After nearly 30 years of having their works owned by a major record label, heavy rock world conquerers Metallica have cut the cord, resulting in the band gaining the full ownership of their entire musical catalogue.
The metal icons, who are no doubt tightening the screws for their string of live performances as a part of the sell out Soundwave festival next year, and as a report from Noisecreep details, Metallica have recently negotiated terms with Warner Music Group, handing the band full control of their music masters, ordaining them full ownership of all their musical recordings, as well as an extensive list of music videos and features.
Although the band has decided to part ways with the major label, frontman James Hetfield, writing on the Metallica website, was adamant there was no bad blood between the two parties, saying; “We would like to thank everyone at the Warner Music Group for 28 years of a fantastic relationship, particularly since 1994, where we truly felt we had partners in every aspect of our business in North America.”
For a band who has invested much time and energy into protecting their musical product, the relief and peace of mind of having full ownership of their works is an iconic event in the Metallica saga. “You may have heard us say it once or twice or a thousand times before” says Hetfield. “but it’s always been about us taking control of all things ‘Tallica to give you 110% on every single level every single time.
The reclaiming of their back catalogue coincides with the announcement the band has started their own independent label, appropriately titled Blackened Recordings, which will be the front fo all future releases from the band. Hetfield expressed his excitement on the website, revealing the news of the label to fans:
“We’re so psyched about our new adventure that we just had to tell you about it as we officially launch our very own record label, Blackened Recordings.” – James Hetfield“We like to make it a point here not to bore you with the not-so-exciting business aspects of making and sharing music, but we’re so psyched about our new adventure that we just had to tell you about it as we officially launch our very own record label, Blackened Recordings.”
Citing the nonrestrictive nature of their very own independent label, Hetfield added: “Forming Blackened Recordings is the ultimate in independence, putting us in the driver’s seat of our own creative destiny. We’re looking forward to making more music and getting it all out to you in our own unique way.”
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The debut release on the newly-minted Blackened Recordings will be a concert feature from their 2009 show in Quebec, called Quebec Magnetic, to be released on DVD and BluRay on December 10.
Earlier this year, Lars Ulrich confirmed that the band would head into the studio in September to tentatively begin on work on their tenth studio album, no doubt aiming for 2013 release, and presumably the next major release on Blackened Recordings.
The news follows as fellow US global superstars Blink 182 also cut ties with their label of over 10 years to begin their careers as an unsigned, independent band, no doubt also seeking a nonrestrictive creative environment as the group announced their plans to release a new album in the near future.
Fans can catch the recently turned independent acts Metallica and Blink 182, as well as a mammoth round-up of hard and heavy rock acts, as they tour the Australia as a part of the sell-out Soundwave Festival next year.
SOUNDWAVE FESTIVAL 2013 // FULL LINEUP
METALLICA
LINKIN PARK
BLINK 182
A PERFECT CIRCLE / THE OFFSPRING / PARAMORE / SLAYER / GARBAGE / CYPRESS HILL / BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE / TOMAHAWK / STONE SOUR / BRING ME THE HORIZON / KYUSS LIVES / ANTHRAX / SUM 41 / DRAGONFORCE / ALL TIME LOW / FLOGGING MOLLY / GHOST / DUFF McKAGAN’S LOADED / KILLSWITCH ENGAGE/ THE VANDALS/ BILLY TALENT / MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK / MINDLESS SELF INDULGENCE / THE AMITY AFFLICTION / SICK OF IT ALL / KINGDOM OF SORROW / FOZZY / THE LAWRENCE ARMS / SLEEPING WITH SIRENS / CANCER BATS / THE BLACKOUT / GALLOWS / MADBALL / FUCKED UP / VISION OF DISORDER / PIERCE THE VEIL / PERIPHERY / SHAI HALUD / OF MICE & MEN / ORANGE GOBLIN/ THE SWORD/ CHELSEA GRIN/ THE CHARIOT/ SHARKS / DR ACULA/ O’BROTHER/ NORTHLANE/ MILESTONESTHIS IS HELL / MISS MAY I / DANKO JONES / LUCERO / WOE, IS ME / THE WONDER YEARS / MARK TREMONTI/ LIVING WITH LIONS/ POLAR BEAR CLUB / WHILE SHE SLEEPS / CEREBRAL BALLZY / THE EARLY NOVEMBER / SUCH GOLD / SIX FEET UNDER / THE DEAR HUNTER / DEAF HAVANA / RED FANG / VERSUS THE WORLD / BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR / CONFESSION / CHUNK! NO, CAPTAIN CHUNK! / SYLOSIS / MEMPHIS MAY FIRE / CROSSFAITH
SOUNDWAVE FESTIVAL VENUES AND DATES
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013
SATURDAY 23- BRISBANE, RNA SHOWGROUNDS – SOLD OUT!
SUNDAY 24 – SYDNEY, OLYMPIC PARK – SOLD OUT!
FRIDAY 1 – MELBOURNE, FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE – SOLD OUT!
SATURDAY 2 – ADELAIDE, BONYTHON PARK – SOLD OUT!
MONDAY 4 – PERTH, CLAREMONT SHOWGROUNDS – SOLD OUT!
