HEAVY METAL
The History Of Metal Blade Records
Oct
Metal Blade Records is one of the most influential independent labels in the heavy metal scene, founded by Brian Slagel in 1982. The label was born from Slagel’s passion for metal and his frustration with the lack of exposure for underground metal bands. Starting from his mother’s garage in Los Angeles, Slagel put together the first Metal Massacre compilation, featuring early recordings of now-legendary bands like Metallica and Ratt.
Metal Blade’s rise to prominence was marked by its commitment to discovering and promoting emerging metal talent. It became the home for groundbreaking bands like Slayer, Cannibal Corpse, and GWAR, as well as European acts like Amon Amarth and King Diamond. The label’s innovative approach and dedication to artist development played a key role in shaping the landscape of heavy metal for decades.
Through the years, Metal Blade has remained a powerhouse by constantly evolving and adapting to changes in the music industry. It is celebrated for its long-lasting impact on the metal genre and for staying true to its roots in independent music.
The History Of Metal Blade Records with Brian Slagel 1990
The History of Metal Blade Records on Its 35th Anniversary- WHITECHAPEL & More | Metal Injection
- Swing of the Blade follows Brian Slagel's critically acclaimed 2017 book, For the Sake of Heaviness, which delivered a compelling inside look at how a metal-obsessed California teen built Metal Blade Records into the preeminent international home of heavy music
- Rabid readers demanded more anecdotes, more bands, and more of Slagel's musical wisdom
- With Swing of the Blade, he delivers
- Featuring a foreword by Slayer's Kerry King, the new book is part memoir, part music-business primer, and all metal - delving deep into scenes and bands that fans worldwide obsess about
- Slagel serves up more of his favorite memories about iconic musicians and events, and delves into even greater detail about his long and ongoing relationships with Metallica, Armored Saint, King Diamond and other heavyweights
- The story of Metal Blade Records is the story of Brian Slagel-a metal-obsessed Southern California kid who launched a fanzine and landed a record store job before cobbling together what he assumed would be a one-off compilation of fledgling bands from the L
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- Released in 1982, the Metal Massacre LP included the debut recordings of local groups such as Steeler, Malice, Ratt, and Metallica
- In the wake of the album's unexpected success Slagel virtually stumbled into creating a proper record label, issuing the first releases by Bitch, Armored Saint, and Slayer the following year