Over fifteen years ago, a story of success began in the Austrian town of Eisenerz. What started out as a one-person operation in a cramped living-room, became one of the biggest record labels of the independent scene. Fans of the heavier genres have long come to know Napalm Records for its numerous metal releases, many of which have reached cult status.

In the beginning, Napalm Records focused mainly on the black metal releases of bands like ABIGOR and SUMMONING. Although both managed to create a style all of their own, SUMMONING in particular was most successful in taking their unique atmospheric style way past the European borders to reach an unbelievable level of notoriety on an international level.

But Napalm Records didn't stop there. Never shying away from unexplored paths of innovative musical styles and genres, the label supported artists that would later become known as the legendary pioneers and originators of the Pagan/Folk Metal genres, including the revered VINTERSORG and FALKENBACH.

Over the course of the years, Napalm Records searched for new talent and expanded its roster considerably by adding doom, power, symphonic and gothic metal to their ever-growing list. Within the gothic metal genre, THE SINS OF THY BELOVED, SIRENIA, and TRISTANIA were able to create quite a stir and successfully establish themselves among the best. In recent years, LEAVES' EYES, ELIS, MIDNATTSOL, KATRA, and EDENBRIDGE have also managed to join this illustrious group. With these releases, Napalm Records was able to widen its audience and soon felt encouraged to expand the variety of bands it would support.

Yet Napalm Records' folk metal focal point never strayed and the label continued helping bands like KORPIKLAANI, GLITTERTIND, TÝR, and ALESTORM achieve international notoriety.

The medieval rockers SALTATIO MORTIS, the "rock 'n' sad" initiators LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE, and scene icons ATROCITY, GRAVE DIGGER, and LEAVES' EYES helped Napalm Records become a household name among mainstream audiences by entering the charts repeatedly. With SALTATIO MORTIS, Napalm Records achieved the highest chart entry to date. "Wer Wind Saet" entered the German Media Control charts at number 10.

More recently, Napalm Records has embraced the rock and stoner rock scene with big-name signings such as MONSTER MAGNET, KARMA TO BURN, and BRANT BJÖRK.

One of the latest bands to join the Austrian label’s roster of celebrated artists is the US formation SEVENTH VOID, which boasts of two former members of the legendary TYPE O NEGATIVE, very keen on keeping their legacy alive. More recent signings include THE SORROW, LONELY KAMEL, HUNTRESS, and the doom legend CANDLEMASS.

However, Napalm Records does not only limit its operation to the support and development of new talent or the release of its artists' recordings. The label's own mail order service has been providing satisfied customers with the fastest delivery, unbeatable prices, and a top-notch service for many years. Over 15,000 items (CDs, vinyl, merchandise, etc.) are waiting to be discovered both in the biannually published print catalog and in the well organized, easy-access online store.

The Napalm Records Handels GmbH headquarters and center of operations, including the aforementioned mail order service, are located in Eisenerz, Austria and currently employ 13 people. A second office located in Austin, Texas, employs 3 people, while a third employee works for the label from Canada. Napalm Records also enjoys a close working relationship with an extensive worldwide network of A&R consultants and local promoters.

Last but not least, Napalm Records also boasts of its own publishing house. Over the years, IRON AVANTGARDE PUBLISHING has handled the rights to innumerable works from the most diverse of authors.

Synergy Protocol: The unity in a set of regulations.
 
Yes, dear readers, we are talking about yet another Dutch female fronted metal band. But… this time we are talking about a truely progressive metal band with an 80’ies twist. Unlike so many other female fronted bands these days, Synergy Protocol first and foremost affiliates with bands like Dream Theater, Symphony X, Queensrÿche, Opeth and Ayreon.
 
So how is that progressive?
Well, the music contains a lot of stuff that makes it more complicated than absolutely necessary, like many, many, many signature changes, vocal harmonies and enchanting melodies. We don’t really know what is progressive about that, but that is how they call it anyway. The definition of metal is a lot easier: the distorted guitars are usually loud!
The 80’ies twist comes from early influences like Iron Maiden, Queen, Toto, Metallica and Rush.
This is what clearly distinguishes the band from others.
 
During the first 18 months of their existence the vocals were taken care of by Laura Guldemond. After her sudden departure the band is currently getting back to speed with their new and amazingly talented new vocalist, Laura Martínez, who has made her first public appearance with Synergy Protocol at Occultfest on September 4th, 2015 in Hoogeveen.
As always she will be supported by one of the biggest Dutch talents on drums: Patrick van Mourik; his double kick will make your earplugs melt. Mark Roelofs plays the guitar and takes care of the high pitch in the vocal harmonies. Maarten “Big M” Heeringa is the second guitarist / backing vocalist and together with Wim Smits (bass, ex-Jewel) brings in the experience.
 
With their first singer Synergy Protocol released their first demo in February 2014 and has performed over 40 shows all over the Netherlands, amongst others as a support for Stream of Passion and Vulture Industries on the main stages of De Boerderij and P60. They always manage to leave the audience with a smile on their face, due the humourous and unforgettable live-performance, which reputation is spreading fast understandibly.
 
The first half of 2016 was mainly spent recording the first full-length, and maybe even more, CD. The CD is scheduled to be released shortly after summer 2016. Plans are to accompany this with an extensive tour abroad.
 
Meanwhile they keep striving for entertaining as many people as possible all over the world, whether it is at festivals, clubshows or support slots.
 
Hence: Synergy Protocol!

Pop-influenced metalband from the Netherlands. First full-length album "From here on" OUT NOW!

Eve&#x27;s Fall is following

Eve's Fall is following