Holiday Season + A Little Gift

 Those celebrating a winter holiday around this time know that this time of year is filled with much celebration. And a common best friend of celebration is chaos, especially as preparations, festivities, and whatnot fill each day with something to do. It is without a doubt a hectic season.

That being said, your writer needs a few weeks off of research and cohesive thoughts as she dives headfirst into the days of carols and lights. But I don't want to leave you with nothing.

[By this point, Christmas day proper may be over, and the new year may be almost here, but there are still holiday movies left to watch. And for some, it is only the 7th Day of Christmas.]

As a little belated Christmas gift, I would like to share with you a few tunes that I frequently play around this time (whilst attempting to keep the commentary to a relative minimum). And of course, staying within the theme of the blog, the songs will more or less stay around the subcultural/countercultural realm.

Abney Park - "Through Your Eyes On Christmas Eve"


This song by a well-loved steampunk band happens to be one of my most frequent holiday replays. No matter how many years pass, Christmas tends to bring out the inner child and sense of wonder in many a jaded adult.

Dee Snider and Lzzy Hale - The Magic of Christmas Day


This one, which includes a classic heavy metal legend, is just so powerful, joyous, and fraught with... well, magic (how's that for eloquence)! This carol from last year carries the spirit of metal in a Wells crafted ballad with excellent, heartfelt vocals. I've listened to this as well many, many times this season (and will probably give it one more hurrah before the 12 Days are over). 

Within Temptation - Gothic Christmas



This silly little parody from an epic symphonic metal band is another one of my frequent listens, providing an intriguing alternative to the traditional celebrations.

Majestica - This Christmas



Although I'm giving you this song, it's only one part in a full-fledged festive metal experience. It is an exciting new addition to last year's album A Christmas Carol - an epic telling of the classic holiday tale - by symphonic metal band Majestica. I truly recommend diving into the entire album for a really lovely time.


With these gifts given, I hope the remainder of your holiday season is merry and bright and filled with peace and warmth. May your New Year be filled with safety, promise, patience, light, and music. Best wishes to all of you, and I'll see you when the next month comes around.

Musically yours,

ClaraJKent
The Antediluvian Passerby 

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