Christian-based rock and metal music have a shared interest (though as rare as it may be in some years): Christmas music. It has been amazing to see fans' support for artists who dedicate some of their music to the Christmas theme. For example, metal heads August Burns Red has been a forerunner with their Annual Christmas Burns Red show in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
In 2014, Solid State Records released Midnight Clear, a compilation of Christmas covers and originals featuring their musical roster. It snowballed, inspiring others to make their own Christmas music.
Now, in the present day, Rockfest Records has released A Merry Rockfest Christmas, a collection of guitar-tinged covers of iconic Christmas songs new and old from the label’s current roster. Here are some album highlights, as well as other great Christmas songs of the past that you might enjoy.
Seventh Day Slumber - "Underneath the Tree"
Iconic rock band Seventh Day Slumber comes out swinging on A Merry Rockfest Christmas with their version of "Underneath the Tree." Other artists have released a version of the 2013 hit from pop artist Kelly Clarkson, but a dedicated rock cover like this is a standout. The band implements their modern rock sound of strong guitar leads, including a solo and breakdown, alongside lead singer Joseph Rojas's passionate vocals to deliver a heavy rendition of this Christmas hit.
Amongst the Giants - "O Come, All Ye Faithful"
Coming from the heaviest metal band on Rockfest Records, Amongst the Giants, comes their edgy version of "O Come, All Ye Faithful." It's a well-balanced mix of melodious vocals with scattered, blistering screams. Even though they display a charming soft vocal range, there is no mistake that Amongst The Giants could go much heavier with this cover. I think it would have been more distinct if they went full metal core, but the balance of both styles blended better on A Merry Rockfest Christmas.
The Protest - "Run Rudolph Run"
Out of Rockfest’s current roster, I couldn't think of a better fit for the rambunctious "Run Rudolph Run" song than metal heads The Protest. They’re one of the most amped-up, energetic rock groups around, and their style is perfect for this song. They stay close to the style of the original, save for a surprise about halfway in when they add a comedic element to it. The song gets heavier after that with grittier vocals and pounding music. This is my favorite cover of A Merry Rockfest Christmas.
Relent - "All I Want for Christmas Is You"
Unlike The Protest's perfect match, the biggest surprise from A Merry Rockfest Christmas comes from hard rock group Relent covering Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You." The iconic pop artist's tender-hearted, modern Christmas hit takes on a new style—with more guitars and louder vocals. Relent keeps it close to home with a familiar melody and tone without going over the top by trying to make it nu-metal. Lead singer Miggy Sanchez’s vocals shine here, showing off a tender side to his voice.
Wolves at The Gate - "Lowborn"
Popular hard rock band Wolves At The Gate has been a favorite of mine and many others for their incredible Christmas-themed songs. In 2014, the band dropped a cover of the classic hymn, Come Now Long Expected Jesus, for Solid State Record's Midnight Clear album. Most notable is their new original song, "Lowborn," released in 2021. The song focuses on the humility that Christ showed coming to us as a human baby in the lowliest of places—a stable. The lyrics feel like they were written many years ago, much like the Christmas classics we sing today, yet delivered so powerfully in true Wolves At The Gate fashion.
Then It Ends - "O Come Emmanuel"
The up-and-comers Then It Ends is one of Christian metal’s strongest newcomers. A fantastic debut album and continual releases have cemented them as a band to watch and support. In 2021, they slipped a cover of "O Come Emmanuel." It features the best elements of the band—a blend of melodious clean vocals and exhilarating screams of the high and low variety. Their strong Christian foundations make way for a Christmas song of this sort, and I would welcome more in the future.
Bayless - "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
Hardrock duo Jared and Vanessa Bayless—simply known as Bayless—has become bona fide favorites among fans and the music industry. They’ve become Billboard Christian Rock chart champions, as well as a blast at music festivals. They’ve also gathered support from media outlets like The Grizzly Awards and NewReleaseToday. In 2018, the duo released their first Christmas offering, Bayless Christmas, an EP of four traditional songs. They released “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" in 2021. That song expands on their musical growth as a band. It's a gem in their catalog and a deserving Christmas cover on any playlist.
August Burns Red - "Joy to The World"
In 2012, hard rock band August Burns Red created their own Christmas masterpiece: August Burns Red Presents: Sleddin' Hill, A Holiday Album, a collection of instrumental covers. The band included the closing track on Solid State Record’s Midnight Clear two years later. August Burns Red's most famous song on both records is "Joy to The World." The explosion of energy and mighty musicianship on this song paved the way for many covers to come—then, now, and to come. But nothing quite compares to this cover of "Joy to The World."
Ryan Adams lives with his family in Montana. He has been NRT's Rock Reporter since 2019.
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1236 - Brandon Heath
Transforming wounds into stories of redemption in this powerful song
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!NRT EDITORIAL
Skillet
We explores some of the band's best songs outside their hits
NEW!NRT LISTS
Jordan Merritt
A real conversation around the artist's new track, "Human"
NEW!HEARTSPEAK
Jordan Feliz
The artist's must-listen-to songs about faith, family, and redemption
NEW!AN NRT EXCLUSIVE
Rock Meets Worship
Seven gritty cover songs of popular worship music and hymns
