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.

Since the first time he picked up a mic at the age of 14, L Rev has been a part of the Canadian hip hop scene bringing a diverse repertoire of battles, performances, promotions and recording. After teaming up with some friends, namely Ronald Degagne also known as UrbnVoyce, cyphering and free styling turned a young L Rev into a force to be reckoned with, becoming strong in all facets of emceeing. At the age of 17, he was given the opportunity by his resident DJ and one of his biggest inspirations, James Nishima, known as Dj Booda, to help promoters put together a show, bringing rapper The Game for the first time to his home town. Opening for the artist led his group, known as City Prophets, as well as Dj Booda to being recognized in their local scene as great performers, and a hard working street team, as they put on a stellar performance and sold over $10,000 in tickets.

This only led to bigger, better opportunities for the young, aspiring MC. 

After opening for many artists, including Classified, D12, 3'6 Mafia, Swollen Members, and Royce Da 5'9, as well as putting together a 6 month long weekly hip hop show at a now defunct north side bar, City Prophets and Dj Booda had overrun the small town of Lethbridge with hip hop culture. Show after show, the team had flourished in their hometown, and although certain members of the group went in different directions, they all remained friends and kept supporting each other no matter the cost. Dj Booda became the forefront of all the concerts in southern Alberta, promoting shows bringing artists such as Snoop Dogg, Method Man and countless other high profile artists, while continuing to support L Rev and the City Prophets by offering them opening spots for a majority of them. This lead to more and more local recognition, which drove Rev to pursue his dream, and start making moves. 

Thanks to Dj Booda, L Rev and City Prophets have shared stages with many more well known artists, such as Xzibit, Tech N9ne, Maestro Fresh Wes, and Snoop Dogg. He was also given the opportunity to tour western Canada with Moka Only, doing over 10 dates with a hip hop heavyweight. Shortly after their first tour, L Rev and the two remaining City Prophets, Urban Voyce and New Age, released their debut album titled "Tha Bomb," with production from beat makers such as Sinima, Telling Beatzz, and Classified. The single from that album, "Please Don't Give Up" proved that L Rev had a message to convey, and the song quickly reached over 15k views on Youtube, showing a compassionate side to the normally vicious MC, as it touched on the subject of youth suicide in his community. He is beginning to find his niche, as he has released tracks such as "Looking Out 4 Me," a song that covers the topics of bullying, and other problems most kids are faced with today, proving to the world that he's more than just your everyday rapper, but a caring individual who tries to walk his fans and friends through tough times. He has also done volunteer work with a local youth program known as Drop'n Beats, with friend and colleague, Damon Van Ginneken, which gives youth under 20 an opportunity to record music for free, in a positive, stress free environment. 

Expect L Rev to make much more noise in the Canadian hip hop scene, and solidify himself as a reputable MC, and a positive influence for all people on all levels. This is just the beginning...

Download Free tunes at www.lrev.bandcamp.com
www.lrevhiphop.bandcamp.com

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