Getting an early start on the holiday season, legendary metal band Helix have released a compilation of all their Christmas classics along with two previously unreleased tracks as part of limited edition package.
At this point in time, to say that the Canadian metal band Helix has been around a while is a bit of an understatement as the band was formed around 44 years ago. Sure lineups have changed etc, over that time but the current lineup has been around for a while as well. The band is best known for their 1984 song “Rock You”. As one might expect the band has toured with other legends in the metal scene including, Kiss, Aerosmith, Rush, Mötley Crüe, Alice Cooper, Whitesnake, Night Ranger, Heart, Quiet Riot, W.A.S.P., Ian Gillan and Motörhead among others.
Over the years the band had recorded and released a number of Christmas tracks including the album A Heavy Mental Christmas in 2008 which features many of the songs on this album and was at least released in Walmart stores in Canada. This album features those tracks along with two previously unreleased tracks, which are are a brand new recording of the classic Christmas tune “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer and the track “All I Want For Christmas (Is The Leafs To Win The Cup)”, which was previously released as a limited edition 7” only prior which is now out of print.
Offhand, it’s difficult to review Christmas albums or take them very seriously and this is no exception. In general, production is very good, and the songs are given a mid-80’s metal feel to them as one might expect. Throughout the album, it’s hard to miss that arena-rock feel. Vocals are smooth and clean, guitars are understated for the most part but there are a number of great solos and fills and the drums are loud when they need to be. Don’t pick this up looking for something you haven’t heard before, but if you’re looking for a metal band’s cover album of Christmas songs, this is a decent addition.
Rating: 7/10
Written by John Jackson
Track Listing:
Side A
1. Rudolph the red nosed reindeer
2. Even Jesus (Wasn’t Loved in His Hometown
3. Rockin around the Christmas tree
4. Santa Claus is back in town
5. Wonderful Christmas time
6. Jingle bell rock
7. Happy X-Mas (War is over)
8. Sock it to me Santa
9. Jingle bells
10. Silent night
11. Christmas time is here again
12. All I want for Christmas
(Is the Leafs to win the Cup)
13. Grandma got run over by a reindeer
Band Members
Brian Vollmer – lead vocals, cowbell
Greg “Fritz” Hinz – drums
Daryl Gray – bass, keyboards, piano
Kaleb “Duckman” Duck – guitar
Chris Julke – guitar
Record Label: No Life ‘Til Metal Records
Release Date: Oct. 5th. 2018
Buy the album here:
Holland: First Paradox
Norway: Nordic Mission