As the start of the holiday shopping season begins, the often times frustrating quest to secure the right gift is enough to drain that seasonal spirit. For 2020 in particular, the gift buying will come with the added caveat of having a global pandemic to contend with while making those holiday purchases.
In an effort to help steer readers in the right direction, Knotfest has pooled a focused offering of gifts that range from electronics to books to apparel that all have an aggressive culture related theme consistent throughout. Boasting a variety that ensures something for just about everyone on Santa's list, KNOTFEST is especially proud to present its first-ever, Holiday Gift Guide.
Rocksteady Audio - Rocksteady STADIUM Speakers
Purchase - HERE
Price - 2-Pack - $274.99 // 4-Pack - $499.99
Special Offer - $20 off your purchase of $274.99 or more with code KNOTFEST12
While there is a healthy amount of Bluetooth portable speakers on the market, few boast the quality in both sound and design that the Stadium line from Rocksteady Audio does. Working with Bambu™ and Killer Concepts®’ as sound engineering partners, the Stadium speaker uses A.I. driven technology in the Advanced Wave Sound Method to maximize frequency range and amplification. What that translates to for the layman is a speaker that allows a song to be heard as it was originally recorded. There is also a ‘Stadium Mode Selector” that allows as many speakers as you’d like to be paired throughout your intended footprint, delivering a stereophonic experience that far exceeds most portable Bluetooth speakers. Plus, the 16-hour battery life on just a 3 hour charge means never having to interrupt the party for a plug.
Cedar Ridge Distillery - Slipknot Iowa Whiskey Box Set featuring clown's Iowa Shine
Purchase - HERE
Price - $149.99
Cedar Ridge Distillery and Slipknot have announced a very limited edition box set of their award-winning No. 9 Iowa Whiskey. The box set includes a bottle of the No. 9 Reserve recipe as well as a bottle of clown’s take on moonshine. clown’s Iowa Shine is 90 proof raw bourbon straight from the still, fermented, distilled and aged at the Cedar Ridge Distillery in Iowa. This is the first and only time that Iowa Shine will be produced and the bottles are limited just 1000 units, making this special edition box set a truly unique gift.
Epiphone - The Prophecy Collection
Purchase - HERE
Price - $899 (per model)
Taking inspirational design cues from timeless Gibson entries like the SG, the unmistakable Flying V, the iconic Les Paul, and the newly imagined Extura, the Prophecy Collection bridges classic style with contemporary durability. Among the collection’s talking points include custom voiced Fishman Fluence® pickups that deliver three distinct tones, a warm "Patent Applied For" vintage humbucker, hot modern humbucker, and a shimmering hum-free single-coil all of which are accessed by push/pull volume and tone pots. The variety of finishes showcase elegance and craftsmanship without compromising style and flair.
Nuclear Blast Records - "Gathered At The Altar of Blast" 7-inch Picture Disc Limited Edition Box Set
Purchase - HERE
Price - $49.99
When it comes to speciality box sets, Nuclear Blast Records came with the goods. The "Gathered At the Altar" of Blast collection features three 7-inch picture discs of six different unreleased tracks from the likes of Municipal Waste, Exodus, Immolation with Max Cavalera thing on the Sepultura classic “Morbid Visions”, Possessed, Kataklysm, and Corrosion Of Conformity recording the Lynyrd Skynyrd track, “On The Hunt”. The extremely limited edition box set also includes a cassette tape of the same tracks, a collectible metal pin, a poster of the artwork, a woven patch, and it comes in a killer die-cut box with all art designed by the championed Dan Seagrave.
BrewDog - Ghost Walker 4-Pack
Purchase - HERE
Price - $8.99
Brilliantly billed as “Pure metal without the morning after bangover,” “Ghost Walker” is the collaboration beer between heavy music titans Lamb of God and the UK’s champions of craft brewing independence, BrewDog. The world’s first non-alcoholic collab, Ghost Walker redefines the category in omitting the alcohol while swinging as heavy with the flavor as the recipe’s musician muse. Tropical in the nose and stacked with that grassy, piney goodness, these cans are especially crushable without the crash of the morning after.
Rare Bird Books - They Don't Need to Understand: Stories of Hope, Fear, Family, Life, and Never Giving In (Signed by author Andy Biersack)
Purchase - HERE
Price - $26
Before making his mark in the world as the commanding frontman of Black Veil Brides, Andy Biersack’s traversed the growing pains of anxiety, fear, loneliness, and the endless quest for belonging as a young creative from Cincinnati, Ohio. His story is one of unique perseverance that prompted the 18-year old to trek to Hollywood armed with little other unrelenting ambition and an unwavering creative vision. Get the fist hand account of Biersack’s meteoric rise in becoming one of rock music’s most engaging, enigmatic personalities.
Funko - Pop! Rocks Slipknot Collectible Figures
Purchase - HERE
Price - $11.99
For the first time ever, Slipknot is getting the Funko treatment with their own series of Pop! Rocks collectible figures. The first release includes Corey Taylor, DJ Sid Wilson, and Craig Jones all dawning their We Are Not Your Kind-era look. The launch of the figure series follows similar tributes to the likes of Metallica, Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne and Rob Zombie to name a few.
Lamb of God X Nightflyer Roastworks - Memento Mori Coffee
Purchase - HERE
Price - $20
Special Offer - Use code KNOTFEST at checkout for 15% your next order
For a band that has their tour bus equipped with an espresso machine and whose members roast their own coffee beans while at home, It was inevitable that Lamb of God would eventually venture into the coffee game. Appropriately enough, they linked with Nightflyer Roastworks, owned by Paul Waggoner of Between The Buried and Me to do it. Launching Memento Mori, the small-batch, single origin coffee sources beans direct from El Salvador and proceeds with a meticulous roast onsite in Charlotte, North Carolina to ensures a fresh, quality cup of joe.
Nuclear Blast Records - Blast Beast 9-inch 3D Statue
Purchase - HERE
Price - $75
Pooling the collective talents in the craftsmanship of Stern Pinball, the vision of Rock Art Illustrator Zombie Yeti, and the precision design of BigShot Toyworks, Nuclear Blast Records’ mascot BLAST BEAST is immortalized as a collectible 9” 3D resin statue. The extremely limited run of the collaboration project comes in four colorways, including the full color version, as well as a red, a bronze, and a green edition. The first of which are limited to 150 pieces, the remaining three at just 50 pieces.
Cedar Ridge Distillery - Slipknot No. 9 Iowa Reserve Whiskey
Purchase - HERE
Price - $79.99
The Holy Grail of the No. 9 Iowa Whiskey collection from Cedar Ridge and their collaborating partners in Slipknot, the Reserve is a particularly special and often times elusive bottle given how quickly it typically sells out. Embracing the award-winning sweet and spicy profile resulting from the Iowa-grown corn, mashbill, and malted barley ratio, the Reserve is given an extra year in the barrels, making it this a robust, complex, 5-year sipping whiskey that will satisfy even the most discerning aficionado.
To Write Love on Her Arms - Roses Tee | Place Beanie | Windows Long Sleeve | Faceted Long Sleeve Tee
Purchase - HERE
Price - $22-$34
Special Offer - Enter Coupon Code KNOTFEST15 at Checkout for 15% off
Though many make claim to offering apparel with a purpose, To Write Love on Her Arms began with the sole intention of creating a means of support for those struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. Since their formation in 2006, the non-profit has donated some 2.6 million dollars towards treatment programs and recovery resources for those most in need. Matching the commitment to their cause, the brand itself continues to produce contemporary designs that are ahead of the curve making their gear equally forward-thinking and fresh.
BrewDog - PUNK AF 4-Pack
Purchase - HERE
Price - $8.99
Further reiterating that quality craft beer taste can be achieved without the alcohol, BrewDog delivers yet again with their PUNK AF recipe. Brewed with an international collection of eight different hops ranging from North America, New Zealand and Europe. Dynamically different, the complexity ranges from a juicy start to an appropriately bitter finish that defies the limitations of a non-boozy beer.
Rock Against Racism - Rock Against Racism Tees
Purchase - HERE
Price - $25
The well-documented social, political, and cultural movement that began in the 70’s has become re-energized in an emerging collective of contemporary musicians, artists and music industry professionals. Galvanizing to support and expand the crucial work of the original organization, the network of participants understand the importance and urgency of combating modern day racism. All profits will go directly to ACLU & Color of Change to support their continued efforts against racism and systematic injustice.
Dr. Martens - 1461 Black Sabbath Lace Up Shoes
Purchase - HERE
Price - $130
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Black Sabbath's self-titled and Paranoid albums, Dr. Martens married the band's iconic imagery with some of their most enduring designs to launch the collection paying tribute to metal's forefathers. For both their 1460 Boot and the 1461 shoe, the styles are emblazoned with the unmistakable artwork of Keith Macmillian. While the 1460 Boot that features the band's debut quickly sold out, the 1461 showcasing the timeless sophomore album is still available. Boasting the band name embossed in the leather, along with the album on printed on the quarter and subtle hints like 'Paranoid' printing on the shoelace, this collaboration pairs a historic brand with a historic band.
Wacken Open Air - Strickpullover Xmas
Purchase - HERE
Price - $58 (49 Euros)
No gift guide would be complete without the inclusion of some kind of festive holiday gear. Accenting the traditional Christmas sweater with a bit of heaviness, genre festival authority Wacken Open Air has their own version of the winter favorite. Swapping their signature bullhorns for antlers and cattle in lieu of reindeer, the official merch from one of metal's premiere global destinations is part of the brand's holiday collection and a great compromise between band gear and seasonal attire.
Cedar Ridge Distillery - Slipknot No. 9 Whiskey
Purchase - HERE
Price - $39.99
The anchor of the partnership between Slipknot and Iowa’s own Cedar Ridge Distillery, No. 9 Whiskey earned rave reviews upon it’s debut even tallying top honors in the “Best Celebrity-Related Whiskey” category from Forbes Magazine. The 4-year blend of straight rye and straight bourbon underscores the deeply-rooted connection both the distillery and the band have with their home state. The Iowa-grown corn delivers on the sweet, with the rye balancing that in subtle added spice. The marriage of flavors and the finesse in its complexity make a spirit that is both artisan and authentic.
Anthrax X Z2 Comics - Among The Living Graphic Novel
Purchase - HERE
Price - $39.99 - $399.99
Thrash legends Anthrax have partnered with Z2 Comics to bring to life the graphic novel adaptation of their classic 1987 album, Among The Living. The collaborative effort features writers Scott Ian, Corey Taylor, Rob Zombie, Gerard Way, Mikey Way, Grant Morrison, Brian Posehn, Jimmy Palmiotti, Brian Azzarello, Rick Remender, and Joe Trohman spinning a series of storylines based on the songs from the album. With illustrations by Charlie Benante, J.G. Jones, Eric Powell, Darick Robertson, Scott Koblish, Erik Rodriguez, Maan House, Roland Boschi, Steve Chanks, Dave Johnson and more, the artworks makes the published work truly one of a kind. Offering Deluxe and Super Deluxe versions that offer everything from picture disc vinyl of the album, to Greg Nicotero's zombie 'Not Man' NECA collectible Madball Toy, to Among the Living lithographs, to an exclusive Among The Living gold record plaque, custom-monogrammed with your name, this is the ultimate gift for any fan of Anthrax.
Gimme Metal - Vinyl Club Subscription
Purchase - HERE
Price - $25.99
The specialty streaming platform in Gimme Metal launched their monthly curated offering of iconic albums designed to pique the attention of collectors and audiophiles alike. The Gimme Metal Vinyl Club focuses on deep catalog, too rare, out of print albums, and new treasures with each monthly offering being a limited or Gimme exclusive variant. Paired with collectible merch items or other add-ons, the installment thus fa have included essentials from Death, Possessed, and Bolt Thrower to show the pedigree of selections for this kind of subscription.
HUF X Smashing Pumpkins - Zero Twill Mechanic Jacket
Purchase - HERE
Price - $150
Among the anchors of the HUF X Smashing Pumpkins collaboration collection, the line features designs that showcase the imagery and art of the band in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the seminal album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. The stylish take on the the timeless mechanic's jacket features a back patch of Billy Corgan's hand-drawn "SP" heart logo as well as the "Zero" name patch on. the jacket's left chest hit. The jacket also includes an all over interior print.
Hatchet Books - Rust In Peace: The Inside Story of the Megadeth Masterpiece
Purchase - HERE
Price - $28
Chronicling the 30th anniversary of Megadeth's pivotal album, Rust In Peace, Dave Mustaine's latest literary work revisits an especially turbulent era for the band. Detailing the personnel that played big part in the album's development as well as the personal struggles that threatened to undermine the success of the band, Mustaine helms a read so compelling that both casual fans and diehards alike become invested in the story. Read the first hand account of the making of one of metal's greatest albums ever made from concept to execution.
