Metal Blade Records is an American independent heavy metal label founded in 1982 by Brian Slagel in Los Angeles. It is one of the oldest and most respected metal labels in the world. Metal Blade launched the careers of Metallica (whose early demos were released on Metal Blade compilations), Slayer (whose early albums were released on Metal Blade), Cannibal Corpse (whose decades-long career has been on Metal Blade), and Amon Amarth. The label is distributed by The Orchard (Sony's independent distribution arm) and continues to sign death metal, power metal, and thrash acts.
Metal Blade built its reputation on the 1980s thrash and death metal scenes. Its early releases (Metallica's appearances on the Metal Massacre compilations, Slayer's Show No Mercy) established the label as a foundational force in extreme metal. The label's signings of Cannibal Corpse (the best-selling death metal band of all time) and Amon Amarth (one of the biggest melodic death metal bands) cemented its status. The modern roster includes Behemoth, Whitechapel, and other acts across death metal, power metal, and thrash. Metal Blade's 40-year history makes it one of the longest-running independent metal labels.
How Metal Blade Operates
Metal Blade runs dedicated A&R under founder Brian Slagel from its Los Angeles headquarters. It is distributed by The Orchard (Sony), giving it major-distribution reach while remaining independently owned. The label's strength is its 40-year history of signing artists who define metal subgenres and its deep ties to the global metal touring, festival, and retail ecosystem. Its A&R favors bands with strong technical ability and underground credibility.
Notable Artists and Releases
Metal Blade has released some of the most important albums in heavy metal history. The label launched careers of Metallica, Slayer, Cannibal Corpse, and Amon Amarth.
- Metallica - Metal Massacre compilation (1982, the label's first release, featured Metallica's first recorded track "Hit the Lights")
- Slayer - Show No Mercy (1983, the band's debut album, released on Metal Blade)
- Cannibal Corpse - A Skeletal Domain (2014, #32 Billboard 200, #3 Hard Music, #5 Independent Albums, highest charting record in band history)
- Cannibal Corpse - Red Before Black (2017, #95 Billboard 200, #21 Top 200 Current Albums, #2 Hard Music Albums)
- Cannibal Corpse - Evisceration Plague (2009, #66 Billboard 200, #6 Top Independent Albums)
- Amon Amarth - Deceiver of the Gods (2013, #19 Billboard 200, #3 Germany Top 100, #4 UK Rock/Metal Chart)
- Amon Amarth - Twilight of the Thunder God (2008, #1 Sweden Album Chart)
- Amon Amarth - Berserker (2019, #17 US Billboard 200)
- The Black Dahlia Murder - Unhallowed (2003, debut album, signed after Brian Slagel discovered them on Myspace)
- Behemoth - The Satanist (2014, released on Metal Blade in North America)
Official Music Videos
Label Documentary
Deal Structures
Metal Blade offers traditional recording deals. Founder Brian Slagel has been explicit about the label's approach:
- No 360 deals: Slagel has stated publicly, "We don't do 360 deals or anything like that, we never did. I don't think that's fair at all." Metal Blade does not take a cut of touring, merch, or publishing revenue.
- Traditional recording deals: Metal Blade signs standard recording contracts. The label takes master ownership for the deal term. Artists retain their publishing and touring income.
- Distribution deals: Metal Blade offers distribution deals with artist-owned labels. Examples include Blackmarket Activities (run by The Red Chord's Guy Kozowyk) and Ironclad Recordings (run by Unearth's Trevor Phipps). These sub-labels serve as additional A&R sources for Metal Blade.
- Worldwide distribution via The Orchard: Metal Blade's distribution through The Orchard (Sony) gives its releases global retail and streaming reach.
How Artists Get Signed
Metal Blade does not accept unsolicited demos. The signing process relies on A&R scouting, referrals, and founder Brian Slagel's personal judgment:
- Industry referrals: Slagel estimates 99% of signings come through someone in the industry. Local promoters, podcasters, magazine writers, and radio DJs are common sources of recommendations.
- Social media presence: Slagel requires bands to have an active social media following. He tells bands that building buzz independently makes a label deal more viable.
- Touring history: Metal Blade favors bands with proven touring experience and festival presence. Slagel looks for bands who have "paid their dues" on the road.
- Gut feeling: Slagel ultimately signs bands based on personal taste. He says, "If I like a band, we'll most likely sign them. It stems more from a gut feeling."
- Online discovery: The Black Dahlia Murder was signed after Slagel found them on Myspace. He noticed multiple bands he knew were connected to their page and reached out directly.
- Final approval: Every signing goes through Slagel personally, even when staff members bring in recommendations.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
If you make death metal, power metal, thrash, or black metal, Metal Blade Records is one of the oldest and most respected independent metal labels in the world, with a 40-year track record of signing artists who define metal subgenres. Its signings of Cannibal Corpse and Amon Amarth show it can sustain careers across decades in metal.
Drawbacks and Things to Consider
- Genre focus: Metal Blade signs heavy metal and its subgenres. Artists outside metal should look elsewhere.
- No unsolicited demos: Metal Blade does not accept cold submissions.
- Touring expectations: Metal Blade's model favors bands with strong touring followings and festival presence.
- Indie deal terms: Metal Blade typically takes master ownership for the deal term.
Related Resources
- Record Label Contracts Explained - What a Metal Blade deal contains
- Independent Labels vs Major Labels - The indie metal model
- Tour Revenue Calculator - Touring income for metal bands
- Nuclear Blast Records - A related metal label
- Century Media Records - Another independent metal label
- Epitaph Records - An independent punk and metal label
- Fearless Records - An independent rock and metal label
- Metal Blade Records Official Site - Roster and releases
