When you need to buy the metalhead in your life a gift, what do you get them? CDs are the obvious choice, but there are many other possibilities. No individual CDs are listed here, but you can check out my CD reviews for hundreds of recommendations. Instead, I've put together a list of CD box sets, DVDs, collectibles and more. Here's a list of some gifts your favorite metal fan might like this year.
Steven Rosen & Andrew Klein - 'Randy Rhoads'
Velocity Publishing
There have been a few books about the late great guitarist, but Randy Rhoads is definitely the heaviest. The massive coffee table book is chock full of rare photos from childhood through his entire career. In addition to hundreds of photos, the nearly 400 page book is a biography as well, unlike many coffee table type books that don't have much text. Randy Rhoads is not cheap, but it's well worth the price for the outstanding photos and interesting story.
Motorheadphones
If you've ever been to a Motorhead show, you know how loud they are. It might be more appropriate for Motorhead to sell a line of earplugs, but the legendary band has developed their own brand of headphones. Several different model are available, including the Iron Fist, Motorizer and Bomber.
Slayer - Reign In Blood Wine
Slayer has branched out and created their own wine. Reign In Blood Cabernet Sauvignon is described as having an "undisputed attitude and a soft nose of dark berry fruits with oak and spicy nuances. Fresh fruitiness, smooth tannins and well structured with subtle notes of oak, showing true Divine Intervention." It's only available in Europe at this time.
Black Sabbath 2013 Calender and Refrigerator Magnet
With their first new studio album in decades featuring Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler due in 2013, a Black Sabbath calendar would be a great gift. There are 12 different photos of Sabbath and its members, and they are even throwing in a free fridge magnet. Keeping your grocery list attached to the fridge with a Black Sabbath magnet is definitely metal.
Judas Priest Mini Guitar
Owning a life sized replica of Glenn Tipton's guitar would be cool, but would take up a lot of space. The next best thing is a 10 inch replica of the Judas Priest axeman's guitar, made from mahogany wood and comes with a stand. Several different mini guitars are also available, including replicas of the guitars played by Slash, Zakk Wylde, Dave Mustaine, James Hetfield, Kerry King, Lemmy and more.
Decibel Subscription
Magazine subscriptions are a great gift for metal fans. Decibel is an excellent choice, and some other recommendations would be Revolver, Outburn, Metal Hammer, Terrorizer and Zero Tolerance. Here's a whole list of The Best Heavy Metal Magazines.
Black Metal Greeting Cards
The traditional Christmas card just doesn't cut it for the average metal fan, especially if they are into more extreme types of the genre, such as black metal. This holiday season, buy and send one of these black metal greeting cards with a nice message, or buy some blank cards so your "kvlt" friend can send their own! There are several available for occasions ranging from birthdays to thank you to Valentine's Day.
In League With Santa Metal Christmas Ornaments
Make your Christmas tree a little more metal this year with a selection of ornaments. Along with the "In League With Santa" ornament available in several colors, there are a few other metal ornaments available for a festive touch the headbanger in your life will appreciate.
Devin Townsend - 'By A Thread: Live In London' DVDs
Heavydevy Records
In November 2011, Devin Townsend played all four Devin Townsend Project albums on consecutive nights and recorded them for a live DVD box set, By A Thread: Live In London 2011. Not only does this box set include the DVDs, there is also a CD version of each show, along with another CD with just the encores.
Metallica Monopoly
Instead of the usual Monopoly, fans of Metallica will dig this special edition of the classic game. The properties are all named after places related to Metallica history, and there are several cool tokens such as the Justice For All Scales, Black Album Snake and Kill 'em All Hammer.
Megadeth - 'Countdown To Extinction' 20th Anniversary Edition
Capitol/EMI Records
The 20th anniversary edition of Countdown To Extinction has been released. The two disc collection includes the original album remastered along with a 1992 San Diego concert being released in its entirety for the first time. In addition, there are postcards of the band members and a poster.
Iron Maiden "Eddie" Bobble Head
Sports fans collect bobble heads of their favorite teams and players. Now metalheads can collect bobbleheads as well. This cool Iron Maiden bobble head of their iconic mascot Eddie would look great on a Maiden fan's bookshelf or desk. The one pictured is The Trooper, but there are other Eddie bobbles available too, including Number Of The Beast and Piece Of Mind.
