Shouldn't this compilation be released a little bit more in the 'Xmas season'? Ready to hit the stores in October 14th, 2008 (according to a Press Release sheet in the CD), We Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New Year sees Armoury Records (a sub-division of Eagle Rock Entertainment - really hope we'll get to hear more for this label in the future) presenting an all-star gathering of Hard 'n' Heavy 'icons' ready to jam for your holiday pleasure; all these, pre-shaped in the mind of none other than Wendy Dio.
Who else would succeed in getting together such 'names' and 'brands'? Just look at the tracklist and weep. Even Ronnie James Dio (who seems to be a fanatic foe of Xmas holidays haha!) participates in this well-crafted CD, for the initial concept/making of witch help to Wendy Dio was donated by Bob Culick and Brett Chassen, too. Result is a obnoxious/hilarious/comical/uncanny/startling collection of traditional Xmas songs delivered their way with much of spirit and less of artistic gravity. So what? That's the case; hence, you'll like the album anyway.
The collaboration of Lemmy and Bill Gibbons on Run Rudolph Run acquires some special notification (you don't see such jams everyday - Rudolph's nose shine on!) while the groovy Thrash Metal take on Silent Night will probably leave you with your mouth open. Really hope no ultra-religious aunt shall listen to it by mistake these days...Of special importance is my favorite Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer's rendition by this specific 'outlaws clan' ('splatter' Xmas, by the way..). Still, for the uncompromised 'any season' metalhead, a glimpse on God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen will make you listen again and again to this metallic revision, provided by the magic forces of Dio/Iommi. Really, these two wizards can turn even the Les Schtroumpfs theme song to a devastating/breathtaking Doom Metal hymn...
Bearing in mind the CD will be sold at a generously fair price - and looking again to the plethora of beloved artists in the tracklist - one thing is certain: for you, as a present (grand reson!), out of curiosity...in any motive, this is a really good purchase. Not much of these turn up in our days. Rudolph avouches for We Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New Year's honesty!