Pennsylvania’s XMASX might be one of the weirdest and most fun punk ideas to surface in a long time — a hardcore punk family band dedicated entirely to Christmas covers. Yes, really. And their take on “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” is exactly as unhinged and joyful as you’d hope.
Instead of cozy crooner vibes, XMASX rip the classic apart with hardcore speed, barked vocals, and a straight-to-the-face delivery that turns a mall-friendly holiday staple into a pit-ready blast. It’s fast, loud, and completely unapologetic, leaning into the absurdity without ever sounding like a joke band. The commitment is total, and that’s what makes it work.
What sets XMASX apart is the context. This isn’t irony for irony’s sake. It’s a family project rooted in hardcore ethics — DIY, communal, and done purely for the fun of it. The contrast between wholesome Christmas imagery and aggressive hardcore punk gives the song its punch, but the execution keeps it from slipping into novelty territory.
“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” becomes something else entirely in their hands — not background noise, but a seasonal adrenaline shot. It’s the kind of track you throw on when you’re tired of safe holiday playlists and want something loud, ridiculous, and strangely heartwarming.
XMASX prove that Christmas music doesn’t have to be soft, sentimental, or predictable. Sometimes it can be fast, shouted, and perfect for stagediving around the tree.
