Metal Blade Records
Metal Blade Records is one of the longest-running independent labels dedicated to heavy metal, founded in 1982 by Brian Slagel out of the Metal Massacre compilation series. Headquartered in Van Nuys, California, it has grown into a worldwide operation with additional offices in Germany, the UK, Canada, and Australia, and its current release schedule shows it remains highly active, putting out new records across death metal, melodic death metal, classic heavy metal, thrash, deathcore/metalcore, and doom on a near-weekly basis.
Quick Facts
- Country
- United States
- Founded
- 1982
- Label size
- Large, long-established independent metal label with a broad international roster and multi-continent office presence.
- Activity
- High - releasing new albums on a near-weekly cadence across an extensive roster.
- Genres
- death metal, melodic death metal, heavy metal, thrash metal, metalcore/deathcore, doom metal
What Does Metal Blade Records Release?
Representative artists: Cannibal Corpse, Amon Amarth, King Diamond, GWAR, Whitechapel, The Black Dahlia Murder, Killswitch Engage, Armored Saint, Cirith Ungol, Ensiferum
Deep, multi-genre roster spanning death metal, melodic death/viking metal, classic heavy metal, thrash, deathcore/metalcore and doom, dominated by veteran and mid-to-late-career acts.
Who Is This Label Likely to Fit?
Metal Blade is a major, highly active independent metal label that does not take unsolicited demo submissions, so it is realistically a fit only for artists who already have professional management, booking, or industry contacts able to make a direct introduction, not for bands cold-submitting music.
This is Metal-Labels' analysis based on available roster and activity data, not a claim made by the label itself.
Demo & Submission Information
Metal Blade's own FAQ states it no longer accepts unsolicited demos, so sending music directly is unlikely to be reviewed; artists interested in the label should instead pursue it through a manager, booking agent, or other industry contact who can make a direct introduction, and should verify current policy on the official site before attempting any submission.
Submission information last checked: August 2026
Official Links
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