Post-industrial rock artist Raymond Watts, better known as <PIG>, has brought in the holiday season with a series of holiday covers on his new Black Mass EP. This Armalyte Industries release brings a collection of three Christmas classics; WHAM!’s “Last Christmas,” Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas,” and John Lennon’s “Happy Christmas (War Is Over).”

This EP is expected to be released on December 7th on Bandcamp as a free download, however donations for the project will be accepted. All proceeds from this project will be sent to the International Rescue Committee, a global non-profit relief fund for those displaced by war, persecution or natural disaster. This organization has been around since 1933 and was founded by theoretical physicist Albert Einstein in 1933.

The project is expected to bring a new style to these famous songs, adding a darker spin to the holiday classics. According to a press release, Watts’ collaboration with musician and former adult actress Sasha Grey “That’s The Way I Like It,” which hosted a dark disco sound, that served as a slight departure from the musician’s sound, inspired this EP. Producer EDEN joined Watts on this project, which is being called an “unholy trinity of festive filth, all having been blessed by The Lard,” that will give the covers “new life under the iridescent glow of dying fairy lights.”

“I wanted to pay homage to the great Christmas songs, have fun with them but also take a stand against the ever rising tide of toxic bigotry in this increasingly brutal world while remembering there is a better part of ourselves. “Happy Christmas (War Is Over)” in particular represents this whatever your beliefs may or may not be,” <PIG> explained in a press release. “Last Christmas” while being a great song from the irreplaceable George Michael (who left us two years ago this Christmas) also represents the fleeting nature of ‘the season of goodwill’. “Blue Christmas” resonates with anyone who is separated from a loved one at this time of year, whatever the reason, war zone or weather (and who doesn’t want a go at being the King?) To that end these songs stand as an honour guard from the Lord of Lard.”

Watts released his latest studio album Risen, earlier this year in June of 2018. The artist collaborated with Tim Skold (Motionless in White), Ben Christo (The Sisters of Mercy),  Z.Marr (Combichrist), En Esch (KMFDM) and Oumi Kapila (Filter) throughout the 14 track album. According to the artist, the album represented the “revelation for the digital age.”

“I mean…really, it’s words and music. Back when I started doing this it was all four track onto tape and then cassette. It just so happens that the medium is all digital. There is this sort of revival thing going on as well. This weird curse and blessing of technology really frightening, weird and new, and also quite liberating,” Watts explained in an interview with mxdwn. ” I’ve been able to have loads of people contribute to the record who aren’t here. We used to have to sit shoulder to shoulder in a studio. And now I’m working with people who are in Australia, Los Angeles and Singapore, they’re really all over the place.”

Black Mass

1. Last Christmas
2. Blue Christmas
3. Happy Christmas (War Is Over)

Photo Credit: Alexander Cabrera