Sumerian Records is an American independent label founded in 2006 by Ash Avildsen in Los Angeles. It specializes in metalcore, progressive metal, djent, and heavy metal. Sumerian is home to Animals as Leaders, Periphery, Born of Osiris, and Veil of Maya. It is distributed by The Orchard (Sony's independent distribution arm), giving it major-distribution reach while remaining independently owned.
Sumerian built its reputation on the 2010s djent and progressive metal movement. Its signings of Animals as Leaders and Periphery defined the modern progressive metal sound. The label also released Asking Alexandria's early catalog. Sumerian's identity is tightly linked to technically proficient metal and the touring ecosystem around it.
How Sumerian Operates
Sumerian runs dedicated A&R for metalcore, progressive metal, and djent. It is distributed by The Orchard, which gives it access to Sony's distribution network. The label's strength is its deep ties to the progressive metal and metalcore touring community. Its A&R favors bands with strong technical ability and live followings.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
If you make progressive metal, djent, or technically driven metalcore, Sumerian is one of the most respected independent labels in that niche. Its roster of genre-defining progressive metal acts (Animals as Leaders, Periphery) shows it signs artists who push technical boundaries.
Drawbacks and Things to Consider
- Genre focus: Sumerian signs progressive metal, djent, and metalcore. Artists outside that world should look elsewhere.
- No unsolicited demos: Sumerian does not accept cold submissions.
- Touring expectations: Sumerian's model favors bands with strong live followings.
- Niche market: Progressive metal is a small market, which affects advance sizes and marketing budgets.
Notable Artists and Releases
| Artist | Release | Year | Chart Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bad Omens | The Death of Peace of Mind | 2022 | #1 US Heatseekers, #11 US Top Hard Rock, RIAA Gold (500,000 units), BPI Silver (60,000 units) |
| Bad Omens | Just Pretend (single) | 2023 | RIAA Gold, BPI Silver, RMNZ Gold, #1 on multiple Billboard rock charts, 26 weeks topping charts |
| Periphery | Juggernaut: Alpha | 2015 | #22 US Billboard 200, #2 US Top Hard Rock, #3 US Independent Albums |
| Periphery | Periphery II: This Time It's Personal | 2012 | #44 US Billboard 200, #2 US Heatseekers |
| Poppy | Negative Spaces | 2024 | #4 US Heatseekers, #23 US Top Hard Rock, #10 UK Rock and Metal Albums |
| Poppy | Zig | 2023 | #27 US Top Album Sales, #8 US Current Alternative Albums, #9 US Current Rock Albums |
| Poppy | New Way Out (single) | 2024 | #9 US Mainstream Rock, #16 US Hot Hard Rock Songs |
| Kittie | Fire | 2024 | #13 UK Rock and Metal Albums Chart |
Videos
Deal Structures
Sumerian Records operates as an independent label distributed by The Orchard (Sony's independent distribution arm). This gives Sumerian access to major-label distribution while remaining independently owned. The label offers traditional recording deals with master ownership retained by the label. Sumerian's deals typically include recording advances, marketing budgets, and touring support tied to album cycles. Distribution through The Orchard provides global physical and digital distribution. Sumerian structures deals around full album projects rather than single-focused releases, reflecting the progressive metal and metalcore audience's preference for complete records. The label also offers publishing administration for some roster artists. Because Sumerian is independently owned, deal terms can be more flexible than major-label contracts, though advance sizes are smaller than what major labels offer.
How Artists Get Signed
Sumerian does not accept unsolicited demos. The label signs artists through A&R scouting at live shows, streaming data analysis, and industry referrals. Founder Ash Avildsen has deep ties to the metal touring ecosystem, and many signings come from the progressive metal and metalcore touring circuits. Bad Omens were signed after building a following through self-released EPs and relentless touring. Poppy was signed based on her crossover appeal between pop and metal, which aligned with Sumerian's expansion beyond pure progressive metal. Artists typically need a strong touring following and streaming numbers before being considered. Managers and booking agents with relationships to Sumerian's A&R team facilitate most signings. The label favors technically proficient bands with established live followings.
Similar Labels
- Metal Blade Records - American independent metal label founded in 1982 with a deep catalog
- Rise Records - Oregon-based label focused on metalcore and post-hardcore
- Century Media Records - International metal label distributed by Sony Music
- Nuclear Blast Records - German metal label with a global roster
Related Resources
- Record Label Contracts Explained - What a Sumerian deal contains
- Independent Labels vs Major Labels - The indie trade-off
- Tour Revenue Calculator - Touring income for metal bands
- Metal Blade Records - A related metal indie label
- Sumerian Records Official Site - Roster and releases
