Earlier this week, Metal Blade Records and BMG releasedFor the Sake of Heaviness: The History of Metal Blade Records – written by label founder and CEO Brian Slagel with Mark Eglinton, and featuring a foreword by Metallica‘s Lars Ulrich. Celebrating the storied label’s 35th anniversary, For the Sake of Heaviness is an inside look at how Slagel built Metal Blade from a one-man operation in his mom’s non-air-conditioned garage to the preeminent international home of heavy music that it is today.
Now, fans of For the Sake of Heaviness can purchase exclusive bundles and Metal Blade memorabilia through PledgeMusic: pledgemusic.com/projects/metalbladebook
Just recently Metal Shock Finland‘s CEO/Founder/President Tarja Virmakari had a nice long chat with Brian Slagel, talking about the book in detail. To stream the chat, go here!
See below for the For the Sake of Heaviness cassette track-listing (one of the many collectibles that you can purchase now through PledgeMusic!): SIDE A
1. Fates Warning “Guardian”
2. Lizzy Borden “Lord of the Flies”
3. Omen “Holy Martyr”
4. Cirith Ungol “Black Machine”
5. GWAR “Gor-Gor”
6. Cannibal Corpse “Stripped, Raped, and Strangled”
7. Six Feet Under “War Is Coming” SIDE B
1. Mercyful Fate “Egypt”
2. King Diamond “Voodoo”
3. The Black Dahlia Murder “Funeral Thirst”
4. Unearth “Black Hearts Now Reign”
5. Amon Amarth “Twilight of the Thunder God”
6. Visigoth “From the Arcane Mists of Prophecy”
For the Sake of Heaviness pulls back the curtain to reveal the definitive look at how Metal Blade began, what they’ve accomplished, and where they’re going. Slagel reveals the early advice he gave that helped guide Motley Crue‘s career; how he helped Metallica replace their bassist – twice; his detailed work on Thin Lizzy and Alice Cooper re-issues; his behind-the-scenes role in the careers of Slayer, GWAR, Mother Love Bone, Alice in Chains, Faith No More, Goo Goo Dolls, and Lamb of God; and his unlikely ventures with kindred metal heads – from hockey star Ken Baumgartner, to celebrity chef Chris Santos, to The Howard Stern Show‘s Richard Christy, to comedians Jim Florentine, Don Jamieson and Jim Breuer.
On August 29th, Metal Blade Records and BMG released“For the Sake of Heaviness: The History of Metal Blade Records” – written by label founder and CEO Brian Slagel with Mark Eglinton, and featuring a foreword by Metallica‘s Lars Ulrich. Celebrating the storied label’s 35th anniversary, “For the Sake of Heaviness” is an inside look at how Slagel built Metal Blade from a one-man operation in his mom’s non-air-conditioned garage to the preeminent international home of heavy music that it is today.
On August 3rd, Metal Shock Finland‘s CEO/Founder and President Tarja Virmakari had a chance to interview (for Truemetal.it) BRIAN SLAGEL, talking about his book “For the Sake of Heaviness: the History of Metal Blade” in detail. See below the list of main topics. Join the conversation below, enjoy!
To read the interview on Truemetal.it, in Italian, go here.
The main topics of the interview:
(0:20) Now that the book is written, what are your feelings?
(1:14) When was the moment you decided to write it with Mark Eglinton?
(1:55)The name of the book: “For The Sake of Heaviness” is the song of Armored Saint…
(2:29)Lars Ulrich wrote in his foreword: “When you tell the story of Brian Slagel and chart the course of Metal Blade Records, the three words that come to my mind are loyalty, consistency, and dependability.” How do you respond to his definition?
(3:20) Reading the book, it’s clear that you really live what you do! so the passion is your real life-style, philosophy! But please tell me, was there a moment that you just wanted to give up and change the direction?
(5:03) How important was the work of the talent scouts? You tell in the book that often you went to gigs, looking around for new bands, who played live, after a hard work and long time they had spent in the rehearsal rooms. While today anyone can record a demo with the simple computer intake and softwares…
(6:47) Talking about different metal genres, I think now-a-days it’s pretty difficult to categorize some bands, also because new sub-genres are born nearly every day, but to your opinion, is it so important today to stamp the bands under the specific styles?
(8:44) Your personal favourite sport has always been ice hockey, and you’ve had some many great opportunities to put it together with metal, would you like to tell me some of your greatest memories?
(11:20) Metal Blade has been involved in almost every movement that has happened in heavy music since 1982. You havent really followed any mainstream trends, but you’ve singed the bands that you like, despite their music style or what the others think about them. Is this the leading guideline for the success of Metal Blade?
(13:29) Also your mother’s role in all this was very important…
(14:28)I’m part of Alpha Omega Management, and as Bill Metoyer is part of our team, too, I just have to ask about him and his contribution… you also mention him several times in the book.
(16:09) you wrote: “it’s unrealistic to hope that you’re going to hit the board with every dart you throw. That’s not going to happen, but I’m a firm believer in the idea that, to be successful, you’ve got to keep throwing the darts.”
(17:39) To your opinion, where is the record business going?
(20:51) “For the Sake of Heaviness: The History of Metal Blade Records” comes out On August 29th, what will happen the day after?
(21:38) With the exclusive box-set, besides the book, there’s also a music casette including great songs from the Metal Blade history! The choice to put them on a handwritten casette was something that tells a lot of your “old school” passion.
(22:40) A classic question (honestly this one comes from my 12-yrs daughter): if you would find yourself stuck in a desert island for a month, which 5 albums or things you would take with you?
(23:40) What is your message to all those bands out there whose dream is to become “somebody” and who would want to be signed by Metal Blade?
To order “For the Sake of Heaviness: The History of Metal Blade Records”, please visit: smarturl.it/mbr35th – where an exclusive box-set is available, with the following contents:
–For the Sake of Heaviness: The History of Metal Blade Records book
–For the Sake of Heaviness cassette
–Metal Blade Records 35th anniversary bookmark
–bookplate autographed by Brian Slagel
* box dimensions: 9.375″ x 6.375″ x 1.25″
See below for the For the Sake of Heaviness cassette track-listing:
SIDE A
1. Fates Warning “Guardian”
2. Lizzy Borden “Lord of the Flies”
3. Omen “Holy Martyr”
4. Cirith Ungol “Black Machine”
5. GWAR “Gor-Gor”
6. Cannibal Corpse “Stripped, Raped, and Strangled”
7. Six Feet Under “War Is Coming”
SIDE B
1. Mercyful Fate “Egypt”
2. King Diamond “Voodoo”
3. The Black Dahlia Murder “Funeral Thirst”
4. Unearth “Black Hearts Now Reign”
5. Amon Amarth “Twilight of the Thunder God”
6. Visigoth “From the Arcane Mists of Prophecy”
For the Sake of Heaviness pulls back the curtain to reveal the definitive look at how Metal Blade began, what they’ve accomplished, and where they’re going. Slagel reveals the early advice he gave that helped guide Motley Crue‘s career; how he helped Metallica replace their bassist – twice; his detailed work on Thin Lizzy and Alice Cooper re-issues; his behind-the-scenes role in the careers of Slayer, GWAR, Mother Love Bone, Alice in Chains, Faith No More, Goo Goo Dolls, and Lamb of God; and his unlikely ventures with kindred metal heads – from hockey star Ken Baumgartner, to celebrity chef Chris Santos, to The Howard Stern Show‘s Richard Christy, to comedians Jim Florentine, Don Jamieson and Jim Breuer.
On September 15th, ENSIFERUM will release their seventh full-length, Two Paths, worldwide via Metal Blade Records. Produced by Anssi Kippo, the master was recorded on tape, for a true analog experience. To hear the first single, “For Those About to Fight for Metal”, please visit: metalblade.com/ensiferum – where the record can be pre-ordered.
To view the vinyl master tape cutting, fans can watch a video by T. Ruotsalainen and A. Kippo at:
You can’t talk about the true greats of folk-inspired melodic death metal without reverent mention of Ensiferum, and with Two Paths they once more affirm their place in the pantheons of the genre. Further building upon the thrilling metallic hybrid honed across six full-lengths, Two Paths is simultaneously the Finnish quintet’s most epic and far-reaching collection and their most organic, which definitely sets it apart from the pack. Additionally, the album literally takes the concept of Two Paths to heart, with two different versions of standout tracks “Don’t You Say” and “God Is Dead”. “Even though Ensiferum has always had clean vocals and choirs, harsh vocals have been the main style, and those songs worked so well with both styles that we decided to include both versions,” explains bassist/vocalist Sami Hinkka. With Mikko P. Mustonen again handling orchestral arrangements and Lassi Logren returning to play nyckelharpa and violin on a few songs, Hinkka is also more than happy that they brought “more bombastic orchestral and down to earth folk aspects” to the record, further fleshing out their vision. This also applies to the contribution of Gyula Havancsak, who provided the artwork for both Two Paths and its predecessor, One Man Army. “It was really nice to work with him again because he always wants to hear our ideas and then he adds his own magic and improvements to them, and the result is always astonishing.”
Two Paths track-listing
1. Ajattomasta Unesta
2. For Those About to Fight for Metal
3. Way of the Warrior
4. Two Paths
5. King of Storms
6. Feast with Valkyries
7. Don’t You Say
8. I Will Never Kneel
9. God Is Dead
10. Hail to the Victor
11. Unettomaan Aikaan
12. God Is Dead (Alternative Version)
13. Don’t You Say (Alternative Version)
From September 27th, 2017 onward, Ensiferum will present Two Paths live on stage, splitting their European tour into two parts. The first part will be in September with six dates in three countries, and then in April 2018 there will be an extended tour through many more European countries. In between that time, Ensiferum will visit all other continents. See below for all confirmed shows, with more to be announced soon!
Ensiferum tour dates:
Aug. 17 – Summerbreeze festival – Dinkelsbuehl, Germany
Sept. 26 – Bochum, Germany – Zeche
Sept. 27 – Langen, Germany – Stadthalle
Sept. 28 – Arnhem, Netherlands – Luxor Live
Sept. 29 – Berlin, Germany – SO36
Sept. 30 – Osnabruck, Germany – Hyde Park
Oct. 1 – Paris, France – La Machine
Metal Blade Records (Celebrating their 35th Anniversary), Scorpions, and The Rainbow Bar and Grill have just joined the list of Metal Royalty who have been nominated for induction into the 2017 Hall of Heavy Metal History. The All-Star Induction Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at the Anaheim Expo Center, Anaheim CA. Television and Radio Legend Eddie Trunk will host the event.
Performing at the Ceremony will be Dio Disciples featuring “Craig Goldy,” “Simon Wright” “Scott Warren,” “Bjorn Englen,” “Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens,” and “Joe Retta.” Ross “The Boss” (band), will also be performing, which features Iconic guitarist “Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman,” “Rhino (Formerly of Manowar),” vocalist “Marc Lopes,” and “Mike LePond” (Symphony X). Surprise artists will also take part in the event. Supporting bands include Budderside, and LA rockers Diamond Lane.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund.
The 2017 Hall of Heavy Metal History Inductees Include:
Ronnie James Dio “Rainbow” “Black Sabbath” “Dio” (With Wendy Dio accepting the induction)
Metal Blade Records (With Brian Slagel accepting the induction)
Scorpions (With Drummer Mikkey Dee accepting the induction)
Rainbow Bar and Grill (With Rainbow Bar and Grill owner Mikael Maglieri accepting the induction)
Lemmy Kilmister “Motörhead” (With Manager Todd Singerman accepting the induction)
Ross “The Boss” Friedman formerly of “Manowar”
Rudy Sarzo formerly of “Ozzy Osbourne” and “Whitesnake.”
Frankie Banali of “Quiet Riot,” (Along with a special 33rd Anniversary Induction of Quiet Riot, as the first band to achieve the #1 Heavy Metal Album status).
Vinny Appice formerly of “Black Sabbath” and “Dio.”
Don Airey of “Deep Purple”
Andy Zildjian President/CEO of “Sabian Cymbals”
Randy Rhoads “Ozzy Osbourne,” (With the Rhoads family members accepting the Induction)
“The induction of Ronnie into the Annual Hall of Heavy Metal History is indeed an honor, and I know Ronnie would have been very proud,” says Wendy Dio. “On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Ronnie James Dio Stand up and Shout Cancer Fund, we thank you for your support and donation. Every penny will go to cancer research and education, to hopefully one day find a cure for this horrible disease that takes the lives of so many of our loved ones.”
“Our family is so deeply honored to have Randy inducted into The Hall of Heavy Metal History,” says Kathy and Kelle Rhoads.” To think that after all these years since he has passed, he is STILL remembered and respected is totally awesome. His passion for music continues to inspire so many. It was always about the “Music” for him. He would be speechless about this award, and so would our Mom!!”
A press conference and General Admission entrance will commence at 6:30 PM. The Induction Ceremony will take place from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A VIP Meet and Greet with the celebrity Inductees will take place after the Induction Ceremony. Ross The Boss Band, Budderside, Diamond Lane, and surprise guests will perform throughout the night.
Music fans can be a part of the most important night in Heavy Metal!! Tickets are $25.00 for General Admission, and $100.00 for combined General Admission and “VIP Meet And Greet” with the Celebrity Inductees. VIP ticket includes special VIP seating, Pictures and Autographs with the Celebrity Inductees, gift bag with an official VIP Pass, an official Event poster, an official Event T-Shirt, an official Event Program, and additional sponsor items.
To commemorate Metal Blade Records’ 35th anniversary in 2017, four bands from the label’s much-celebrated roster will come together for a special USA tour this March: WHITECHAPEL, CATTLE DECAPITATION, GOATWHORE and ALLEGAEON. See below for all dates!
Whitechapel, Cattle Decapitation, Goatwhore, Allegaeon tour dates Celebrating Metal Blade Records’ 35th anniversary
Feb. 22 – Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA
Feb. 23 – Theatre of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA
Feb. 24 – The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD
Feb. 25 – Irving Plaza – New York, NY
Feb. 26 – House of Blues – Cleveland, OH
Feb. 28 – St. Andrew’s Hall – Detroit, MI
Mar. 1 – Deluxe @ Old National Centre – Indianapolis, IN
Mar. 2 – Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH
Mar. 3 – Mercury Ballroom – Louisville, KY
Mar. 4 – House of Blues – Chicago, IL
Mar. 8 – Belasco Theater – Los Angeles, CA
Mar. 9 – House of Blues – San Diego, CA
Mar. 10 – The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA
Mar. 11 – Ace of Spades – Sacramento, CA
Mar. 14 – House of Blues – Houston, TX
Mar. 15 – House of Blues – Dallas, TX
Mar. 16 – House of Blues – New Orleans, LA
After headlining the Impericon “Never Say Die!” European tour with Thy Art Is Murder, Carnifex, Fallujah, and more last month, Whitechapel is ready to head out on the road again, in support of their new album, Mark of the Blade. Hailed as “an exciting milestone” (AltPress.com), Mark of the Blade sees Whitechapel redefine who they are and what they are capable of with 11 tracks that leave a distinct impression on every listener. To view the crushing, emotional video for “Bring Me Home” – and to purchase the record in various formats – please visit: metalblade.com/whitechapel
Cattle Decapitation recently joined forces with Brujeria for a USA tour in support of their most recent full-length, 2015′s The Anthropocene Extinction. As the most sonically and thematically engrossing record of Cattle Decapitation‘s maniacal discography, The Anthropocene Extinction was named one of the best albums of the year by Loudwire.com, MetalSucks.net, MetalInjection.net, among many others. To preview and purchase the acclaimed The Anthropocene Extinction, please visit: metalblade.com/cattledecapitation
Currently on the road with Crowbar after a crushing Ozzfest performance, Goatwhore are currently finishing up work on their seventh full-length, which was recorded and is being mixed entirely in analog format. Their previous record, Constricting Rage Of The Merciless (2014), was dubbed their most “varied record to date, as well as their strongest” (Pitchfork.com) and “unrelentingly pummeling and brutally oppressive” (PopMatters.com). Constricting Rage Of The Merciless can be previewed and purchased at: metalblade.com/goatwhore
Since the release of their new album, Proponent for Sentience, this past September, Allegaeon has shared the stage with the likes of Black Sabbath, Disturbed, Megadeth and more at Ozzfest Meets Knotfest, as well as joined label-mates Battlecross and Necromancing the Stone for the annual “Winter Warriors Tour”. To preview and purchase Proponent for Sentience – a musically complex, intelligent, and absorbing concept album – please visit: metalblade.com/allegaeon
Over the past two years Metal Blade Records has re-issued a whole bunch of RIOT albums on Digi-CD and vinyl.
On September, 23rd the next two titles will be added to the rich catalogue of this fabulous band. ‘Fire Down Under‘ and ‘Restless Breed‘ are two milestones in the history of RIOT and it’s our pleasure to make these titles available again in the best versions yet.
‘Fire Down Under‘ will be available on Digi-CD with two bonus tracks (‘Misty Morning Rain’ and ‘You’re All I Needed Tonight’) as well as on vinyl in three different versions (180 g black/artic white marbled/yellow with orange spots).
‘Restless Breed‘ will be available on Digi-CD with the 6-song ‘Riot Live‘ EP from 1982 as bonus as well as on vinyl in three different versions (180 g black/red opaque/violet blue marbeled).
Both albums have been remastered by Patrick Engel for the best sound quality ever. The vinyl versions include a free poster each, the Digi-CDs poster booklets.
