Metal/Review Nordic Hamster - The Battle For Christmas

Nordic Hamster is a progressive-metal duo from Orlando, Florida. After years as an instrumental guitar project, the band evolved with Cody Nordine stepping up on vocals and Cody Hamilton on guitar. Lifelong friends, full-time dads, and part-time riff machines. Proudly signed to Indian River Music Company.

Nordic Hamster deliver a festive curveball with “The Battle For Christmas,” an EP that fuses progressive metal intensity with tongue-in-cheek holiday spirit. Hailing from Orlando, Florida, the duo take a concept often reserved for cozy playlists and explode it into something loud, theatrical, and unapologetically heavy — without losing a sense of fun along the way.

Originally known as an instrumental guitar project, Nordic Hamster’s evolution into a vocal-driven duo proves to be a defining move here. Cody Nordine’s vocals add narrative weight and personality, while Cody Hamilton’s guitar work remains the backbone of the project, packed with sharp riffs, shifting time signatures, and progressive flair. The chemistry between lifelong friends is evident, giving the EP a cohesive, confident feel despite its playful premise.

“The Battle For Christmas” doesn’t parody metal or the holidays; instead, it embraces both. The songs feel like exaggerated winter showdowns, driven by technical precision and dramatic momentum. Beneath the humor lies genuine craftsmanship — complex arrangements, tight execution, and a clear understanding of how to balance heaviness with accessibility. The result is an EP that feels energetic rather than gimmicky.

What makes the release especially engaging is its personality. As full-time dads and part-time riff machines, Nordic Hamster bring a relatable, grounded energy to their music. There’s joy in the performance, as if the band is inviting listeners to join in on the chaos rather than simply observe it.

Proudly signed to Indian River Music Company, Nordic Hamster use “The Battle For Christmas” to show that progressive metal can be inventive, festive, and fiercely entertaining. It’s a holiday release for listeners who like their Christmas loud, technical, and just a little bit unhinged — in the best possible way.