Iron Maiden’s 2009 holiday card
Some people might think that metalheads don’t like to make merry around the holiday season. On the contrary, we revel in the cold and look forward to free gifts as much as the next person. That said, it can sometimes be difficult to go holiday shopping for your favorite heavy metal fan. Here are some gifts you can get for the headbanger in your life.
Lords of Chaos
If you haven’t read it yet, it’s high time that you catch up on this book by Michael Moynihan and Didrik Søderlind. You may have heard by now that former Bathory drummer Jonas Åkerlund is working on a film adaptation of the controversial novel. The movie has been met with mixed responses by members of the scene, including Darkthrone’s Fenriz, so we’re definitely curious if nothing else. All the same, it’s worth a read. But if you’re looking for a more thorough and objective history of the genre, check out Dayall Patteron’s Black Metal: Evolution of the Cult.
Lemmy Funko Pop Figure
December 28 will mark the anniversary of the death of Motorhead bassist and all around metal god, Lemmy. Naturally you’ll want something to commemorate the occasion and Funko Pop! just released their vinyl figure. You’d be hard pressed to find a more fitting tribute. The 3 and 3/4 inch statue is a perfect decoration for the desk (or sitting on top of your amp). Additionally, for fans that can’t wait to experience more of Motorhead, the game developer NetEnt has created a fitting tribute to the band with a Motorhead slot reel that features several of the band’s biggest hits in a fun and exciting game that’s sure to keep metalheads busy during the holidays.
A Metal Board Game
We already mentioned how metal is infiltrating the world of board games, but as cool as it is we don’t think the Cryptic Explorers game will be ready in time for the holidays. Thankfully, there are still other options. If you are looking for a horror-themed game obsessed with the occult you could do worse than to pick up a copy of Eldritch Horror. The game is equal parts adventure and RPG as it pits you and a team of explorers against armageddon as you try to stop the end of the world from ancient terrors like Cthulu, Yog Sothoth, and Azathoth.
Some Supreme Slayer Gear
You might have heard about the collaboration between iconic skateboard fashion house, Supreme, and Slayer and if you were to give your pal one of these incredible pieces of clothing you’d be a friend for life. The collection pays homage to legendary albums like Undisputed Attitude, South of Heaven, Seasons in the Abyss, and more with a variety of T-shirts, jackets, and sweaters that are a must-have for fans looking to ring in the New Year while repping “Raining Blood.” The initial collection we wrote about appears to have sold out instantly, so keep an eye on them.
Pluginz Jack Rack
How can you stay metal when you’re offstage and nowhere near an amp? Try plugging your keys in. Pluginz a company that’s co-owned by Atreyu’s Dan Jacobs, takes an amazingly simple concept – a keychain that’s got a 1/4 jack on it that plugs in to a keychain holder that looks like an amplifier head. They’ve partnered with companies like Marshall and Engl to create their own versions of them, and you can even order customized ones for your business or brand. You can also pick them up at Guitar Center and Musician’s Friend.
Blind Guardian Wine
Nothing gets you in the mood for that holiday party like a little wine and no wine gets you in the mood for a metal party like wine made by Blind Guardian. The German power-metal legends have made a rich merlot and a syrah that are perfect for a cold winter’s night and make for the ideal gift to surprise your host at the next party.
