Under the Christmas Sky, Dynalectric Orchestra (Analog Dream)

Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Mannheim Steamroller have become standard entertainment fare in the holiday season after 40 years or more recording and touring, so it's not surprising some other entity would come along to cover that slice of sonic territory. Enter Dynalectric Orchestra, a Montreal-based ensemble that has been around since at least 2019, and for 2025 has dropped an album, a separate EP with additional tunes, and a single, "Best Christmas Ever," covering the Christmas beat. This stuff is all solidly in the tradition established by the predecessor ensembles -- 70s classic rock with lots of metal-style guitar shredding backed by orchestras and synthesizers for the most massive possible sound. I've been on record as being not so excited about this particular sub-genre of rock music, but I'd never discourage anyone from checking it out for themselves. Their official website shows a quartet of middle-aged folks in period-correct rock star attire, though oddly the actual names of these people don't figure here. (I did find four names attached to their Bandcamp page.) And of course, pre-announcements of future tours and lots of swag for sale are there as well. All this is my roundabout way of getting to the payoff; Apple Music shows they released eight albums in calendar year 2025 and even more singles and EPs, leading to my suspicion that these guys, if not actually AI-generated entities ala Tilly Norwood, are definitely using the latest tools to bulk up their discography. Do with that what you wish; I'll give them credit for the quality of "Best Christmas Ever" as a cool midtempo rocker. Streaming and downloads everywhere.