A music starved kid named Brian Slagel, killing time in suburban Los Angeles, gets sick of watching the local metal scene being ignored by the major labels. Working days at legendary metal emporium Oz Records and nights putting together one of the first metal fanzines, The New Heavy Metal Revue, Slagel asks some distributor friends if they'd be interested in circulating a compilation of unsigned bands if he put it together. The distributors said yes and Metal Blade Records was born. Of course it wasn't quite that simple. Putting in long 17 hour days between Oz and Metal Blade, Slagel pieced together the bands that would grace the label's first release - The New Heavy Metal Revue presents Metal Massacre. Metallica, Ratt and Black 'N' Blue were just a few of the willing locals. Except before Metal Massacre, Metallica didn't exist.
Metalupdate Interview w/ Brian Slagel BEHIND THE SCREAMS - PART 2
The noise began 26 years ago…
So now for over 25 years Metal Blade Records has been setting the trend in heavy metal music without compromising its underground beginnings. Brian Slagel and Metal Blade Records have without a doubt had a major role in developing the American metal scene since day one and remains one of the most essential sources of metal music today. Since it’s beginnings in 1982, Metal Blade Records has unleashed some of the most influential and significant metal acts like Slayer, Metallica, Cannibal Corpse, GWAR, Six Feet Under, and King Diamond while developing new acts like As I Lay Dying, Unearth, The Black Dahlia Murder, The Red Chord, Shai Hulud, Goatwhore, 3, Amon Amarth, Whitechapel, Brain Drill, and Job For A Cowboy just to name a few. There are few who can argue that Metal Blade is one of the leading independent metal labels around! Constantly growing and expanding, Metal Blade now has offices in Japan, Canada, and an office in the UK shared with Ferret Records. Not to mention the already significant Metal Blade Records Germany who recently celebrated their 10th Anniversary. By keeping a constant eye on the underground, adding some of the best bands out there to its roster, and being one of the main sponsors to one of the summers leading metal tours, Sounds of the Underground; it is obvious that Metal Blade Records is here to stay!
Metal Blade Records USA
2828 Cochran St. PMB 302
Simi Valley, CA 93065
metalblade@metalblade.com		 Metal Blade Merchandies
4025 E. Chandler Blvd.
Suite 70-D7
Phoenix, AZ 85044		 Metal Blade Records GMBH
Europe
P.O. Box 1332
73054 Eisilngen, Germany		 Metal Blade Records Japan
3-54-6 Sendagaya,
2nd Floor, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo,
151-0051 Japan

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
QUESTION: Does Metal Blade accept unsolicited material?
Yes
QUESTION: Where can I send my demo?
Please send all demos to the following address:
Metal Blade Records, Inc.
Attn: A&R
2828 Cochran St. PMB 302
Simi Valley, CA 93065
QUESTION: Should I contact the label after sending the demo to see if it's been heard?
We receive an incredible amount of demos each week, so please be patient if you do not hear from us after a few weeks. All demos received are logged and contact will be made by Metal Blade either way. Also, please make sure that all contact info is clearly labeled when sending in a demo. This will help expedite the process.
QUESTION: How can I check the status of my online order?
Please send an email to sales@metalblade.com to check on the status of your order. Please make sure to include all pertinent order information.
QUESTION: Why was the show for my favorite Metal Blade band canceled in my area?
There are several reasons why a show might be canceled, none of which has anything to do with Metal Blade. Some of the reasons include...
• Trouble with the venue
• Illness within the band
• Problems with the promoter
QUESTION: Why is the show in my area 21 and over?
Metal Blade Records has no control over the age limit venues put on their customers. As a record label, all we can do is support our bands while they're on the road. Anything having to do with live performances is situated between the venue and tour promoter.
QUESTION: How can I contact my favorite Metal Blade bands?
Most bands have mailing address and/or email address information on the inner sleeves of their CD's. You can also check the artist section of the Metal Blade site to find links to the bands' websites and myspace pages. If you are still unable to find contact information, please contact us and we will forward your request:

Metal Blade Records
2828 Cochran St. PMB 302
Simi Valley, CA 93065
metalblade@metalblade.com

METAL BLADE RECORDS RELEASE HISTORY
YEAR DATE ARTIST TITLE
1982 6/1/82 VARIOUS METAL MASSACRE 1
12/1/82 BITCH DAMNATION ALLEY
12/1/82 DEMON FLIGHT DEMON FLIGHT
1983 1/1/83 VARIOUS METAL MASSACRE II
4/1/83 WARLORD DELIVER US
7/1/83 BITCH BE MY SLAVE
7/1/83 VARIOUS METAL MASSACRE III
8/1/83 SAVAGE GRACE DOMINATRESS
8/1/83 ARMORED SAINT ARMORED SAINT
11/1/83 PANDEMONIUM HEAVY METAL SOLDIERS
12/1/83 SLAYER SHOW NO MERCY
12/1/83 VARIOUS METAL MASSACRE IV
1984 2/1/84 VARIOUS METAL MASSACRE I
3/1/84 TROUBLE PSALM 9
3/1/84 TROUBLE ASSASSIN
3/1/84 SATAN COURT IN THE ACT
3/1/84 WITCHKILLER DAY OF THE SAXONS
3/1/84 SILVER MOUNTAIN SHAKIN BRAINS
4/1/84 VARIOUS METAL MASSACRE II & III
5/1/84 LIZZY BORDEN GIVE EM THE AXE
5/1/84 VARIOUS METAL MASSACRE 5
6/1/84 WARLORD LOST AND LONELY
6/1/84 VARIOUS TOTAL DESTRUCTION
8/1/84 HELLHAMMER APOCALYPTIC RAID
8/1/84 SLAYER HAUNTING THE CHAPEL
8/1/84 VOIDOD WAR & PAIN
9/1/84 OBSESSION MARSHALL LAW
9/1/84 FATES WARNING NIGHT ON BROCKEN
9/1/84 DARK HEART SHADOW OF THE NIGHT
10/1/84 THRUST FIST HELD HIGH
10/1/84 MAD MAX ROLLIN THUNDER
10/1/84 WARLORD CANNONS OF DESTRUCTION
11/1/84 OMEN BATTLE CRY
12/1/84 THIRD STAGE THIRD STAGE ALERT
1985 2/1/85 CELTIC FROST MORBID TALES
3/1/85 VARIOUS METAL MASSACRE 6
3/1/85 SLAYER LIVE UNDEAD
3/1/85 DESTRUCTION SENTANCE OF DEATH
6/1/85 LIZZY BORDEN LOVE YOU TO PIECES
6/1/85 CORROSION OF CONFORMITY ANIMOSITY
6/1/85 SODOM IN THE SIGN
6/1/85 DESTRUCTION INFERNAL OVERKILL
7/1/85 D.R.I. DEALING WITH IT
7/1/85 HALLOW'S EVE TALES OF TERROR
7/1/85 NASTY SAVAGE NASTY SAVAGE
8/1/85 TYRANT LEGIONS OF THE DEAD
8/1/85 MENTORS YOU AXED FOR IT
8/1/85 CELTIC FROST EMPERORS RETURN
9/1/85 ATTACKER BATTLE AT HELMS DEEP
9/1/85 MARK EDWARDS CODE OF HONOR
9/1/85 UGLY AMERICANS WHO'S BEEN SLEEPING
9/1/85 SLAYER HELL AWAITS
10/1/85 HIRAX RAGING VIOLENCE
10/1/85 OMEN WARNING OF DANGER
10/1/85 FATES WARNING SPECTRE WITHIN
10/1/85 PANDEMONIUM HOLE IN THE SKY
1986 1/1/86 VARIOUS METAL MASSACRE 7
1/1/86 PREDATOR EASY PREY
3/1/86 SPEED METAL SPEED METAL
3/1/86 SOUND BARRIER SPEED OF LIGHT
4/1/86 VARIOUS BEST OF METAL BLADE VOL. 1
4/1/86 LIZZY BORDEN MURDERESS METAL ROAD SHOW
6/1/86 SODOM OBSESSED BY CRUELTY
6/1/86 SACRIFICE TORMENT IN FIRE
6/1/86 DEAF DEALER KEEPER OF THE FLAME
6/1/86 SENTINEL BEAST DEPTHS OF DEATH
7/1/86 DESTRUCTION ETERNAL DEVASTATION
7/1/86 CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER CONVICTED
7/1/86 CIRITH UNGOL ONE FOOT IN HELL
7/1/86 FLOTSAM & JETSAM DOOMSDAY FOR THE DECEIVER
7/1/86 JUGGERNAUT BAPTISM UNDER FIRE
7/1/86 UGLY AMERICANS PHILADELPHIA FREE
7/1/86 SAVAGE GRACE AFTER THE FALL FROM GRACE
8/1/86 BLOODLUST GUILTY AS SIN
8/1/86 DETENTE RECOGNIZE NO AUTHORITY
8/1/86 HIRAX HATE, FEAR, POWER
8/1/86 HALLOWS EVE DEATH AND INSANITY
9/1/86 DR. KNOW THIS ISLAND EARTH
9/1/86 BEYOND POSSESSION IS THIS BEYOND POSSESSION
9/1/86 EXXPLORER SYMPHONIES OF STEEL
9/1/86 KRANK HIDEOUS
9/1/86 JESTERS OF DESTINY FUN AT THE FUNERAL
9/1/86 LIZZY BORDEN MENACE TO SOCIETY
10/1/86 VARIOUS COMPLETE DEATH
10/1/86 CITIES ANNIHILATION
10/1/86 VARIOUS METAL MASSACRE 8
10/1/86 OMEN THE CURSE
12/1/86 PRISONER RIP IT UP
12/1/86 WARLORD THY KINGDOME COME
12/1/86 HERETIC TORTURE KNOWS NO BOUNDARY
12/1/86 MENTORS UP THE DOSE
1987 2/1/87 NASTY SAVAGE INDULGENCE
2/1/87 LIEGE LORD 12" SINGLE
3/1/87 LIZZY BORDEN TERROR RISING
3/1/87 D.R.I. CROSSOVER
3/1/87 VARIOUS BEST OF METAL BLADE VOL. 2
3/1/87 BITCH BITCH IS BACK
3/1/87 LIEGE LORD BURN TO MY TOUCH
4/1/87 OMEN NIGHTMARES
4/1/87 MASI FIRE IN THE RAIN
5/1/87 CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER MONEY
5/1/87 ANVIL STRENGTH OF STEEL
6/1/87 FLOTSAM & JETSAM DOOMSDAY PICTURE DISC
6/1/87 NASTY SAVAGE INDULGENCE PICTURE DISC
6/1/87 TROUBLE RUN TO THE LIGHT
8/1/87 LIZZY BORDEN VISUAL LIES
9/1/87 DIAMOND HEAD BEHOLD THE BEGINNING
9/1/87 SACRIFICE FORWARD TO TERMINATION
9/1/87 JUGGERNAUT TROUBLE WITHIN
10/1/87 HIRAX NOT DEAD YET
10/1/87 SACRILEGE WITHIN THE PROPHECY
10/1/87 SACRED REICH IGNORANCE
10/1/87 JESTERS OF DESTINY IN A NOSTALGIC MOOD
11/1/87 FATES WARNING AWAKEN THE GUARDIAN
11/1/87 SLAYER LIVE UNDEAD
1988 1/1/88 VARIOUS COMPLETE DEATH
1/1/88 DEAD END GHOST OF ROMANCE
1/1/88 CANDLEMASS NIGHTFALL
1/1/88 NASTY SAVAGE ABSTRACT REALTY
2/1/88 VIKING DO OR DIE
3/1/88 VARIOUS METAL MASSACARE 9
3/1/88 HALLOWS EVE MONUMENT
3/1/88 FATES WARNING NO EXIT
4/1/88 BETSY BETSY
4/1/88 VARIOUS BEST OF METAL BLADE VOL. 3
5/1/88 MASI DOWNTOWN DREAMERS
5/1/88 D.R.I. THINK FOR YOURSELF
6/1/88 PANDEMONIUM THE KILL
6/1/88 MARK RENNER PAINTER'S JOY
6/1/88 TARAMIS QUEEN OF THIEVES
6/1/88 D.R.I. FOUR OF A KIND
7/1/88 CANDLEMASS AT THE GALLOWS END
8/1/88 BANSHEE CRYIN THE NIGHT
8/1/88 HERETIC THE BREAKING POINT
8/1/88 LIEGE LORD MASTER CONTROL
8/1/88 ARMORED SAINT RAIN PAIN
8/1/88 CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS
9/1/88 SLAYER HELL AWAITS(REISSUE)
9/1/88 DEAD END SHAMBARA
9/1/88 ANVIL POUND FOR POUND
9/1/88 SOUNDTRACK BLACK ROSES
10/1/88 OMEN ESCAPE TO NOWHERE
10/1/88 SACRED REICH SURF NICARAGUA
11/1/88 HELSTAR A DISTANT THUNDER
11/1/88 TATTOO BLOOD RED
11/1/88 DR. KNOW WRECKAGE IN FLESH
11/1/88 C.B.I. BIG TEARS
11/1/88 SCHOOL OF VIOLENCE WE THE PEOPLE
11/1/88 SOUNDTRACK MANIAC COP
11/1/88 CANDLEMASS ANCIENT DREAMS
11/1/88 LIZZY BORDEN MURDEOUS METAL ROAD SHOW
11/1/88 D.R.I. LIVE AT THE RITZ
12/1/88 SOUNDTRACK BEACH BALLS
1989 1/1/89 D.R.I. DEALING WITH IT (REISSUE)
1/1/89 D.R.I. CROSSOVER (REISSUE)
2/1/89 D.R.I. SUIT & TIE GUY
2/1/89 VARIOUS STREET SURVIVORS
2/1/89 GOO GOO DOLLS JED
2/1/89 SACRED REICH SURF NICARAGUA PICTURE DISC
3/1/89 BITCH BE MY SLAVE/DAMNATION ALLEY
3/1/89 UFO AIN'T MISBEHAVIN
3/1/89 ARTCH ANOTHER RETURN TO CHURCH HILL
3/1/89 OMEN WARNING/NIGHTMARES
3/1/89 CANDLEMASS MIRROR, MIRROR
4/1/89 SACRILEGE TURN BACK TRILOBYTE
4/1/89 ANGKOR WAT WHEN OBSCENITY BECOMES THE NORM
4/1/89 VARIOUS BEST OF METAL MASSACRE
4/1/89 HERETIC BREAKING POINT (REISSUE)
5/1/89 LOSS FOR WORDS P.R.E.Y.
5/1/89 MASI ATTACK OF THE NEON SHARK
6/1/89 CIRCUS OF POWER STILL ALIVE
6/1/89 BITCH A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME
6/1/89 TATTOOED LOVE BOYS BLEEDING
6/1/89 HEIR APPARENT ONE SMALL VOICE
7/1/89 LITTLE CAESAR NAME YOUR POISON
7/1/89 ANVIL PAST AND PRESENT LIVE
7/1/89 LIZZY BORDEN MASTER OF DISGUISE
7/1/89 MALICE CRAZY IN THE NIGHT
7/1/89 VIKING MAN OF STRAW
7/1/89 PRINCESS PANG PRINCESS PANG
8/1/89 INTRUDER A HIGHER FORM OF KILLING
8/1/89 MENTORS UP THE DOSE/YOU AXED
8/1/89 WARLORD BEST OF WARLORD
8/1/89 FATES WARNING PERFECT SYMMETRY
8/1/89 FATES WARNING THROUGH DIFFERENT EYES
8/1/89 LIZZY BORDEN WE GOT THE POWER
9/1/89 JUNK MONKEYS SOUL CAKES
9/1/89 HELSTAR NOSFERATU