Christmas Single Slam: Gama Bomb, Bittersweethearts, Mangled Carpenter, King of Cups, Pupil Vomit, Absinthe Green, Exoneration, Voltaire’s Ghost, The Final Witness, The Boy Detective, Ignite the Gods, Disconnected Souls, I Am the Pendragon, The Kut, and After Elmer!

It’s the final single slam of the year, and as is tradition, this one features singles with a festive spin released over the past few weeks. This Christmas single slam features Gama Bomb, Bittersweethearts, Mangled Carpenter, King of Cups, Pupil Vomit, Absinthe Green, Exoneration, Voltaire’s Ghost, The Final Witness, The Boy Detective, Ignite the Gods, Disconnected Souls, I Am the Pendragon, The Kut, and After Elmer.

Gama Bomb – A Coffin for Christmas

Gama Bomb have released ‘A Coffin for Christmas’, with all revenue donated directly to MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders). It is their first ever Christmas single, and in suitable Gam Bomb fashion the song tells of Santa delivering justice to the worst world leaders of 2024. Fans can support MSF by downloading the song via Bandcamp and the Gama Bomb have also released a special t-shirt via O Merch – with all proceeds from both going to the charity.

Of the single, Philly Byrne (vocals) comments:

After a year of some very ‘naughty’ behaviour by a few prominent world leaders, don’t we all wish Santa would deliver them more than just a bag of ashes this Christmas? Couldn’t he maybe deliver some justice too? That’s what this song is all about.

We’re donating the song’s production budget as well as all associated Bandcamp and merch sales to Doctors Without Borders, who do incredible work to help people in war-torn places like Gaza and Sudan. We hope you’ll join us in supporting them, and that you’ll enjoy this nasty little Christmas cracker of a song as much as we do. Resistance is Yuletide.

Thrashing good fun with a hefty dollop of Christmas nostalgia, especially for those of a certain age, Gama Bomb have sought to take the festive aspect serious, while not being obviously festive. At least from an instrumental side of things, vocally, it’s holy jolly intensity, but with a sharpness that makes the message poignant and powerful. It’s not often you get to head bang to an original festive track.

Bittersweethearts – Christmas Wrapping

Rising Los Angeles indie-new wave rockers Bittersweethearts are back just in time for the holiday season with the uplifting single and video ‘Christmas Wrapping’, their take on the 80’s global hit by The Waitresses.

Front woman Zoe Infante enthuses:

Hi babes! We’re super excited to release our Christmas single, we had a lot of fun making it and the amazing video, we hope you love it as much as we love you! This kicks off our debut album rollout, coming 2025 so stay tuned for more Bittersweethearts goodness and Happy Holidays!

A fun little cover that does a goood job of capturing the festive vibes of the original, while giving it a peppier and brighter feel. It’s a catchy tune, very accessible, nothing too special, but it would fit nicely on any festive party playlist this year. Check it out here.

Mangled Carpenter – I Saw Three Ships (Redux)

Mangled Carpenter, the extreme death and grind band, have released a reimagined version of their festive track, ‘I Saw Three Ships’, which was released a couple of years ago through Rottweiler Records.

There’s a reason why this festive song doesn’t get a ton of covers and that’s because it’s a bit crap and musically, very unwieldy. So, Mangled Carpenter’s approach is to just go the extreme heavy route, to the point where the original is barely noticeable, but considering the source, this isn’t the worst idea. It’s an ugly and savage listen, lacking any sense of Christmas cheer, but it is a good extreme metal track.

King of Cups – Merry Christmas, Don’t Get Me Anything

‘Tis the season of cynicism and hilarity as King of Cups delivers their latest gift: a pop-punk and emo anthem for the holidays. ‘Merry Christmas, Don’t Get Me Anything’ is a tongue-in-cheek ode to the bittersweet chaos of the holiday season.

Always delivering the festive goods, King of Cups’ latest Christmas effort is a delightful pop-punk effort covered in bright lights and tinsel. Sure, it’s got a certain amount of cynicism within it, but it comes from a place of love, and fun factor is front and centre. This is one that will be stuck in your head all over Christmas. Check it out here.

Pulpit Vomit – Jingle, Jingle, Jingle (Redux)

Extreme death/grind outfit Pulpit Vomit have reimagined their Christmas song ‘Jingle, Jingle, Jingle’, which was released a few years ago. In their own words:

Crank it up and irritate your family and neighbours over the holidays!

A little over two-minutes of extreme nonsense, it’s hard to judge a track like this on its festiveness as the ‘ho ho ho’ aspect is almost always missing. Except here, the lyrical content does at least deliver on that front. Still, all anyone is going to be taking away from this track is the unrelenting brutality of what is on show. Put this on a festive party playlist and expect to see some confused (and disgusted) faces!

Absinthe Green – Satan Baby

Alternative hard rock and metal band, Absinthe Green have covered the classic holiday song, ‘Santa Baby’. Originally sung by Eartha Kitt in 1953 and later covered by Billie Holiday. ‘Satan Baby’ is Absinthe Green’s own dark reimagining.

Says vocalist Eirini:

Satan Baby is Absinthe Green’s unapologetically dark reimagining of the classic holiday song “Santa Baby,” originally sung by Eartha Kitt in 1953 and later covered by Billie Holiday. While the original was all about seductive Christmas wishes, Absinthe Green’s version drowns in cynicism, exposing the festering hypocrisy behind the season. With scathing sarcasm, a full dose of truth, and a mood soaked in self-destruction, “Satan Baby” rips away the glittery pretence of Christmas and exposes the hollow, soul-crushing cycle of overconsumption and fake goodwill. It’s about the performances people put on, pretending to care while mindlessly ticking off a list of material desires. In the end, it’s painfully clear most don’t give a damn about animals, the planet, or each other. It’s all just a bitter game of ‘who can pretend the hardest.

A very cool reimagining delivered with real rock and roll swagger, this is one of the cooler versions of the track and Absinthe Green certainly make it their own. It is truly festive, after all it is a cover of a popular Christmas tune, but with a thick vein of cynicism running through it. If you can put up with that, which should be easy as it’s done with such confidence, you’ll find a solid version of an overplayed Christmas tune.

Exoneration – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/Mary Did You Know

Newly signed to Rottweiler Records, the international force that is Exoneration blend deathcore, metalcore and modern metal into an explosive cocktail that you’ll be able to experience in full when their debut album lands in 2025. Before that there’s their Christmas double hit of ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/Mary Did You Know’ to whet the appetite.

Now this is more like it! Keeping it extreme but putting the original song front and centre. Not just the lyrics, but the music, which is cleverly adapted here. Not only with God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, but with Mary Did You Know as well, and the transition between the two is fascinating. That the first half showcases deathcore, and the second half takes a more metalcore approach is certainly a unique way to do it. Yet, it works and proves to be so memorable as Exoneration throw so much into making it special.

Voltaire’s Ghost – Christmas Prayer

Voltaire’s Ghost is proud to unveil its first single under its new label, Curtain Call Records. Titled ‘Christmas Prayer’, this track showcases the band’s blend of rock, gothic, and classical influences, a style uniquely described as dark pop and cosmic goth.

A moody and sombre listen, Voltaire’s Ghost festive tune isn’t one to make you feel good, nor is it one to get a party going. Yet, there’s a unique approach to the festive period that makes this more memorable. An experimentally dour approach, instrumentally. Voltaire’s Ghost aren’t being miserable for the sake of it, they’re being honest, and sometimes that isn’t going to be something that puts a smile on your face. It’s a likable listen. Check it out here.

The Final Witness – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Freedom from Satan)

The ‘merry gentlemen’ aren’t getting much rest this Christmas as another new Rottweiler signing, The Final Witness, present their interpretation of the carol which dates back to the 1650s. An ambitious progressive death metal version called ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Freedom from Satan)’.

Going big, keeping the core song at the forefront, but twisting it into eccentric ways, The Final Witness have certainly crafted one of the more unique festive covers this year. One with plenty of extreme heavy value, one with emphatic technical savagery, and one with a lovable festive feel regardless of the manic approach. A kickass version that will have a party pitting.

The Boy Detective – I Renounce Verdukianism

Get ready for a ska-filled holiday surprise! The Boy Detective has unveiled the lyric video for their latest festive single, ‘I Renounce Verdukianism’! A spirited, tongue-in-cheek take on holiday chaos, the track blends upbeat ska rhythms with irreverent humor. Lead vocalist Benny Capaul describes the song as:

Our nod to the holidays gone wrong, packed with all the regrets and frosty mishaps one could hope for.

Who doesn’t like a bit of ska at Christmas? The Boy Detective get it. Not just delivering the poppy and rocking fun of ska in its most bass form, but the cheesy fun of the festive period, thanks to their use of a well-known Christmas film’s theme. Their tongue is jammed firmly in their cheeks, and it has a cynical tone, but it’s a lot of fun. Check it out here.

Ignite the Gods – Mary Did You Know

Another new signing for Rottweiler Records, symphonic blackened metal band Ignite the Gods will release their version of ‘Mary Did You Know’ on Christmas eve.

There may never be a version of this track as epic as this and a massive amount of credit must be given to Ignite the Gods for throwing their all into this. The dour clean start that builds in intensity, leading to an eruption of blackened savagery with deep rivets of orchestral opulence is very cool, and while it may not feel particularly festive, it’s a stronger attempt than most at making his track something notable. Check it out here.

Disconnected Souls – Endless Winter

‘Tis the season once again, and as is tradition, Disconnected Souls treats us to a Christmas song! But instead of covering a famous song like they did in the years prior, the band has now written a unique piece of music to go with this time of year called ‘Endless Winter’.

The band’s main writer, Matthew Simon Fletcher (Fletch for familiars) had the following to say about this release:

…We are delighted to present our first (and possibly only) original Christmas single! Having had a lot of fun with covers over the last few years, we decided to set ourselves the challenge to produce something new and a bit different. We wanted to capture the wonderful atmospheres of winter, with an accessible and diverse track that wouldn’t be too jolly or sad.

If you’re already familiar with us, you may notice some interesting lyrical references to tie this song to our EP and album! We do love a good throwback. A real special moment for this track was the inclusion of Fletch and Tim on vocals in addition to Patrick, Holly and Felix – that was one of our goals from day one!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year when Disconnected Souls release their Christmas tune, and that it’s an original track this time is even better. So, what do we have? A very melodic effort with a unique feel, one that is wintery based rather than festive based. Something they nail as this feels cold. It’s also a track that doesn’t feel miserable, even if it has got melancholy style. The way in which the track develops, the increasing power, the sense of grandeur, the differing vocals (especially when they come together), and the intensifying heaviness, makes this a very special track.

I Am the Pendragon – Holy Mystery – Revised Edition

To be released on Christmas day, Mid-West metal band I Am the Pendragon present an emotive, progressive, heavy and melodic treat, with ‘Holy Mystery – Revised Edition’.

A cool track that delivers more progressive chug and melody-laced heaviness than festive cheer, but it’s there (sort of), just buried under a clear desire to craft something that could stand on its own outside of the Christmas period. As far as delivering a good heavy track goes, I Am the Pendragon nail it, but this is the Christmas Single Slam and this just isn’t very Christmassy at all. Check it out here.

The Kut – Waiting for Christmas

The Kut has re-released her meloncholy holiday single ‘Waiting for Christmas’, this year in support of UK women’s charity White Ribbon. All streaming revenue and £1 from each CD, vinyl or download donate to the charity, who’s work seeks to change harmful attitudes, behaviours and stereotypes that perpetuate violence.

‘Waiting for Christmas’ first released in 2020 and has since supported Red Cross (2020), Girls Out Loud (2021), Mind (2022) and Music Venue Trust (2023). Now in its fifth year, the classic festive ballad preceded The Kut’s UK Number 1 Rock Album ‘GRIT’, but despite its contrast in sound has since become her most streamed track.

Says The Kut:

It’s obvious there is still so much to be done… Whether that’s in the music scene, in society at large… or on the streets and then at home. Please join my Christmas wish to end violence against women and girls this year.

Chances are that you’re already quite familiar with this track, but we’ve never covered it before, so seeing as it has had a re-release this year, it’s time. Especially as it’s all about raising money for an important charity and bringing more awareness to important subjects. That there, makes it a winner, but that it happens to be a beautiful and emotional track too, certainly doesn’t do it any harm either. The melancholy is thick and powerful throughout, but it cuts through all the festive nonsense to make its point emphatically and memorably. Check it out here.

After Elmer – Christmas Came Early (But Not in a Good Way)

Alternative rock band, After Elmer have released their festive-themed tune, ‘Christmas Came Early (But Not in a Good Way)’. The first new music from the band since the release of ‘246 Toothpicks’, which was released in February 2023. Since then, the band has focused on writing new material, which will be released next year.

About the single, the band says:

It’s the circle of life: in January you make great plans for the coming year, only to realize in December that you need more time to check all the boxes. This bittersweet Holiday-feeling is the theme for After Elmer’s new single ‘Christmas Came Early (But Not in a Good Way)’; a tribute to all the fallen plans and good intentions that didn’t make it to Christmas.

The music video was inspired by The Office and shows the bandmembers as office workers who are blowing off some steam during the office Christmas celebration. The cleaning crew (who looks kinda familiar…) reluctantly cleans up their mess, but likes to rock out, too!

Super fun and super catchy, After Elmer have gone all out to make this a festive hit to be on the playlists every year from now, and that is heartwarming. They do a fantastic job of infusing their familiar alternative rock sound with festive cheer, all while clearly not taking themselves, or the Christmas tone, too seriously. It’s a track you can dance to, head-bang to, and sing along to, that’s a winner of a festive track in our opinion.