Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel recently spoke to Fuse about 30 years of the label’s history, with stories about METALLICA, SLAYER,GWAR and CANNIBAL CORPSE. Check out the ten-minute chat below.
In a 2007 interview, Slagel estimated that Metal Blade has released around 2,000 records. In addition to the “Metal Massacre” compilation he put together in 1982 while running the New Heavy Metal Revue fanzine — a local-band compilation that included METALLICA‘s first recorded release, BLACK N BLUE, MALICE, CIRITH UNGOL, DEMON FLIGHT,BITCH, AVATAR, and PANDEMONIUM — Slagel‘s fledgling record imprint released the early music by SLAYER and CORROSION OF CONFORMITY.
“It’s been great to have worked with great bands at the beginnings of their careers and to help them develop those careers,” Slagel said.
It was Slagel‘s enthusiasm for heavy metal as a fan that encouraged its humble beginnings and it is with that very same passion that Slagel has led Metal Blade Records to the forefront of the genre.
Metal Blade Records boasts one of the most comprehensive heavy metal catalogs in the world, including seminal releases by SLAYER, CANNIBAL CORPSE, GWAR, KING DIAMOND, SIX FEET UNDER, FATES WARNING,ARMORED SAINT, MERCYFUL FATE and many more.
Source: www.blabbermouth.net