Back in 2021 Germany’s Metalville Records released a Christmas-themed compilation they called R#XMS. Featuring songs from The 69 Eyes and Sonata Arctica to Doro and Lee Aaron, it was an interesting Heavy Metal and Hard Rock mix of holiday music for the headbanger out there. Combining original new songs from artists with some previously released ones from others, what also made it stand out was the extremely diverse mood.
Having a great time putting it together, now in 2024 Metalville Records return with R#XMS Vol. 2. Arrive right before the Christmas season kickoff on November 29, 2024, you can seek out streaming it, or you can purchase a physical copy at various online retailers. With that in mind, the new release offers a massive fifteen songs which includes seven previously unreleased ones. The artist list is also quite eclectic with tracks from Doro, Lee Aaron, Lionheart, and Sweet, but also Gothic Metal band Vlad in Tears and the lovely Liv Kristine. Just a few of the names involved, the songs range from renditions of classics (like Sweet doing “Let It Snow” and Mambo Kurt doing “White Christmas”), to Doro’s uplifting original “Rock ‘N’ Roll Christmas Party.”
There is also the beautiful, heartwarming “Almost Christmas” from Lee Aaron. A song originally featured on her own 2021 Christmas album Almost Christmas, it fits nicely here opposite to Metal Queen Doro’s “Rock ‘N’ Roll Christmas Party.” Furthermore, Vlad in Tears’ new “Black Christmas” is a fantastically dark, heavy track that could fit in at any time of year.
This leads us to other standout moments, such as Liv Kristine’s rendition of “Dejlig Er Jorden.” “Dejlig Er Jorden,” famously performed by Norwegian Soprano Sissel Kyrkjebø, is presented by Kristine in a different light that is dignified, emotional, and truly lovely. This is while former Burning Witches and currently Dead Venus Vocalist Seraina Telli does exceptionally well with the beloved modern Christmas song “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”
Overall R#XMS Vol. 2 is a Christmas-themed compilation that has character. All over the map, there is not just one stylistic approach here, but there is a great balance of originals and covers that make it an enjoyable listen. A great collection to look into as you prepare to rock and roll your way into Christmas time, Cryptic Rock gives R#XMS Vol. 2 4 out of 5 stars.
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