Last year for Christmas, metal demons GWAR decided to post a video that has since become one of my favorite videos of all time. It is fitting to post it up again this year, as sadly we lost guitarist Cory Smoot during 2011.

Cory Smoot aka Flattus Maximus was found dead in November this year. Smoot’s presence in the band was a significant shift forward for GWAR, with the new Flattus contributing his solid musical technique and thoughtful production values to the development of the band. He will be missed.

So, without further ado, here’s GWAR going caroling for Christmas – posted here both for the festive season, and in memory of Cory Smoot.

Guitarist for the long-time theatrical metal band GWAR, Cory Smoot aka Flattus Maximus, has been found dead by his band members on their tour bus, after departing a show in Minneapolis before heading to Canada. There is no word as to the cause of death. It is not known how old Smoot is.

The character of Flattus Maximus has been portrayed in GWAR by numerous musicians over the years, and Cory Smoot joined the band in 2002. He has played the character as part of the band for the longest out of all previous musicians who also took on the name.