Entertainment

UK Singer Releases Disturbing ‘Atheist Xmas’ Album: ‘Slashed Wrists This Christmas’

Gruff Rhys to Release Secular Atheist Xmas EP

Welsh musician and singer Gruff Rhys (Photo Credit: NME)

Gruff Rhys, a well-known Welsh musician, is preparing to release a set of disturbing “holiday” songs that lack the cheer one would expect this time of year. The EP, entitled, “Atheist Xmas,” deals with some pretty intense subject matter and will be released just six days before Christmas.

According to the BBC, the EP is being described as, “an unholy trinity of three turkey-free new tracks for the festive season.” The songs, of course, are morbid at best. In “Post Apocalypse Christmas,” Gruff looks at the holiday ”through the semi-melted eyes of a nuclear holocaust survivor.”

Another tune, “Slashed Wrists This Christmas,” delves into manic depression and suicide. Below, listen to the song (caution: disturbing content):

On his web site, the musician, who is also the lead singer of a band called Super Furry Animals, is promoting the three-song EP as a “secular Christmas” album. Stereogum writes, “The depressed atheists of the world now have a Christmas carol to call their own.” They’re probably right.

Quite an odd way to celebrate the holiday, though this is likely a PR opportunity that will work in the musician’s favor.

Comments (152)

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  • Git-R-Done
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 9:04pm

    That guy sounds like a loser.

    Report Post »  
    • sick
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 9:15pm

      So says the guy whose screen name is “git-r-done”.

       
    • Rayblue
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 9:36pm

      Sick licks….

      Report Post » Rayblue  
    • sick
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 9:41pm

      Only you raybaby ;)

      Report Post »  
    • Rayblue
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:07pm

      You so vicious……“occupy” not working out tonight ?

      Report Post » Rayblue  
    • sick
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 12:48am

      occupy is for rich white kids…im only upper middle class

      Report Post »  
    • Rayblue
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 1:24am

      Really now. You don’t see the racism in your reply ? Let’s try to look around objectively.
      There are more blacks in occupy than I care to acknowledge. And I don’t think the squatters are rich kids either. And it’s evident that atheism is hand in hand with the movement. Where do you see a cross or even mention of any God but themselves?

      Report Post » Rayblue  
    • sick
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 1:42am

      Lol i was being serious…those losers at OWS are a bunch of rich white hipsters who want to feel important, but are still trying to get laid.

      Do you get it man? We could be friends, but nooooooo…rayray had to go be a meanie and call me racist.

      Report Post »  
    • Rayblue
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 12:53pm

      Merely pointing out your inconsistencies. Don’t get all worked up with not knowing anything.
      You can blame Obama for lying to you and believing it all.

      Report Post » Rayblue  
  • imfrzn
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 9:00pm

    The purpose of this mess is merely an attempt to distress people of faith. It always has nets the opposite result… driving people closer to God. Pathetic

    Report Post » imfrzn  
  • JESUS-IS-LORD
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:59pm

    Another program from the illuminati to try and corrupt the world.

    Report Post » JESUS-IS-LORD  
  • opnsrcsurvival
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:39pm

    I just have to know, how can atheists have CHRISTMAS Carols?

    Wouldnt it be more like a Mid Winter Solstice carol?

    To quote the Great One (Daffy Duck) “What a Maroon!”

    Report Post » opnsrcsurvival  
  • RossPoldark
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:34pm

    I think he used the wrong procedure for halal. He should have aimed higher at the carotid. Another thing, I have lived in the UK, and this couldn’t possible be English, or British English that he is speaking. He must be speaking in tongues. Fork tongue that is!

    Report Post »  
    • The Noodle Fish
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:43pm

      that‘s because it’s not British English, it’s WELSH.

      Report Post » The Noodle Fish  
    • Rayblue
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 9:34pm

      more like Belch…

      Report Post » Rayblue  
    • Jack of Hearts
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:31am

      “this couldn’t possibly be English”….and this from someone who uses a fictitious Cornish character as a username. You may have lived in the UK but you didn’t get out much did you? Welsh speakers of the world must wince when they read comments like that. I bet you think the guy in the original Star Trek was Scottish too don’t you?

      Report Post » Jack of Hearts  
  • South Philly Boy
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:34pm

    All the ROACHES are comming out

    Report Post » South Philly Boy  
  • ChiefGeorge
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:31pm

    We are seeing more and more of the ungodly and unholy appearing through sexual exploitation, rampant drug use, perverse pleasures, mystic cults, greed, beliefs in anything but the one and Holy God. We are in the time of the birth pangs. We are in the time when man worldwide is cursing God while still many are seeking his face because of all the chaos they are witnessing. We will reach a point of fullness and then he will return. You will be amazed and they will no longer be able to deny him.

    Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • Winedude
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 9:22pm

      Hey Georgie boy…consider this: All kinds of evil/bad things happen to us as we live our lives. Let’s assume that “God” (for lack of a better name) can keep these negative things from happening to us but chooses not to, then he can’t be “all good” can he? And, if he cannot prevent the negative things from happening to us, then he’s not all-powerful either. In other words, God is a hoax. I can‘t prove that God doesn’t exist (one cannot prove a negative) but you sure as hell can prove he does exist either.
      Happy Holidays to you sir…

      Report Post »  
    • Cooper707
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:50pm

      Couldn’t have said it better myself, although I will add, if God does exist, which yes I am an atheist, no I don’t cut myself, do drugs, or am I not an idiot, he is one cruel individual.

      Report Post »  
    • the wireworker
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:10pm

      @ winedude
      actually “god” is just a title, as there are many false gods. the one true God has several names according to his nature and personality ” YHWH, Al Shaddai, Elohim, Immanuel, and Jehovah to name a few.
      We live in a fallen world and have been givin free will to choose. I believe when you look at things through the parameter of time you would come to the conclusion, as you did, that God is not active or is a hoax. The great thing is that you still have the right to choose.
      When you look at things from an eternal perspective you see that we are really just here for a blink of an eye on the timeline, but what we do in that blink: (the choices we make and the lives we touch) has significant impact on our eternity. You also see from an eternal perspective that God is alive and working very much so through His Word, His children and His natural laws. It’s our choice to let Him work through us.
      the negativity you speak of comes from the fallen nature of man, it too is a blink of an eye in the timeline. when things are restored (all things are made new) the negativity you speak of is wiped away and only love reigns, your freewill, your choice.

      Report Post » the wireworker  
    • Rayblue
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 1:07am

      @cooper….
      Seeking to defy the natural laws of the universe is like trying to reason with an avalanche.
      You really don’t have much say in the matter. That’s why a negotiator is provided for you.
      And only those who hate the light would deny His assistance.

      Report Post » Rayblue  
  • paleoman
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:20pm

    He must need alittle love this time of the year. Well here you go MERRY CHRISTMAS to all & gruff too, by the way I do need to shave, can you spare me a blade.

    Report Post »  
  • bearlyme
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:18pm

    This is so sad. Gruff Rhys is emulating Madonna. She has a genius for creating controversy in order to get attention. Well, take a look at this article. What are we all talking about? Gruff Rhys, if that’s his real name. When one depends on shock to get noticed, it must follow that each succeeding marketing attempt must be that much more grotesque than the one before. Do you think anyone would have noticed if he had done another “I’ll be home for Christmas” knock-off? Frankly I’m disappointed Beck gave him any airtime. Beck’s just feeding the “I’m offended” group frenzy. Pray for Gruff. He’s going to need it if this succeeds.

    Report Post »  
    • RossPoldark
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:37pm

      I call people like this guy and Madonna reactionists. They never got a reaction or attention from mummy or daddy, so they are attempting to get it from the world, even if it is negative attention. Anything for even a little attention.

      Report Post »  
    • texasfireguy
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:27pm

      Excellent way to describe them Ross. I agree.

      Report Post » texasfireguy  
  • D_DATSALLFOLKS
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:18pm

    Geez, right after we knock him upside the head, we need to say a prayer for this knucklehead. He is completely lost. Oh well I am going to wish him a Merry Christmas anyways.

    Report Post » D_DATSALLFOLKS  
  • usmc1063
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:17pm

    Well known singer ??? Okay I give, who the hell ooopsss sorry Atheist don’t believe in hell do they? Okay let‘s try that again just who in the heck ooopppps then again heck can be considered the clean version of hell darn can’t say that eather !!! Okay just how can I construct this to be diverse and understanding of their feelings??? Ohhhh the hell with it Just who is this Clown??? Since I never heard of him??

    Report Post » usmc1063  
    • The Noodle Fish
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:24pm

      oh so automatically stating that you’ve never heard of an artist makes them bad? *sigh*
      I bet you’ve never heard of Coldplay, Muse, La Roux, or Florence Welch either. And yet, they stand on their own as excellent artists. Please, take a grammar course, and internet commenting 101.

      Report Post » The Noodle Fish  
    • PATRIOTGRUNT
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 9:02pm

      @ NOODLE BRAIN : It’s obvious that you are of superior intellect. Your knowledge of music is far above any one posting here on “The Blaze ”. Why don’t you take your grammatically correct @ss back to HUFF POST, they miss you , you Troll.

      Report Post » PATRIOTGRUNT  
    • Winedude
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 9:24pm

      WOW…I thought Marines were fairly intelligent. You just proved otherwise, thank you!

      Report Post »  
    • Rayblue
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 9:52pm

      Where’s the “song” about mohammed ? allah ? islam ?
      I understand why his outstandingly controversial tune mangling is cocooned in cowardice.
      Because that’s the atheist way.

      Report Post » Rayblue  
    • PATRIOTGRUNT
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 1:39am

      @ WINETURD : Your opinion is just as important as a good sh____it. Thank you. Semper Fi

      Report Post » PATRIOTGRUNT  
    • Winedude
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 6:57am

      Hey PatriotGrunt. Thanks for proving my point. You could do nothing other than curse at me…not such a bright guy indeed. Keep this in mind as well, per Samuel Johnson: “Patriotism is the last refuge of SCOUNDRELS.” (Emphasis mine)

      Report Post »  
    • The Noodle Fish
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 2:14pm

      @ Patriotgrunt: hahaha as a matter of fact, I just use correct grammar and punctuation to overcompensate for the fact that I’m 14, and have, in fact, never commented on the Huffington post, although I do read it often to get a fair and balanced opinion of the news. And if I do know more about music than any other blaze reader, that’s pretty sad. I doubt it.

      @ Winedude: I’m actually not a guy :)

      Report Post » The Noodle Fish  
  • thomas242007
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:16pm

    who is this clown singing? i dont know why it bothers atheist so much that some people outhtere choose to have faith i personally dont care if they believe or not, if they dont want to, no problem, but they should still be respectful to people who do believe, im not most religious person in the world or anything but i respect peoples right to believe whatever they want to, long as it doesnt hurt anybody who cares, atheist are very sad people

    Report Post » thomas242007  
  • mean_conservative_teacher
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:13pm

    I think that it is apropos. For that matter, it is an excellent testimonial against atheism. It is honest. There is no true joy nor light nor goodness nor comfort nor sanity without Christ. We could hardly say it better.

    Report Post »  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:12pm

    @THENOODLEFISH

    Yes, I listened to it. A droning, monotone voice but nice instrumentation, I will say. Not very marketable as I am in radio and have a band.

    Report Post »  
    • The Noodle Fish
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:21pm

      Well, everyone has their own taste. I find it pleasant to listen to, and I actually can’t understand a single word he says. At all. I’d also point out that marketability should have nothing to do with your appreciation of a song. I’ve long been annoyed at trends in pop music, as they “market” to the lowest common denominator, and thus you are stuck with 1,2,1,2 beats, unmelodic melodies, and electronic manipulation. Songs like this are a nice break from the slog of David Guetta, Usher, and Katy Perry.

      Report Post » The Noodle Fish  
    • Rayblue
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:12pm

      Songs….that’s rich. As refreshing as sticking an ice pick in your ear.
      But if that’s your pleasure, you’re welcome to it.

      Report Post » Rayblue  
  • campt1
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:11pm

    Each to there own, but why should we care? They made up there minds already.

    Report Post » campt1  
  • GTH
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:09pm

    Just to let you all know that, “I AM NOT an atheist.”
    I actually do believe in a God. I just don’t believe that he or she tells someone else to tell us how we need to worship him or her. And that we all should crowd into a building every sunday and chant to him or her. Lets face it. How would you like your children gathering into a room every sunday and chanting to you? I‘d throw my kids out on their face and tell them to go find something to do that’s productive.
    You are all being scammed, man. Big time! But I believe we are about to have a big awakening and change our ways about everything.

    Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:12pm

      Do you know why the Apostles are and were the oil and the branches? Because although their teachings have been some diluted, just the fact that they still teach Jesus provides the lubricant to teach the truth.

      Report Post »  
    • The Noodle Fish
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:14pm

      I am also a Deist, GTH, but I have genuine respect for people’s belief systems. I think that one arrives to a system of morality however they need to, and for most people, morality is introduced to them by religion. In that respect, It’s nearly essential to human relations. I don’t believe that morality comes inherently from religion, but it does come from god. Everything I do in my life is based on the basic sense that there is, somewhere, an intelligent entity watching me.

      Report Post » The Noodle Fish  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 9:28pm

      He does tell us how to worship Him. in the Bible…it is history past ..present and future..it’s irrefutable . .and He says in essence ” If you do not believe that Yeshua/Jesus is my only begotten Son..that He was crucified for your sins and the sins of the world.,died and rose the third day…then you have no part with me.” Personally..I do not..can not …judge.. For He also says that to come to Him…He has to call you….so all that I can say is …but for the grace of God….there go I..

      Report Post »  
  • Bro Geo Too
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:01pm

    `
    Atheists have a God-given right to reject Him.

    But sadly, hidden in their feigned bravado, there lies a loneliness of heart crying out for compassion and love that only He can truly satisfy. What a sad, sad irony.

    Report Post »  
    • The Noodle Fish
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:12pm

      I respect your opinion. You stated it in an intelligent, non-hateful, and sympathetic way. There should be more commenters on this site like you.

      Report Post » The Noodle Fish  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:17pm

      Yes, but guess what? I don’t try to teach Atheists anything because it is a waste of time, just as Jesus would have wasted his own time giving the Samaritan woman the living waters. I don’t care what an Atheist believes because they are in no way shape or form anywhere close to the oil whereby the waters will flow near. I have nothing to do with an Atheist, and I prefer they have nothing to do with me, and that‘s why it’s interesting that they always seem to go on the attack. It’s because the ones who attack are not really Atheists, and they are deceitful demons.

      Report Post »  
    • Kaoscontrol
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:24pm

      I’m trying to understand these Atheists. When you are trying to convince someone that your point of view is ‘truth’ wouldn‘t it be more persuasive to ’sell’ your ideas by highlighting the ways they improve someones life? Atheist like this guy are always wallowing in despair. I‘d rather be a ’deluded’ believer full of joy and peace than a hopeless, self righteous atheist any day.

      Report Post » Kaoscontrol  
    • Mrs.M
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:25pm

      Athiests need prayer. Anger will only keep a non-argument alive and God cannot get into an angry heart at war. Don’t fight back and you give God a chance to be heard.

      Report Post »  
    • InversionTheory
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:09pm

      I just love when believers tell me what I feel. I am not empty, I am joyful. You’ll call me angry because I get frustrated with people who assert that they know better than I do who I am and what I feel. I’d rather enjoy a nice traditional Christmas carol than this rot, I just don‘t believe a word of what’s in it.

      Kaos — No two of us are alike. Atheists aren’t all that easy to group and the only thing we have in common is the opinion that despite a lack of any useful scientific evidence for the existence of God, there is no reason to make belief the default position. Imagine I told you that I based my entire worldview on the values of The Odyssey or the Egyptian Book of the Dead. You’d probably laugh at me because it sounds silly to you. You’re not part of the tradition of those texts. Now…imagine you’re the only Christian surrounded by Odyssians and Egyptians who are well-meaning, but just won‘t leave you alone about turning you’re life over to any of the various gods of those traditions. That’s the experience of many Atheists. We cannot see why you would put any stock in some old book and the more you smack us over the head with it, the more we want to hit back.

      Mrs M — I’m sure you are of the well-meaning sort. But if the Bible is 100% true and factual, I would have to oppose your God as a bloody tyrant who deserves to be fought, even if he cannot be beaten. Honest and freedom-loving people should reject the irrational edicts in the Bible.

      Report Post »  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 2:19am

      You take this way too seriously for somebody who apparently has some awareness that there is such a thing as irony.

      Report Post »  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:57pm

    This “singer” is so ripe for Christ. Stranger things have happenend, no?

    And I’d rather listen to fingers on a chalkboard.

    Report Post »  
    • The Noodle Fish
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:02pm

      Did you even listen to the song? It’s actually rather pleasant, musically.

      Report Post » The Noodle Fish  
  • YoungBloodNews
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:55pm

    Friends, not sure if your aware:

    Defense bill contained an amendment that would give the exec. branch the ability to classify anyone a terrorist (that includes you American citizen) and strip you of your rights. In essence hold you indefinitely, deny your right to a civilian trial and replace it with a military tribunal…
    Everyone here knows who runs the exec. branch and its intentions. This is NOT good.

    http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/195889-sens-paul-mccain-clash-over-terrorist-detainee-amendment-

    I believe it passed

    “If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy”- James Madison

    Report Post » YoungBloodNews  
    • momrules
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:20pm

      I’ve been reading about this bill, the National Defense Authorization Act, for a couple of days now. Prison Planet.com has had pretty good coverage of it. This is very scarey and it will eventually be used against any American citizen that falls into disfavor with this or any other administration.

      Report Post »  
    • YoungBloodNews
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:42pm

      Glad to see another infowarrior here.

      I think I was mistaken and its still in debate but we shall see. Sadly this is not front page news…

      You should check out GLP, they (well its a forum so its us members) post tip of the spear stuff every day (and fun doom/alien stuff, etc [not me personally but some are good for laughs and others are thought provoking]).

      Report Post » YoungBloodNews  
    • Rajabear1
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 9:34pm

      Thanks for the heads up.

      Report Post »  
  • Who would Jesus bomb?
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:50pm

    Lol

    Report Post » Who would Jesus bomb?  
  • The Noodle Fish
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:50pm

    Why all the hate? Freedom of speech, freedom of religion.. and all that.. I think musical expression is one of the highest forms of freedom. Let him sing about all the crap I want. One of my favorite songs has the lyrics “and we‘ll pray that there’s no God to punish us”. Another one of my favorite songs says “I’ll have to face up to my mistakes, Wonder if I’ll know Heaven from Hell”.
    He can do what he wants, it’s none of our business. He made a belief choice and it’s not really our place to tell him to change himself. He’s no harm or drain on society.

    Report Post » The Noodle Fish  
    • godhatesacoward
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:57pm

      Agonostic are we?

      Report Post » godhatesacoward  
    • The Noodle Fish
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:01pm

      Deist, as a matter of fact. But open to all faiths.

      Report Post » The Noodle Fish  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:02pm

      I do not think it is HATEFUL to offer this fellow some razors. According to the article there is a song about slashing one’s wrists. If that is what he wants to do .-.- he has that right; even though suicide is probably illegal where he lives. I believe it is here in Ohio. Wishing him success is hateful? Giving a helping hand is hateful?

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • The Noodle Fish
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:11pm

      Stoic, we have very different interpretations of this song. I see it as an ironic backstab at Christianity, pointing out a hypothetical reality “I’d rather slash my wrists than be a Christian, rather than an actual plea of insanity. Also “where he lives” is Wales. Wales is in Britain. not Whales. Wales.
      Assisted suicide is also against the law, and yes, wishing somebody would go ahead and take their own life is hateful. You have betrayed your prejudice and ignorance in this matter.

      Report Post » The Noodle Fish  
    • Rayblue
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:34pm

      Sid Vicious wannabe. Nick Drake wannabe. Brian Jones wannabe. Morrison, Joplin, Al Wilson.
      What’s your boy afraid of ? Can’t he do it right ? Fear holds his hand. Doubt he surrenders to.

      Report Post » Rayblue  
  • sheerterror
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:47pm

    Please go spam somewhere else!

    Report Post »  
  • Johnny916
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:46pm

    Happy Atheist Christmas.

    Report Post »  
  • Robert-CA
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:43pm

    A well known singer ????????????
    NOT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
  • Psychosis
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:38pm

    whats his address????? id be happy to send him a couple rusty razor blades

    Report Post » Psychosis  
    • The Noodle Fish
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:51pm

      but that’s not vicious or nasty or anything

      Report Post » The Noodle Fish  
    • godhatesacoward
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:52pm

      I’d send him a brand new one right out of the sleeve so he could do it right!

      Report Post » godhatesacoward  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:54pm

      If you want to stimulate the USPS and send the used razors there is a link to his web site..

      I neither want to help the post office nor this “artist’s” ego.

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 7:56am

      In the movie Serenity before he dies, the preacher tells Mal to believe in something. People need faith.

      Report Post »  
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