxtaposed with heavy, aggressive instrumentation, creating a version of Frosty that’s more sinister than jolly. This track is a perfect example of how death metal can subvert expectations and deliver a Christmas song with a deadly edge.
9. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Aborted
Aborted’s version of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is anything but kid-friendly. The band’s brutal death metal style transforms the playful tune into a chaotic and intense experience. The guttural vocals and blast beats turn Rudolph’s story into a nightmarish tale, making this a unique addition to any unconventional Christmas celebration.
10. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Death Decline
Death Decline’s interpretation of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is a masterclass in death metal adaptation. The song’s grandiose melody is retained but enhanced with heavy riffs and growling vocals that give it a dark, apocalyptic feel. The band’s ability to blend the sacred with the brutal makes this track a must-listen for metal fans during the holiday season.
11. “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by Cradle of Filth
Although Cradle of Filth is more aligned with black metal, their influence on the death metal genre cannot be ignored. Their rendition of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is a hauntingly beautiful blend of symphonic elements and harsh vocals. The song’s sinister atmosphere and dark overtones make it a perfect addition to a death metal Christmas playlist.
12. “The First Noel” by Thy Art Is Murder
Thy Art Is Murder delivers a punishing version of “The First Noel,” blending deathcore elements with the traditional carol. The band’s signature sound—characterized by downtuned guitars, pummeling drums, and vicious vocals—gives the song a heavy, ominous tone. This track is perfect for those who want to celebrate Christmas with a song that’s both brutal and reverent.
13. “Winter Wonderland” by Rings of Saturn
Rings of Saturn takes “Winter Wonderland” into the realm of technical death metal with their complex, alien-inspired sound. The song’s lighthearted melody is contrasted with fast-paced riffs, blast beats, and guttural vocals that create a sense of chaos and intensity. This version of “Winter Wonderland” is ideal for fans of technical death metal who want to add some holiday spirit to their playlist.
14. “Joy to the World” by Dying Fetus
Dying Fetus brings their brutal death metal style to “Joy to the World,” transforming the hymn into a relentless assault of sound. The band’s aggressive approach, characterized by deep growls and crushing instrumentation, turns the traditionally joyful song into a powerful metal anthem. This track is a great choice for metalheads looking to inject some heaviness into their Christmas celebrations.
15. “Ave Maria” by Fleshgod Apocalypse
Fleshgod Apocalypse, known for their symphonic death metal, offers a hauntingly beautiful rendition of “Ave Maria.” The song’s classical roots are maintained but amplified with orchestral arrangements, powerful drumming, and guttural vocals. This version of “Ave Maria” is both grand and dark, making it a perfect closer for any death metal Christmas playlist.
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Conclusion
Death metal Christmas songs are a unique way to blend the joy of the holiday season with the intensity of extreme metal. These 15 tracks offer a wide range of interpretations, from brutal and chaotic to dark and haunting, proving that even the most traditional of Christmas songs can be transformed into something entirely new. Whether you’re a die-hard metalhead or just looking for a fresh take on holiday music, these songs provide the perfect soundtrack for a truly memorable and holy night.
So this Christmas, crank up the volume, let the growls and riffs fill the air, and celebrate the season with a metal twist. After all, who says Christmas can’t be brutal?
