Legendary hair band Twisted Sister reunited a few years back and proceeded to go on a sold out tour. They even went overseas and performed for our troops in Afghanistan. The band also got back in the studio and re-recorded the classic Twisted album Stay Hungry, retitling it Still Hungry. They say they never really liked the way the original sounded, so they wanted to make it better. That brings us to this, the final Twisted Sister recordings. At least that is what they say; I wouldn't be surprised if we see more down the line.
I had a big ol' "Huh?" go through my noggin when I saw the title of the album. Twisted Christmas? It had to be some sort of joke. Why would this hairiest of bands record Christmas music? Then again, why not?
Metalheads and headbangers around the world celebrate Christmas. Plus, we don't normally get to hear Christmas classics performed in our style of choice. The post-hardcore/screamo set have their Christmas tunes in the form of last year's Taste of Christmas collection. Leave it to Twisted Sister to take a stab at filling that hole in the heart of metal's musical catalog by giving us their renditions of well known Christmas staples, even getting Lita Ford to join in for a duet with the ringleader of holiday cheer, Dee Snider.
The album kicks off with understated acoustic guitar and horn with Dee singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." It wasn't exactly what you would expect, but don't worry, this was merely a tease. Before the song timer hits a minute, you hear a voice call out of the background "Hey, guys, what is this crap? This isn't Twisted Sister. This is Twisted Sister..." electric guitars and drums kick in with full force as Dee realizes the error of his mellow ways.
The song is still played in a traditional manner, but with a little more crunch. It gets turned up another notch with an homage to the Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Bop" with the group chant "Ho, Ho, Ho, Let's Go!" You have to say, it was a fun start for a metal Christmas.
Next up, "Oh Come All Ye Faithful," kicks off with that oh so famous drum beat from the legendary "We're Not Gonna Take It." It doesn't stop with that opening, the song is sung to a modified version of the anti-conformity cut. Rather funny to listen to, and surprisingly quite effective. The energy kicks up for "White Christmas" with a galloping guitar riff keeping the time.
Article comments
1 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Cool Review...
I can't believe "they"(Dee)said they didn't like the way the original Stay Hungry sounded.Sure, it wasn't recorded all distorted and "Heavy" like the new version but I don't like the new version! Dee can't hit the highs like he used to and it will never have that initial affect on me! That album was kick ass on every level and the video that everyone knows from that album was f*cking awesome.
Oh well, Here's to TS! I hope they come out with some new material...
2 - m420swed
The Massey hall show in Toronto was moved to the Danforth Music Hall, I was second row and got great pics check them out...
3 - tink
Haven't heard the whole cd yet, but I did check out both versions of the vid and thought they rocked.
Good review!!
4 - tom
if you like Twisted Sisters Christams music you might be interested in checking out The Screaming Santas. have a very hairy Christmas!!