2021 marks the 10th anniversary for the Violent Gentlemen brand (violentgentlemen.com); to commemorate this milestone, Violent Gentlemen has been releasing limited edition products and collaborations on the 27th of each month, which will continue through November 27th, 2021. The latest installment of this “10 Year Collection” is a collaboration with Metal Blade Records, which kicked off April 27th.
Violent Gentlemen comments: “We met Brian Slagel (the owner of Metal Blade Records) years ago at a hockey game, and it was an instant connection. He’s a fellow hockey psychopath who’s dedication to the game goes deeper than you could ever imagine. We’ve enjoyed many games, concerts, and fantastic meals together. We’re extremely proud to finally see our logos together. All Metal Blade Records X VG 10 Year products are available now in limited quantities at: violentgentlemen.com.”
Brian Slagel (CEO and founder of Metal Blade Records) comments: “I have been a fan and friends with Violent Gentlemen for a long time. It’s truly an honor to do this amazing collab with them. Thanks to all over at VG for these awesome designs!! Hope you all enjoy these!”
Purchase exclusive MB/VG jerseys, socks, hoodies, tees, hats, and patches now at: violentgentlemen.com/collections/10-year – where a “Slagel Mystery Jersey” is also available, with all proceeds being donated to Hard Knox Rescue. Additionally, fans can purchase the MB/VG jerseys online at the Metal Blade webshop (indiemerch.com/metalbladerecords) or at the Metal Blade store in Las Vegas, located at: Antique Mall of America 9151 S Las Vegas Blvd # 344 Las Vegas, NV 89123
Metal Blade Records have announced their ‘Metal Massacre XV’ Compilation, curated by Decibel Magazine’s Albert Mudrian – available digitally and on vinyl; song previews now streaming online.
Album artwork by: Christopher Lovell (Aborted, Ghost, Byzantine, Amon Amarth // instagram.com/lovellart)
In 1982, Metal Blade Records put out its first release: Metal Massacre, a compilation album that included Metallica, Ratt, and many other influential artists. Now, Metal Blade will be releasing Metal Massacre XV on May 21st – and continuing the legacy of the first album – the collection will once again contain a sampling of contemporary heavy metal, curated by Decibel Magazine‘s Albert Mudrian.
Ryan Williams (Metal Blade Records A&R), who coordinated this installment of Metal Massacre, comments: “The legend of the ‘Metal Massacre‘ series is the first thing many people think of when they hear ‘Metal Blade Records’. Famously, it’s how Brian Slagel introduced the world to Metallica – not to mention many up-and-coming bands throughout the 80s, 90s and 2000s. When Metal Blade’s President Tracy Vera suggested I organize the next volume, I was honored to pick up the baton and run with it. While brainstorming about the direction to take, Nikki Law (our Head of Publicity) suggested partnering with Albert at Decibel Magazine, who is legendary in his own right for having a perpetual ear-to-the-ground of the deepest corners of the underground metal scene. Luckily it didn’t take any arm twisting for Albert to be a part of the team on this the 15th edition, so we went to work looking for awesome bands to work with, and I think we have put together a distinct collection of bands and songs. We tried to stay true to the old school mentality of making a compilation tape for your friends, featuring bands you really just want other people to check out. This edition includes a diverse collection of metal acts, heavy hitters, modern, and old school tunes – so hopefully there is something for everyone here! Turn it up and enjoy!”
Albert Mudrian (Decibel Magazine Editor in Chief) adds: “It was an extreme honor to be called upon to help curate an installment of the truly transformative ‘Metal Massacre‘ series. Rather than concentrate on one particular era or style, I dutifully attempted to bring the best sub-genres metal has produced over the past 40 years into a cohesive portrait of what today’s underground metal scene faithfully represents. May it and ‘Metal Massacre‘ forever reign.”
Pre-order Metal Massacre XV now at: metalblade.com/metalmassacre – where the record is available in various formats.
See below for the complete track-listing, and preview clips of each song now at:
Metal Massacre XV track-listing 1. Midnight “Masked and Deadly” (Metal Massacre XV exclusive!) 2. Poison Ruïn “Demon Wind” 3. Fuming Mouth “Master of Extremity” 4. Many Suffer “The Trees Die Standing” (Metal Massacre XV exclusive!) 5. Temple of Void “Leave the Light Behind” 6. Ripped to Shreds “撿骨 (Bone Ritual)” (Metal Massacre XV exclusive!) 7. Rude “Omega” 8. Midnight Dice “Starblind” 9. Smoulder “Warrior Witch of Hel” 10. Mother of Graves “In Somber Dreams”
Metal Blade Records have issued the following: “It’s that time of the year, again. Sale prices have been unleashed on items throughout our Indiemerch store, and our holiday contest is online now. We’ve partnered with Think Geek and U-Turn for several insane prize bundles, including Thor’s hammer, and a custom Metal Blade U-Turn turntable! The contest ends January 12, 2018.
For the holiday sale, prices in the web store have been slashed up to 50% on select items, including deals on vinyl, box sets, merch, and more. Don’t have the Cannibal Corpse “Torture” picture disc, yet? Or King Diamond vinyl? Now’s your chance! Head to indiemerch.com to browse our selection.”
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 Shock Finland (World Assault ) 