A Very Metal Christmas Special - 2016
Good evening everyone! I know, I know.... I haven't made my presence known for quite some time, and for that I do sincerely apologize. Given the circumstances of the holiday festivities that I'm sure we all have been relentlessly stressing over, I'm sure you all can understand why I have been silent for a while. But once again, I have returned, just in time for the final closing hours on Christmas Day.
Regardless of any of our respective beliefs (or disbeliefs in some cases), I'm certain we can all agree that there is something magical about this time of year. Whether it involves nostalgia, spirituality, sentimental value or mental/emotional connection to family traditions (or, in many cases, a bit of all of the above and then some), there is something that potentially lifts our spirits when this time of year arrives. Sure, it comes with its fair share of stress, loathing, even some emotional breakdowns or family drama.... we ALL must face that as the human race.... it is inevitable. But let's be honest.... that doesn't make it the end of the world! We, as humans, bypass those life obstacles and simply try to be in high spirits when the gatherings and festivities begin.... because at the end of the day, family is family and we all love them and the fact that they will always be in our lives when they can be. It helps us all feel a little less alone in this world.... And I don't know about you, but that is enough for me to keep pushing.
But I digress........
Christmastime can mean many things to many different people. For some of us, it motivates us to spoil our loved ones with those specific (and sometimes expensive) gadget they've always wanted; for some of us, it gives us the nostalgic satisfaction of getting together with family or friends and embrace yearly tradition, whatever said traditions may be; and for some of us, the "musicians of the world", it means newly released material of the holiday nature by some of our favorite musical artists. For me, music is a big part of the holiday tradition, mainly because it involves memorable and recognizable carols and such, but by the artists we listen to every day. We get to join them on their journey to creating a masterpiece out of an already extraordinary musical masterpiece. Pretty cool, huh?
Especially in METAL.
Which is why I have chosen a treat of an album that features some of the most impressive covers of classic traditional Christmas songs.
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you from the Solid State Record label,
"Midnight Clear: A Solid State Compilation"
I'm sure it's self-explanatory. Yes, Solid State Records is a specifically-Christian metal label, but come on! If history in metal music has taught us anything, it's that Christian Metal can be just as, if not more so, metal than plenty of other metal bands out there (many examples include As I Lay Dying, Demon Hunter, Haste the Day, Underoath, Impending Doom, With Blood Comes Cleansing, Norma Jean, Becoming the Archetype, and many others). That is why I felt it important to feature this brand of metal that seems to be all-too-easily overlooked in the metal world for virtually NO logical reason whatsoever. I myself am a non-traditional practicing Christian who happens to be an Anarchist.... but that does not necessarily limit me to the style of metal I enjoy. Hell, I even listen to Black Metal bands (or, for the layman, "satanic metal" bands), but that's simply because I like the sound and genuinely appreciate the beauty of the song-writing. Music can be as limitless as you want it to be no matter your opinions or spirituality, so long as you are open-minded enough to give it a try. And with that being said, Christian Metal is no different and therefore deserves no less of a chance from the metal community. *cue the random preacher screaming "Can I get an AMEN????"*
.... *my attempt at humor.... I digress, moving on....*
Anyway, when this holiday compilation became available back in 2014, it exploded as one of the top holiday albums to own, especially for the metal head community. Many metal acts well-polished and well known alike appeared on this album for their fans and maybe even new listeners to enjoy. It broke the barrier, proving that Christmastime did not necessarily mean the "silencing of metal music". Hell, Trans-Siberian Orchestra has been doing it since the '90's, both on album and in concert! And so, just like in the glory days of TSO, so must this new metal movement take over the spirit of Christmas as well and amplify it to the level only us metal heads have the ear-health and testicular (or ovarian!) fortitude to enjoy among the "sheeple" who will never understand how miraculous this form of music truly is!
And so, without further ado, I give to you my top 4 favorite tracks from this epic holiday compilation!
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to you all, my fellow Steemians, and I will see you in the year 2017!!!! Enjoy! \m/
"Joy to the World", performed by August Burns Red
"O Come, O Come Emmanuel", performed by For Today
"Silent Night", performed by Forevermore
"O Holy Night", performed by Becoming the Archetype