I have such a soft spot for the holidays. I get really cheesy this time of year and do all the usual Christmas stuff, like decorate, bake and watch holiday movies. That said, I’m a huge metal fan, as you know, and I also love a good metal Christmas song.

Thankfully, the metal world has plenty of great holiday jams. You might not think they do, but it seems like almost every major metal band has released at least one Christmas song.

My favorite Christmas album of all time is Rob Halford’s “Halford III: Winter Songs.” This dropped back in 2009 and features traditional holiday favorites recorded with a heavy metal edge, as well as some original arrangements by Rob Halford and Roy Z. Check out one of my favorites off the set below, as well as a handful of amazing holiday metal songs.

• Rob Halford, O Come All Ye Faithful

  I’m a huge Rob Halford fan, and as I mentioned above, I’m also a big Christmas fan. That said, of course I love Halford’s classic Christmas record. Listen to this amazing version of “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

• God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen with Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Rudy Sarzo and Simon Wright

  “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is my absolutely favorite Christmas song. When you hear it with a metal-heavy lineup of Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Rudy Sarzo and Simon Wright, it’s an extra treat.

• August Burns Red, Carol of the Bells

  August Burns Red always cranks out solid stuff, and their holiday version of “Carol of the Bells” is great. It totally gets me into the holiday spirit!

• Dokken, Santa Claus is Coming to Town

  Um, Dokken doing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town?” Yes, please! The guitars on here are so great.

• Amon Amarth, Viking Christmas

  Amon Amarth is such a great Viking metal band, so of course they have a holiday song out called “Viking Christmas.” It totally rocks!

• Alice Cooper, Santa Claws Is Coming To Town

  Alice Cooper lends his great vocalist to “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” with this metal-happy track. It’s a classic!

• King Diamond, No Presents For Christmas

  I mean, when I think King Diamond, I automatically think Christmas. Not really, but this is a great Christmas metal track!

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