PODCAST: Glacially Musical 170 – Slayer’s “South Of Heaven” Reviewed – The Underrated One


Time for episode 5 of our Slayer series! Nik and Keefy of ghostcultmag review and discuss why “South of Heaven” had mixed reviews when it came out, but now holds its own in the Slayer discography.Continue reading


Metal Blade Museum Now Open Daily


Metal Blade Records has extended the opening hours of its Las Vegas, NV based museum. Previously only open on the weekends, fans will now be able to wander the halls of heavy metal history, every day. Collected throughout the life and career of label founder and CEO, Brian Slagel, the museum includes old promo materials, old show flyers, plaques, props from tours and music videos, original promotional photos from bands’ album releases, original cover art, merch, gear, and more. Check out the museum tour videos and more in the article below.

Continue reading


Metal Blade Records Announces Upcoming Book from Founder Brian Slagel – “Swing of the Blade: More Stories from Metal Blade Records”


 

Swing of the Blade: More Stories from Metal Blade Records follows Brian Slagel’s critically acclaimed 2017 book, For the Sake of Heaviness, which delivered a compelling inside look at how a metal-obsessed California teen built Metal Blade Records into the preeminent international home of heavy music. Rabid readers demanded more anecdotes, more bands, and more of Slagel’s musical wisdom. With Swing of the Blade, he delivers. Featuring a foreword by Slayer’s Kerry King, the new book is part memoir, part music-business primer, and all metal – delving deep into scenes and bands that fans worldwide obsess about. Slagel serves up more of his favorite memories about iconic musicians and events, and delves into even greater detail about his long and ongoing relationships with Metallica, Armored Saint, King Diamond and other heavyweights. Swing of the Blade is told in Slagel’s humble but authoritative voice. His view for the last 40 years-from the studio, side-stage and boardroom-offers an unprecedented look into the music, business, and passion that has made both Slagel and Metal Blade champions of discovering and nurturing the best heavy music on the planet.

Continue reading


Cannibal Corpse, Pig Destroyer, Dark Funeral, and More Booked for the first Decibel Metal and Beer Festival in Denver


 

Decibel Magazine, America’s finest metal magazine has announced its first annual Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest: Denver event! It will take place December 2nd-3rd, 2022, at The Summit, and will feature Cannibal Corpse, Pig Destroyer, Dark Funeral among many other international and local bands! The even has beer in its name so it will also have some of the best (and Most Metal Breweries in the scene. The full lineup can be seen below and tickets go on sale Friday July, 22nd at 10 AM!

Continue reading


PODCAST: Glacially Musical Episode #83: Metal Massacre Chaser


The Glacially Musical Pouredcast is a weekly Podcast that has three principles: Beer, Metal, and Swearing (and also vinyl)! Hosted by Nik Cameron – grown out of the Glacially Musical blog is all about great music and vinyl collecting. Once per week Ghost Cult’s Chief Ghost Cult Keefy joins Nik as they discuss Metal Blade Records‘ 40th anniversary reissue of the iconic Metal Massacre #1 compilation on limited edition vinyl.

Continue reading


PODCAST: Episode 68: Chef Chris Santos Talks About Blacklight Media


Ghost Cult caught up recently with record label chief and world-famous chef Chris Santos. In addition to being an award-winning restaurateur, Santos co-owns Blacklight Media Records, a sub-label from Metal Blade Records. Black Light Media is home to bands such as Gozu, Eyes Of The Sun, Mother Feather, Winter Wolf, Made For Lying, and new signing Opulence. We chatted with Chris about his life growing up in the New York City Metal and Hardcore scene, what originally ignited his passion for cooking, and later restaurants, his relationship with Metal Blade’s Brian Slagel, how he goes about choosing bands to work with, as well as some hot takes on the current landscape of metal, such as Slayer’s retirement.Continue reading


Dumb and Dumbest Podcast #191: Clément Denys of Fractal Universe on the Heavy Metal Hustle


 

Fractal Universe, one of the coolest up and coming bands in the world right now, got signed in part due to their use of Social Media. Dumb and Dumbest Podcast number #184 is streaming now and it’s an interview with Clément Denys of Fractal Universe on the Heavy Metal Hustle. Hosted by Matt Bacon (Dropout Media, Ripple Music, Prophecy Productions) and Publicist Curtis Dewar (Dewar PR), in addition to the podcast, Matt and Curtis host The Music Marketing Challenge, a low-cost, super high-value private training to bands and artists. Get hands-on practical experience to market your band like a pro today! Message them at the links below. Continue reading


Amon Amarth – The Pursuit Of Vikings: 25 Years In The Eye Of The Storm


It’s hard to believe that Amon Amarth has been a band for over twenty-five years. The incredible arc of their journey from a suburban bunch of guys from nearby Stockholm, Sweden with a dream to world dominating metal force majeure is nothing short of astounding. As much as I have followed their career as closely as possible, there were definite gaps in my knowledge. In the incredible new documentary/concert film Amon Amarth – The Pursuit Of Vikings: 25 Years In The Eye Of The Storm (Metal Blade) certainly illuminates the backstory of one of the greatest modern metal bands today. It definitely didn’t happen overnight and there were many missteps that could have ensured they never succeeded. However, the Amon Amarth story is about perseverance and the strength to achieve what your mind desires. Continue reading


Brian Slagel With Mark Eglinton – For The Sake Of Heaviness



“Heavy Metal Will Never Die!”

These words are not just the battle cry of every heavy music fan or the chorus of a song from a band famous for body oil and loin cloths. These are the final words in Brian Slagel and Mark Eglinton’s For The Sake Of Heaviness: The History of Metal Blade Records. The book not only serves as a way to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Metal Blade, but it serves as a partial memoir and life in metal of label founder and CEO, music historian, hockey fan, and all around great guy Slagel. To say metal and rock fans owe him an unpayable debt would be a gross understatement.Continue reading