MetallicaLegendary thrash metal veterans Metallica have offered fans an early Christmas gift, with vocalist and guitarist James Hetfield sharing a spoken word version of the classic seasonal favourite, ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas.
Officially titled A Visit From St. Nicholas, the classic holiday favourite celebrates its 202nd birthday tomorrow, with countless interpretations of the poem being shared over the centuries.
Until now though, Metallica were absent from the list of those who had set their sights upon it.
Debuting the four-minute track on their Maximum Metallica digital radio channel, the group urge listeners to lean into the seasonal atmosphere as they experience the festive favourite.
“Grab your cocoa and settle in by the fire before your long winter’s nap for a reading of ’Twas The Night Before Christmas by Papa Het,” the group said.
Paired online with an animated image of a roaring fire as the band members’ stocking hang above (Lars Ulrich, fittingly, has a new pair of drumsticks on the way), the interpretation sees Hetfield utilising his iconic, gruff voice as he relays a tale of Christmas eve magic – seemingly attempting to refrain from letting loose as he usually would on stage.
This isn't the first time that Metallica have leaned into the Christmas spirit, of course. Back in 2017, Hetfield acted in the spirit of the band's All Within My Hands foundation as he handed out Christmas gifts to members of the police and fire departments in Vail, Colorado.
Metallica just toured Australia for the first time since headlining Soundwave Festival in 2013. For the long-awaited shows, the American metal icons were joined by special guests Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies.
Reviewing Metallica’s recent Optus Stadium show, The Music’s Sam Mead declared: “The ante is upped as all members of the band take helm at the front of the catwalk and shred the life force out of Master Of Puppets to crowd now worshipping the gods of rock as they chant ‘obey your master’ getting a gift of fireworks for their efforts and a hearty chuckle. Cue rapture of applause.”
Mead also highlighted the “lusciously expressive” visuals, “effortless” musicianship and banter, and praised the night’s support acts, Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies.
