Alissa White-Gluz to Release Collaborative Christmas EP with Motionless in White’s Chris Motionless: A Heavy Metal Holiday Surprise
In a thrilling announcement for metalheads around the world, Alissa White-Gluz, the powerful frontwoman of the Swedish melodic death metal band Arch Enemy, has revealed plans for a new Christmas-themed EP, set to be released this holiday season. Adding to the excitement, the EP will feature an unexpected collaboration with Chris “Motionless” Cerulli, the charismatic leader of Motionless in White, a band known for its dark, gothic metalcore sound.
The news of this festive yet heavy collaboration has sent ripples through the metal community, promising a unique blend of styles from two of the genre’s most captivating vocalists. Both artists are known for their versatility and command over their respective subgenres, and their joint effort promises to bring something new and exhilarating to the Christmas music tradition. The EP is slated for release on December 20, just in time for fans to add it to their holiday playlists.
An Unlikely Yet Exciting Collaboration
While the thought of a Christmas album might seem far removed from the usual brutal and energetic metal tracks Alissa White-Gluz and Chris Motionless are known for, the pair seems intent on blending the spirit of the holidays with their distinctive musical approach.
In a recent interview, White-Gluz shared her excitement for the project. “I’ve always loved Christmas,” she said. “There’s something about the spirit of giving, family, and reflection that resonates with me. But I also thought, why not inject some heaviness and darkness into it? Christmas has many emotions tied to it – joy, nostalgia, sometimes even sadness – and metal can convey those feelings in a profound way. When I thought about who could help me bring this vision to life, Chris was the first person that came to mind.”
Chris Motionless echoed the sentiment, expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration. “I’ve always admired Alissa’s vocal talent, and the idea of creating something entirely different, especially with a Christmas theme, felt like a challenge worth taking on. It’s not every day you get to reimagine holiday classics with a metal twist, and we wanted to make something that’s both heavy and haunting, but still carries that holiday spirit,” he said.
What to Expect from the EP
The EP, titled *”Winter’s Wrath: A Metal Christmas,”* will consist of five tracks, a mix of original material and metal renditions of classic Christmas songs. According to insiders, fans can expect the first single, a reimagined version of “Carol of the Bells,” to drop in early December.
This isn’t the first time either artist has experimented with material outside of their usual genre. Alissa White-Gluz has collaborated with a range of musicians from other genres, including power metal and symphonic rock, while Motionless in White has incorporated gothic and industrial influences into their sound, making them a perfect match for a creative project like this.
For this EP, White-Gluz and Motionless are rumored to be pushing the boundaries of what Christmas music can sound like, mixing dark, atmospheric elements with heavy riffs, guttural growls, and clean vocals. The two will reportedly alternate lead vocals throughout the tracks, offering a dynamic interplay between their distinct vocal styles.
Here’s a sneak peek at the tracklist:
1. “Carol of the Bells (Metalcore Remix)” – A dark and haunting take on the traditional Christmas tune, driven by crushing guitars and a symphonic undercurrent.
2. “Frozen Hearts” – An original song that delves into the emotional complexity of the holiday season, featuring both White-Gluz’s ferocious growls and Chris’s clean, melodic vocals.
3. “Silent Night” – A gothic rendition of the classic carol, slowing down the tempo and adding heavy, doom-laden guitar riffs to create an eerie, haunting atmosphere.
4. “Winter’s Wrath” – Another original track, described as a “melodic death metal anthem about the darker side of winter,” with themes of survival, perseverance, and the harshness of nature.
5. “O Holy Night (Darkened Version)” – A deep, brooding arrangement of the Christmas hymn, featuring orchestral elements blended with distorted guitars, and a dynamic interplay between harsh and clean vocals.
A Holiday Gift to the Metal Community
This project is a refreshing and unexpected gift for fans of both Arch Enemy and Motionless in White, and it also opens the door for new listeners to experience a more diverse range of Christmas music. Metal has always been a genre known for challenging conventions, and this EP seems poised to do just that.
In addition to the music, White-Gluz and Motionless have teased a series of accompanying music videos that will embrace the themes of the EP with visual nods to gothic and fantasy elements. Filming has reportedly begun in a snowy forest location, designed to capture the stark beauty and desolation of winter, as well as some unexpected holiday cheer.
Both artists have also hinted at a potential live performance or streaming event to promote the EP. While a full tour is unlikely given the short time frame and the holiday theme, they’ve expressed interest in doing a one-night-only performance, either in-person or as a virtual concert, giving fans the opportunity to experience this unique collaboration in real time.
A New Metal Holiday Tradition?
Though the idea of metal Christmas music might seem novel, it’s not without precedent. Bands like Twisted Sister and August Burns Red have famously released Christmas albums in the past, and for years, metal artists have toyed with holiday-themed covers. However, White-Gluz and Motionless’s project stands out for its fresh and intense approach, as well as the prominence of the artists involved.
If “Winter’s Wrath: A Metal Christmas” proves successful, it could set the stage for future holiday releases in the metal community. Fans are already buzzing with excitement about what promises to be a headbanging yet heartfelt addition to their holiday playlists.
As the metal world eagerly awaits the EP’s release, one thing is certain: Christmas will never sound the same again.
Stay tuned for updates, and mark your calendars for the EP release on December 20. Whether you’re decking the halls or headbanging under the mistletoe, this collaboration is sure to bring an unforgettable mix of holiday cheer and heavy metal power.
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