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Metallica Launches Record Label Blackened Recordings, Takes Ownership Of Own Masters

posted Nov 30, 2012 at 12:56 PM by xFiruath.  (32 Comments)

Photo of Metallica

Band Photo: Metallica (?)

Metallica announced today that the band has taken ownership of all previous master recordings including all music and long form videos, a move almost unprecedented for musicians signed to recording contracts. Under provision of a renegotiated joint venture agreement with the Warner Music Group in 1994, all masters revert back to the band as of today, November 30th, 2012.

"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," said the band's James Hetfield.

Metallica also announced the launch of its own new record label, Blackened Recordings. Blackened Recordings will handle all marketing and promotion duties and will enter into a deal with Rhino Entertainment, who will manufacture and distribute releases in North America. Blackened Recordings will license releases to the Universal Music Group internationally.

"It's always been about control for us as a band," said Metallica's Lars Ulrich. "Forming Blackened Recordings is the ultimate in independence, giving us 100% control and putting us in the driver's seat of our own creative destiny."

The first release from Blackened will be "Quebec Magnetic" on Monday, December 10th, 2012. "Quebec Magnetic" is a live DVD capturing the two World Magnetic live shows from Quebec City in the fall of 2009. The set list for the DVD was voted on by over 35,000 fans at Metallica.com this past September. Fans can order it from the band's website here.

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32 Comments on "Metallica Launches Record Label"

Blindgreed1's avatar

Member

1. Blindgreed1 writes:

"It's always been about control" Yeah, no sh!t Larz.

# Nov 30, 2012 @ 1:46 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
OverkillExposure's avatar

Writer

2. OverkillExposure writes:

^I laughed out loud at that line, and you beat me to the comment!

# Nov 30, 2012 @ 2:05 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
BrianMN's avatar

Member

3. BrianMN writes:

Good, now can they remaster Justice (bass) and Magnetic (clipping).

# Nov 30, 2012 @ 3:02 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
R10's avatar

Member

4. R10 writes:

Thumbs up Brianmn! Remix and remaster AJFA, restore Newsted's bass! Such a great album, remains a mystery why they buried Newsted behind a wall of Hatfields rythem guitar.

# Nov 30, 2012 @ 3:12 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
BrianMN's avatar

Member

5. BrianMN writes:

Thanks R10.
I always wondered if it had something to do with Cliff. (?)...maybe they felt guilty for staying together.
I dunno.
So much drama from one band.

# Nov 30, 2012 @ 3:17 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Cynic's avatar

Former Contributor

6. Cynic writes:

I liked the mix on Justice, it's unique I'll give you that.

# Nov 30, 2012 @ 3:33 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
R10's avatar

Member

7. R10 writes:

It is unique no doubt cynic, but don't you think it would be cool to hear it updated with audible bass?

# Nov 30, 2012 @ 3:41 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
BrianMN's avatar

Member

8. BrianMN writes:

Actually you can R10...google And Justice For All album with bass...some guy put up the whole album on Youtube. It sounds way better. Much punchier.

# Nov 30, 2012 @ 3:50 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Cynic's avatar

Former Contributor

9. Cynic writes:

Oh yeah I have no problems with a re-master, alternate versions are always good - the demos for example are always cool to listen to. I just don't have any issue with the original. I think most of Newsted's lines followed James' guitar but would be interesting to hear the bits he might have thrown in there.

# Nov 30, 2012 @ 3:53 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
R10's avatar

Member

10. R10 writes:

The one great thing about Metallica gaining control of thier back catalogue, is the potential for some extra stuff from thier first three albums, mainly stuff Cliff related. But I agree Cynic, AJFA stands as is, a classic. But it would be interesting to hear it re mastered and re mixed. I'll check that stuff out BrianMN on you tube. Thanks man.

# Nov 30, 2012 @ 4:15 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
BrianMN's avatar

Member

11. BrianMN writes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqYjmXCAQX8
here you go...

# Nov 30, 2012 @ 4:35 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Cynic's avatar

Former Contributor

12. Cynic writes:

Well, you can only do so much with masters in the end. Look at Death Magnetic - not a lot a re-master could do to save that because it was well cooked before it left the studio.

That said, the remaster of Death's "Spiritual Healing" did sound delicious from the samples I heard...

# Nov 30, 2012 @ 6:13 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
R10's avatar

Member

13. R10 writes:

Well, there may be out takes of Cliff doing Orion. Who knows? As far as DM, the production and mixing hurt that album, not the songs themselves. I could give two sh**s about St Anger, the Loads and the Black album. It's all about the classic Metallica with Cliff. I still need to buy the new Death with all the extras.

# Nov 30, 2012 @ 6:33 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

14. Brother B writes:

How about pulling a Meshuggah and re-recording ...And Justice For All?

# Nov 30, 2012 @ 6:41 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Tivic's avatar

Member

15. Tivic writes:

I hope they sign unsigned bands to their label.

# Nov 30, 2012 @ 8:48 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
DixieSkumLord666's avatar

Member

16. DixieSkumLord666 writes:

I hope they re-master kill em all and put on blitzkrieg and am i evil on it....i have the cassette tape but I'd love to be able to burn a cd into my hard drive.

# Nov 30, 2012 @ 11:15 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

17. We will probably learn ... writes:

it was Metallica all along.

# Nov 30, 2012 @ 11:18 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Nunya's avatar

Member

18. Nunya writes:

i think the only thing they can do at this point is move to Scandinavia and sign only black metal artists, that would be the next logical step to me

# Dec 1, 2012 @ 12:06 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
charest's avatar

Supporter

19. charest writes:

hmm fist signing i see is... Limp Bizkit 3.0

# Dec 1, 2012 @ 1:54 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
spiral_architect's avatar

Member

20. spiral_architect writes:

I HOPE THEY DISCOVER, RECORD AND PROMOTE NEW HEAVY METAL ARTISTS. THAT WOULD BE KILLER!

# Dec 2, 2012 @ 10:25 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

21. nat from the peach pit writes:

i can tell you this label wont be like death row.

# Dec 2, 2012 @ 5:48 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
wilco's avatar

Member

22. wilco writes:

not a bad idea

# Dec 3, 2012 @ 9:12 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
spiral_architect's avatar

Member

23. spiral_architect writes:

I BET KING DIAMOND WILL BE THE FIRST ARTIST SIGNED TO BLACKENED RECORDINGS. THAT'S ONE STEP AWAY FROM MY DREAM COLLABORATION ALBUM BETWEEN KING DIAMOND AND METALLICA!

# Dec 3, 2012 @ 9:43 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Blindgreed1's avatar

Member

24. Blindgreed1 writes:

Sorry Spiral. King just signed with Metal Blade.

# Dec 3, 2012 @ 5:01 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
hellrat's avatar

Member

25. hellrat writes:

God I frikken hate metalblade, goddamned junk label...but ANYthing is better than Sh!te-allicvnt records or whatever the fvck that carney show fvcking RACKET is frikken called

FVCK YOOOO, Turd Danish...piss in yer pimply piglet face, you washed up fvcking HACK

Did ya hear me, you stumpy little fvck??? FVCK YOOOOOOO :)

NP---Blackened---Justice

# Dec 3, 2012 @ 5:28 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Cynic's avatar

Former Contributor

26. Cynic writes:

Meh, I doubt Metallica will sign many actual non-hipster metal bands. Look at the line-up for the Orion festival.

# Dec 3, 2012 @ 7:23 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
BrianMN's avatar

Member

27. BrianMN writes:

I seriously doubt Metallica will be signing anyone. It will be the same as everything Metallica. In name only. They'll have a room full of suits to do their bidding for them.
MUAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA.....(James laughing)......
Mmmmmm....more money...(Lars thinking).
WOW a whole room full of hot guys in suits...(Kirk daydreaming).
Truijillo not present due to previous obligations as a music/money w****e elsewhere.

# Dec 3, 2012 @ 7:42 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
R10's avatar

Member

28. R10 writes:

Yah, no doubt. This is about Metallica, no one else. It's a good deal for them, owning their sh*t. I remember when I watched a NIKE commercial with Beetles "revolution" . Jacko owned the catalogue then. Can you picture a commercial with Nothing Else Matters or Enter Sandman? At least now Lars and band have full artistic control. \m/

# Dec 3, 2012 @ 11:03 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
hellrat's avatar

Member

29. hellrat writes:

Their opportunity for going out in style is over 20 years too late...pathetic efforts of fvcking weasels trying to redeem their wretched 'value'...too late, muthafvckers! you smoked the long pole for FAR too fvcking long...

Hasta Laters, perhaps? i fully expect for you to come grovelling forth in yet another vain attempt at reclaiming your former selves...HA!! :)

NP---Kashmir---Led FVCKING Zepp...maybe y'all dumbfvcks shoulda learned a piece or two from the fvcking best eh? Justice shoulda been y'alls CODA, if ya git my drift...but then, nah...you fvcks are much too fvcking STUPID to ever comprehend the notion of realizing when yer haggard time is up, aint ya?

rhetorical question...

# Dec 6, 2012 @ 1:01 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
silvermountains's avatar

Member

30. silvermountains writes:

wow metallica sucks so much more after reading this....

# Dec 6, 2012 @ 2:21 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Shwizzy's avatar

Member

31. Shwizzy writes:

honestly i dont care if they own their own label or not. Lars can make his money and ill sit here and revel in the old glory that is Master of Puppets and Ride the Lightning

# Dec 6, 2012 @ 4:26 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

32. ghost_1 writes:

hahahaha hopefully they don't make other bands recordings to sound like st anger lolololol

# Dec 13, 2012 @ 7:33 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address

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