Metal Blade Records history by Dan Slessor:
Founded upon owner Brian Slagel's enduring drive to find great bands and get their music out to as many people as possible, since 1982 Metal Blade has brought wave after wave of powerful, innovative, and often genre-defining music to the ever-hungry metal masses. It is this ethos that has seen Metal Blade build up a stunning and diverse catalogue, weather the various storms facing any independent label, and in an age of declining record sales boast the most successful years of its existence as it strides into its fourth decade.

What perhaps makes this achievement all the more notable is the fact that Slagel never even intended to start a label. Working in an LA record store and writing for various publications, Slagel was acutely aware that many great bands in the local metal scene were being ignored, and he decided to release a compilation of tracks drawn from these ranks. "There were a lot of really good bands and I was just bummed out that nobody could hear them. It just seemed like I could help them out and have some fun at the same time, and that compilation was the first Metal Massacre," he states. Collating tracks from then unknown bands including Ratt, Bitch, Cirith Ungol, and Metallica amongst others, the compilation sold out immediately. "How important is Metal Blade to our career? They're only the reason we are enjoying the worldwide success we have today," states Metallica's James Hetfield. "Without Brian's openness to some raunchy teens with a crap sounding cassette tape we would be who knows where, and playing who knows what!" With the popularity of the tape spurring Slagel on, the first seeds of Metal Blade were sown. "After the success of those compilations I just started putting out records of bands that I was friends with, but without ever really intending it to be a label at all," he explains. "After I put out four or five releases I started to feel like something was happening, and I decided to quit the record store and quit college and see where it went."

Battling through the first few lean years, when the label consisted solely of Slagel working out of his mom's poorly ventilated garage in the San Fernando Valley, it gradually grew in both revenue and stature. Within a few years Metal Blade would go on to release the debuts of Slayer, Armored Saint, Trouble, and Corrosion Of Conformity amongst others, fanning the flames of the burgeoning metal scene and launching careers of bands that would go onto reap global success. "Without Metal Blade, there is a damn good chance we never would've made it out of L.A," says Slayer's Kerry King. "That was the one bit of luck we needed. You can be the most awesome band on the scene, and if no one notices you, you don't catch on. And Brian Slagel is still one of the biggest metalheads I know!" This genuine love and devotion to metal is central to the relationship many of the artists have with Metal Blade, and King Diamond credits much of its relevance and strength to this passion. "I refer to it as having 'boots on the ground'," the mighty Dane states. "It's not like a major label where some people might be into what you're doing but a lot of them just see it as a job – there's a genuine love for metal there. Through staying true to that and doing their own thing they've carved out a very specific niche that they control, and as an artist it's wonderful to be a part of that."over the years. Clearly without those people we couldn't do what we do, and to everyone out there who has helped us along by being a fan we are so very grateful to you."

Read more: http://www.metalblade.com/us/about-us/

Bookings: grant@midnightagency.com

Hailing from the vibrant Canadian West, Tyler Martens, widely known as Stickybuds, boasts over two decades of global touring and music excellence. As a premier Canadian export, his excellence on turntables and in the studio has captivated audiences in over 27 countries, gracing iconic festivals such as Shambhala, Envision, Burning Man and Glastonbury.

With a repertoire exceeding 70 label releases and numerous DJ mixes, Stickybuds has woven a sonic tapestry that resonates worldwide. His music has left an indelible mark, featured in blockbuster franchises like Spider-Man and Star Wars, while concurrently blasting out the sound systems of underground scenes and massive festivals.

A fixture at Canada's Shambhala Music Festival for 20 years, Stickybuds has perfected a unique DJ style, blending genres with live turntablism and impeccable selections. His annual Shambhala mixes showcase a fusion of funk, reggae, drum n’ bass, house and broken beats, adorned with exclusive acapellas, his own productions, and custom VIPs.

In 2025, Tyler is embracing his role as a dedicated father and husband, choosing family life over the grind of month-long tours and relentless release schedules. Bedtime stories and raising his young children now take priority, though he still enjoys performing at select festivals and special shows.

Starkey is co-owner of the Seclusiasis and Slit Jockey record labels.He has released music on Alpha Pup, Ninja Tune, Planet Mu, Smog, Civil Music, Keysound, Trouble and Bass, Werk Discs, Rwina, No Hats No Hoods, Ruff/Peace-Off, LoDubs, Dead Homies and a bunch of other labels.

bookings: brent@madison-house.com (N.America) oshi@bringmusic.cn (Asia) mgmt: info@starkey-music.com

>>>> SEND YOUR DUBS TO SQUITTYBUBBLER@GMAIL.COM <<<<

DON'T SEND US YOUR TRACK ON SOUNDCLOUD. WE WANT TO FEATURE YOU BUT WE NEED YOU TO EMAIL US: crazykippers@googlemail.com

We basically only care about the darkness of dubstep, those tracks that make you feel like you have shat yourself and your heart is stopping. We do not care about the more mellow side of dubstep, it does nothing beneficial to our ears. So if you send tracks we think aren't sick and dirty enough for the peoples ears out there, we can't feature it, it's against our squitty filth code. So hit us up with the hardest hitting, sickest tracks you have and we guarantee a big audience of listeners.

We would like to thank the constant support of all the artists who have contributed to the success of Squitty Bubbler and to the artists who keep pushing the filth into our ears. Without your production skills and filthy thoughts we wouldn't be where we are today, so keep up the good work and keep sending us your dirty filthy yum yums.

Cheers, Rich,Bobz 
The Squitty Bubbler Crew.

Earsplit PR is an independent public relations agency based in the greater NYC area infiltrating international media outlets with extreme forms of music since 1999.

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