Religion is tipped to dominate the Christmas hit music sales this year charts that have been dubbed “Top of the Popes”.

Instead of Arctic Monkeys, the Stift Heiligenkreuz Monks will be battling out against The Priests and even The Salvation Army for the Number One slots in the pop and classical worlds as the credit crunch Christmas sees music lovers tune into the spiritual.

All three religious bands have new albums out in the next few days and according to pre-release charts, they could all be at the top of the classical charts.

The albums, even the brass band Christmas songsheet style of the Sally Army, are also expected to make an impact on the pop charts.

The Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz, from deep in the Vienna Woods, have already reached number seven in the UK pop charts with their first album Chant, which went triple-platinum in their native Austria.

This was recorded after they posted some “songs” on YouTube and were discovered by label bosses seeking a religious act to temper their secular stars.

The Salvation Army, one of the largest providers of social welfare provision in the UK after the Government and no longer content to raise extra cash for the needy by “busking” at shopping centres over Christmas, has also landed a million-pound record deal with Universal. This makes the uniformed trombone and cornet players label-mates with Eminem, Amy Winehouse, Duffy, The Killers and Take That.

Their album includes potential and recycled hits such as Nessun Dorma, You Raise me Up and the Hovis theme Going Home, as well as the St Francis prayer Make me a Channel of Your Peace.

Meanwhile another religious band, The Priests have recorded a selection of well-known sacred songs through Sony BMG.

Dickon Stainer, Universal Classics and Jazz Managing Director, said, “It’s extraordinary that Gregorian Chant and brass band music will be as popular as heavy rock this Christmas.

“At a time when lives are being turned upside down, people need something to rely on. The sound of The Salvation Army gives comfort to people when times are tough, as they are now. We hope that this record will help expand the reach of their traditional fund-raising.”

Major David Hinton, The Salvation Army’s Secretary for Business Administration, said: “We hope the Universal album will bring hope and cheer into many lives this Christmas.

“The Salvation Army has a wonderful musical tradition and history and The International Staff Band are a group of highly talented and committed Salvation Army musicians who have dedicated their talents to God, love to make music whether it is traditional or contemporary. We hope the Universal album will bring hope and cheer into many lives - the listeners and those who will benefit from the proceeds.”

Dr Stephen Cobb, Director of The Salvation Army’s Music Ministries Unit and Conductor of the International Staff Band, admitted: “Some of the music was a little different to our usual repertoire, but very enjoyable to play. It was a real pleasure for us to work with the Universal team and to produce what we believe will be an album that will inspire listeners.”