ALONE RECORDS
Miguel:
2004 was another great year for Alone, but it was hard. On the other hand, it has been the most
rewarding year for us yet; we released Orquesta del Desierto's "Dos", and did their first
ever European tour.
We also released Black Nasa's "Deuce" in Europe, and put them on tour as well [they played
some amazing shows with Atomic Bitchwax].
Later in the year we released Gruesome Galore's album. It's an unknown band from Portand OR, and
can't be compared to any of the desert or stoner bands we
usually do. Gruesome Galore sports a whole diferent vibe -please check it out.
It was a helluva job to release the aforementioned albums, but I'm really proud
of what we have achived in 2004.
I didn't want to miss Hermano touring Europe, and the Spanish dates were just
incredible. Another highlight for me.
- Mastodon - "Leviathan"
- Orquesta del Desierto- "Dos"
- Keelhaul - "Subject to..."
ARCLIGHT RECORDS
David Elizondo:
2004 was a very busy year for Texas' own Arclight Records. We managed to
put out 5 releases: Hognose "Longhandle," Book of Knots [S/T], Amplified Heat "In for Sin", RPG "Full
Time" with "High Performance" DVD, and The Out_Circuit "Burn Your Scripts Boys" on limited
clear blue vinyl.
We nearly broke the bank and our backs to bring this massive helping of exceptionally
well crafted music. But this is what we do... and do it well.
After the debut album from Amplified Heat dropped they trekked across the US in a 6
week tour with fellow Texans Dixie Witch. They managed to make many fans
and friends, and even a few enemies... but fuck it, this is rock and it can't all be pretty.
To try and pick just three releases as the best would be very difficult for
us as these are our children in a way. But we can narrow this down on
technicalities thank goodness. Both the RPG album and the Out_Circuit albums were
actually released before 2004, both independently by the respective bands.
Thus we are left with three rock gems from Arclight Records in 2004 for
the best of: Hognose "Longhandle," Book of Knots [S/T], and
Amplified Heat "In For Sin." Each a masterpiece in their own
right and all very different. These releses range from some kind of Texas
take on Sabbath meets the Melvins, to soundscapes dripping with tales of the
sea, and finally on to the downright ruckus of true electric Texas Boogie.
I guess to figure which is which you will need to pick them up and sample them for
yourself. Don't forget about that lil' ol' label from Texas in 2005... we have BIG
plans about the size of the greatest place on earth... Texas.
- Electric Wizard - "We Live"
- Unearthly Trance - "Seasons of Séance, Science of Silence"
- Hidden Hand - "Mother Teacher Destroyer"
METEORCITY
Jadd:
Big changes at MeteorCity in 2004, with both the company's founders
re-focusing portions of their time on new pursuits and the end of our
long-standing European licensing deal with People Like You Records finally arriving.
This year saw us release a small but significant batch of music -the second albums from Black
Nasa and Orquesta del Desierto, and the "Night Letters" split EP from The Hidden Hand and
Wooly Mammoth [packaged with a bonus MeteorCity sampler].
Moving into 2005, we [Aaron and Jadd] remain committed to releasing great music.
Discussions are underway to launch new label distribution in Europe and Great
Britain, and the year will begin with our release of the domestic
version of "Dare I Say...," the sophomore album from John Garcia's Hermano.
Also on the books for '05 is new music from Meatjack, Solace and Spiritu, and we'll be
extending a helping hand to Weedeater and The Atomic Bitchwax as they solidify
plans to self-release their new albums this year as well...
Jadd:
- Clutch - "Blast Tyrant"
- The Oktober People - "S/T"
- Rebreather/Starchild - "Split"
Aaron:
- Clutch - "Blast Tyrant"
- Mastodon - "Leviathan"
- Probot - "S/T"
PSYCHEDOOMELIC
Mark:
We spent the first half of 2004 with re-releasing some old demo material by Orodruin
and Voodoo Shock, and both came out really well.
We had some delay but managed to release Dream Death's demo re-issue CD, and looking
forward to work with Black Manta, Pale Divine, and World Below in 2005. These band are some
of the most talented doom bands around thus 2005 will be very exciting for us.
Well, it's hard to say something about the best albums of 2004 - just too
many good records came out, but I'd like to point out Wall of
Sleep´s stunning performance at the Doom Shall Rise tour; the magnificent Penance / Orodruin European
tour [witn lots of fun and nice times!]; and October's Negative Reaction tour
with Stereochrist -a great European adventure.
I'm really looking forward to the Falcon / Pale Divine / Rising Dust tour in April, and a
possible Internal Void tour later in 2005!
RISE ABOVE RECORDS
Lee Dorrian:
2004 was in many ways a new start for Rise Above Records, in that it was the
first year since 1994 that we became a totally independent label again.
During the 10 years up to this point, we had given license to three companies
to release and sub release our titles throughout the world.
Prior to this, I had pretty much run the label from my flat bedroom in my spare
time. In the midst of touring and recording with Cathedral, it was becoming increasingly
more difficult to give Rise Above and it's associated
bands the attention it undoubtedly needed.
So, in many ways, it was a relief to hand over a lot of responsibility
to another company who had more time [and finance] to invest into Rise Above. First of
these companies was Flying Records from Italy, then followed Music For Nations and finally
Dreamcatcher. During this time we saw the scene for heavy music go through many changes.
The advent of 'Stoner Rock' seemed to confuse, annoy and excite
people simultaneously. Like any 'scene' it normally starts off with one
or two totally individual bands whose impact suddenly becomes diluted by
a million plus copycat wannabes.
The Doom scene seemed to become even more underground and dedicated than it ever
was previously, when there hadn't even a scene to talk about. Then came the
advent of 'Drone Doom', which further pushed the boundaries of the art
in terms of artistic extremity, than had ever been previously attempted, or
probably even contemplated.
As far as Rise Above Records is concerned, we wanted to embrace the best
elements of it all. We have been very lucky to have worked with many
of the innovators of the fringe genres of what we would describe as 'heavy.' The
more than average life span of some of our more known acts confirms this.
Back to the initial point, the return to independence. At first it was quite a
scary [whilst extremely exciting] prospect for myself and Will Palmer to have to
take care of pretty much everything once again by ourselves.
Over a year later and I have to say that it has been one of our most rewarding years since the
label was founded in 1998. There are many reasons for this –one of the main
being the stunning quality of releases by great bands such as Grand
Magus, Unearthly Trance, Orange Goblin [their best yet!], the grateful
return of The Electric Wizard and best newcomers of 2005 [as voted for by
Terrorizer readers!] the astounding Witchcraft.
The other reasons for taking back our independence that are so cool is that once again
we have total opportunity to oversee and approve everything ourselves
AND it's given us the chance to get back into putting out nice vinyl releases once more.
This was something we found very frustrating that we weren't allowed to do in our
last couple of situations.
Another cool thing about 2004 was that we finally got back to having our
store back online, something which we haven't otherwise been able to do for some time, for
various reasons. There was also the very successful package tour with Orange
Goblin, Grand Magus and Witchcraft.
So overall, a very cool year for Rise Above Records and a good indication
of where things are going to go from here. We have some really cool
releases planned for early 2005 –the debut album from Debris Inc, a return album
from sHeavy, the third album Grand Magus, unreleased 12-inch EP's from Jus Oborn's
Pre-Electric Wizard projects; Thy Grief Eternal and Eternal.
Also vinyl issues of Capricorns EP, Unearthly Trance - "In the Red", Grand Magus – "Monument" and
Electric Wizard – "Dopethrone." Then there will be the second album by Witchcraft and a
couple of other really cool surprises!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has supported the label over the years.
SOUTHERN LORD
Greg Anderson:
On many different levels 20004 was probably the most "successful" year for Southern Lord.
We spent the last couple months of 2003 and the first of 04' preparing for the release of the Probot
album. It quickly and completely surpassed every expectation we had for it. It will easily go down as the
best selling release on the label as well as one of the top-selling independent metal albums of all time.
In the wake of Probot, the label received alot of attention and recognition. Some good, some bad.
It was annoying seeing the truly scummy side of the 'industry' and people in general.
Blood and life sucking vampires who have absolutely no fucking respect for independent labels and their ethos.
However it was also very rewarding to see more interest in the label in general, and of course the attention it brought to other
hardworking musicians / bands [ie. Wino, Cronos, Eric Wagner, Lee Dorrian etc...].
The true surprise for us this year was: sunn0))). What started out as bass-ically a
studio project among Stephen O' Malley and myself, has berthed into a
full-blown entity [frequent releases and touring] that is gaining a fanatical following.
Frankly, we never imagined that many people would have the patience to endure our long experimentations.
Now it seems our following appreciates the "quest for the unknown" [hahahah] and welcomes
our unique approach to heavy music.
In 04' sunn0)))- released the "White2" album, played several shows in the United States and just finished
up a stint in the UK [including Ireland] and a one- off show in Athens, Greece. Were
stoked to be continuing this project into the future and beyond!
There was also massive stirring in the Southern Lord goat farm this year featuring some new
releases from old favorites and debut releases from fresh blood.
Directly after Probot, we reissued the very first album that ever came out on
Southern Lord: Thorrs Hammer - "Dommedagsnatt." It had been out of print for much too long. Then came
a beefed up reissue of the Obsessed collection: Incarnate. Like the Thorrs Hammer we included some
video footage on these discs. A first for the label.
After White2-sunn, came a re-issue
of the Saint Vitus classic: "V." Like the other reissues mentioned above, this contained a bonus
video. An amazing, primitive one camera shot of Winos' first show with Vitus in 1986!
Goatsnake cleared out the cobwebs and crawled out of the cave for 2 releases and 2 shows.
New Snake material via the "Trampled Under Hoof" EP and a reissue of the early recordings, "1+Dog
Days."
Then a deadly surprise was unleashed in the form of our newest band: Lair of the Minotaur.
Their album "Carnage" was as invigorating as hearing "Morbid Tales" back in 1985!
Last but certainly not least was the release of the second Hidden Hand album,
"Mother Teacher Destroyer." Having the opportunity to work with a
legend like WINO is one of the main motivations for us to even exist.
"Mother Teacher Destroyer" is a milestone for Wino, the band, and
heavy music in general.
Finally, I would like to thank those who have stuck with us from the start, those who have discovered us
over the last couple, and those recent devotees who's virgin ears are still bleeding. WITHOUT YOU
WE ARE NOTHING. As the man says: "IF IT AINT HEAVY, IT AINT SHIT".
SMALL STONE RECORDS
Scott:
2004 turned out to be another great year for us here at Small Stone HQ... We laid out
nine new releases from: Sasquatch, Axehandle, Porn, Red Giant, Halfway
To Gone, Throttlerod, Valis, Porn, Lord Sterling, and Acid King allowed u
s the privilege of re-issuing their now classic album "Busse Woods", which brought
the years total to ten.
Also, Valis, Sasquatch, Throttlerod, and FHJ spent a bit of time on the
road this past year. This is always a good thing.
Our dream of bringing Los Natas to North America has not happened yet, but if
we have it our way, the band will be coming over here in 2005 to record their next
album for us, and obviously do a quick tour while they are here.
We had two successful showcases this year, the first at SXSW in March and
the second at CMJ in November... Thanks to all who made an appearance, especially
the bands, fans, and bartenders.
The folks at Activision were quite good to us in 2004. They ended up
using 30 different songs for two different video games: American Chopper and
Monster Garage respectively. Maybe Rockstar will just give us a whole
station on the next GTA... A guy can dream...
As for 2005, watch out... the release schedule is big! We will be
releasing brand new albums from: Sons Of Otis, Bottom, Novadriver, Erik
Larson [his 2nd solo effort], Dixie Witch, Five Horse Johnson, Throttlerod, Tummler, A T
housand Knives Of Fire, Puny Human, Slot [you are all going to want
to pay special attention to this one, it is a bit different], Greatdayforup, and
a new comp: Sucking the 70's II [you guessed it... a sequel].
I also forgot to add, that the Halfway To Gone boys will be going
into the studio sometime in 2005 to track another record. Amen!
- Colour Haze - "S/T"
- West Indian Girl - "S/T"
- Rockstar Games - "Grand Theft Auto"
WANTAGE RECORDS
Josh Vanek:
2004 was an exciting year. I started it at a bonfire
at the Saline Valley hot springs, and will probably
wrap it up seeing Federation X in California.
In between there were some excellent highlights,
including:
1) Japanther and the Lipstick Pickups in Missoula.
2) Total Fest 2004, Missoula (Le Force, Federation X,
Eastern Grip, Narrows, Bloodhag!).
3) Carrie Nations, Niki Payton's basement.
4) Wrangler Brutes, Niki Payton's basement.
5) Fireballs of Freedom CD release with the Immortal
Lee County Killers, Portland Oregon.
6) Vaz with Ass-End Offend, Area 5, Missoula.
7) Brian Schweitzer/John Bohlinger -new Montana
governor/lt. gov.
8) Hiking in Yellowstone.
9) Hiking in the Tobacco Root mountains.
10) Hiking in the Escalante National Monument.
11) Charleston/Savannah SC/GA.
12) Wantage USA's 21st Release Hits Omnibus.
13) European distribution: Deleted Art, Conspiracy
Records, Super-Fi records.
14) The Narrows: Alligator
15) Le Force: Le Fortress.
16) Big Business EP
17) I Hate You When You're Pregnant, Flagstaff AZ.
18) Ass-End Offend - 'CHARACTER ASSASSINS.'
What's coming up in 2005?:
Well, most immediately, the long awaited Last of the
Juanitas album, "In The Dirt', a No-Fi Soul Rebellion
CD, a CD by the Pope, probably something from Volumen,
perhaps a Whip CD, probably a USAISAMONSTER double CD
with Tapes Records...
Favourite records from 2004:
Man, what a great year for music! Secret Wars by
Oneida is right up close by the top. So's Parts and
Labor, so's Federation X, still. Ass-End Offend. Youth
Enrage from Japan. Bernibas Milicija and Big
Name/Black Bullet both from Latvia. The [Flagstaff]
Ponies 7", The Joggers live. Ghana Soundz comp. CD.
Inokentijs Marpls 'Bitit Matos' 7". Patton Oswald
double live CD. Noxagt 'The Iron Point' LP.
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