Out of any metal band on the face of the planet, Trans-Siberian Orchestra is by far the most accepted and revered. Yes, it is true that TSO is not entirely metallic, but any group that has been comprised of Alex Skolnick (Testament), Al Pitrelli (Megadeth, Savatage), Chris Caffery (Savatage, Metallium), Jeff Plate (Savatage, Metal Church) and Johnny Lee Middleton (Savatage) would and is considered a metal band no matter what they sound like!

Despite the resume of all the regulars, the band is also comprised of singers and classical instrumentalists galore, which truly gives TSO absolute legitimacy and dominance during the Holidays. Every year, each event sells out, and when they produce an album it easily goes gold in the first few weeks. If that’s not power within the music scene, I don’t know what is! This goes to show that Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby are not the dominant forces they once were for the Holiday season, or, maybe they still are but TSO is just another worthy addition to the Christmas music arsenal.

I will be honest, I enjoy Christmas music. I grew up in a house where my Mother put on the classics every Christmas morning, and the month leading up to it is chalk full of the same music and movies which have been etched into my pysche for eternity. I love the Holiday season, and I probably will until I die. Is this not considered metal enough? Well, I don’t really care first of all, but since the advent of TSO, the holidays are fair game for the metal community now as well.

Going back to my mother, I have always talked to her to try and get her to listen to TSO and she always refused as she is not a fan of rock music in the least, however, last year, I finally got her and my father (who is a huge fan of rock music) to watch the Trans-Siberian Orchestra DVD, and she loved it! There ya go folks, heavy rock music does have a medium for everyone, especially during the Holiday season when people just want to feel good about their lives, their beliefs and their loved ones. If you have the opportunity, go see this event live, and if you have some extra bucks in your wallet/purse, go by an album or two and throw it onwhile opening presents. This stuff is made for the holidays, and the fact it’s metal, only makes it that much more sweet.