Dear fans, family, & friends—

Over the last decade or so I have written and produced a new Holiday song each year at Christmas. They’ve come in a wide variety of styles and approaches. Sometimes it’s a traditional like “Oh Holy Night”, but mostly they have been original compositions. With each successive year it has gotten more difficult to come up with something different… This year I tried to make something that would fit in with the motley collection of seasonal works I have produced thus far, as well as a track that would stand apart from the rest. Doing this in the days and weeks leading up to the holidays is not the easiest thing to do, and this time around I went a bit out of my comfort zone and swung for the bleachers… being honest, I’ve had a hard time meeting my goal this year. I spent day after day in the studio trying to unlock the magic that I felt was inherently living in this new song— and it seemed like it was just one problem after the next. I have run the gamut of emotions and I wish I just had a bit more time… Now it is only days before Christmas, and for better or worse, I must release this track. I’m finishing it up as I write this and will put it out for you soon to hear… I’m looking for my own little miracle today, actually. I don’t think many people understand the emotional toll that art making takes on the artist. You always want to put your best foot forward and all, but today I’m taking a leap of faith. I think it’s good… but I don’t have enough time to run it through the normal battery of tests. So… here goes… fingers crossed. I really hope that you like it.

The song is called “The Winter Rose” and it is based on the legend of the Christmas rose, a beautiful flower that blooms and grows in the freezing cold when every other plant is barely clinging to life. The story follows a shepherd girl named Madelon, living outside of Bethlehem at the time of the first Christmas. While the legend itself is likely an invention of the Middle Ages, I believe there is an inherent beauty and truth to it that makes the story both worthwhile and moving; I really wanted to make this story my own. Madelon has no gift to present to the newborn Christ, and so she goes searching through the freshly fallen snow hoping to find a flower. But there is nothing for her beneath the ice and frost. She begins to cry, and the angels are touched by her disappointment. Where her tears fall a beautiful snow-worthy flower suddenly grows. I feel a little like Madelon right now… I have tried really hard to make something good for you all this Christmas. And I have become incredibly frustrated by my own inability to efficiently do so this year. If I am being honest, I have cried a few times myself… Maybe the angels are watching, and maybe they will take pity on me too. Maybe the product of my difficulties will bring each of you some small happiness this holiday season, whatever your situation or beliefs may be. I know that many people are struggling. Many of us have dealt with setbacks, heart ache, and loss. It is my sincere desire that somehow my music will make a difference to some of you, and that— in my own way— I can contribute to a better tomorrow filled with hope and happiness.

The cover art for this years track is a digital art collaboration between myself and one of my favorite painters, Dominique Kennedy. I really enjoy making art with Dominique. We worked together on last years ANGEL VOICES (Which you should definitely check out if you missed it by any chance *editors note – it’s in the right hand column!). Some of you may know her work from a few of our other digital releases in recent years, as well as her artistic contributions to AFTERALL:Into the Void. The cover image for “The Winter Rose” depicts the flower in question, the snow, the tears, and the angel from the story, and I think it really captures the essence of the song. If you want to check out more of Dominique’s art you can do so right here or here.

As usual, the song falls into the category of donation-ware, at least as long as it is on available on our website. You can pay whatever you wish via PAYPAL, VENMO, or CASH app. PayPal can take credit cards as well. There is no paywall or enforced fee to download. If you want the song, but don’t have any money, no worries… We’ve all been there. Feel free to add it to your Christmas collection. But if you are able, I ask you humbly to consider a donation in order to support The Cruxshadows and Cruxshadows’ music. Every dollar helps, and it goes a long way towards our little ‘Holiday Song’ tradition.

I thank you all sincerely for your support. I appreciate each and every one of you. Sending you Holiday wishes, both this year and every year after. Happy Christmas to all. Every single one…

Live Love Be Believe.

Rogue of The Crüxshadows