Merry Axemas Vol. 1 & 2 (1997 & 1998) - Honorable Mention 4

The holidays have never shredded so hard. What is the story behind Merry Axemas Vol. 1 & 2 by Steve Vai? In the late ‘90s, legendary guitarist Steve Vai gathered a who’s who of rock virtuosos to craft something truly wild — a Christmas album for guitar gods. Merry Axemas Vol. 1 & 2 isn’t your typical holiday playlist. It’s a sleigh ride through distortion, melody, and technical brilliance, where each track reimagines a Christmas classic through the lens of electric mastery. Volume 1 (1997) brought together icons like Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Jeff Beck, Steve Morse, and Vai himself — each delivering their signature tone and feel on familiar tunes. Then came Volume 2 (1998), digging even deeper with players like Steve Perry, Hotei, and John Sykes, proving that Christmas can be both joyful and face-melting. From Satriani’s spacey “Silent Night” to Steve Morse’s southern-fried “Joy to the World,” every track balances reverence and rebellion. It’s festive spirit turned up to eleven — the sound of the holidays, electrified. Christmas Music like you've never heard before! 🎧 Listen To the Full Album Pick up the CD's here: https://ebay.com/inf/albumarchives/collections/68963598351?mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5339133224&toolid=80010&mkevt=1  Affiliate disclaimer: This link helps support the show at no extra cost to you. Youtube: Vol 1 - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtDQLBMOFsZo7197dOsRq-o4RtRSj3_1W Youtube Vol 2 - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsATB2WesBNhkKIOG2ILlONy8hGXdD2gF  Next Up: The countdown continues toward the Top 300 Albums of All Time, as voted by fans of the Music Rewind Podcast. 👉Full list: musicrewindpodcast.com/albumarchives Early Access on our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/collection/1583821  🎙️ About Album Archives Get your weekly fix of music history with Album Archives! Host Steve Epley unravels the magic behind the Top 300 Albums of All Time—handpicked by Music Rewind fans. Each bite-sized episode dives deep into an album’s creation, sound, and legacy, delivering vibrant stories that resonate with die-hard fans and curious newcomers alike. 📱 Connect with Us: X/Twitter: https://x.com/AlbumArchives Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/albumarchivespodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@albumarchivespodcast  💬 Enjoyed this deep dive? Share the episode or leave a review wherever you listen! 🎧 More from Sidereal Media Group Music Rewind Podcast – Fans, musicians, and industry pros talk about their favorite albums. https://pod.link/1591608428 Cinema Decon Podcast – Deconstructing and overthinking the movies of our younger years. https://pod.link/1564671835  www.siderealmediagroup.com  🛒 Support the Show Get 15% off all music apparel, posters, and more at Old Glory with code MUSICREWIND. https://oldglory.com/discount/MUSICREWIND  📝 Disclaimer: No ownership of music material. All rights and credit go to the original artists and copyright holders. Fair Use applies under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act (1976) for commentary, criticism, and education. #SteveVai #MerryAxemas #GuitarLegends #AlbumArchives #MusicHistory #Podcast #SiderealMediaGroup #ChristmasRock #InstrumentalRock #HolidayMusic