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Metallica take ownership of master recordings, launch label
By CMU Editorial | Published on Monday 3 December 2012
Metallica have announced that they have taken control of all the master recordings in their back catalogue, having completed their most recent record contract with Warner Music. It seems that the metaller’s most recent deal with the major, in 1994, as well as giving the band more immediate control over their catalogue, also included a buyout clause enabling the catalogue acquisition now.
In a statement issued on Friday via their official website, the band announced the launch of a new independent record label to be called Blackened Recordings, which moving forward will manage the outfit’s catalogue and all new releases. It’s thought a partnership will remain with Warner in the US, with its Rhino division handling distribution for the new label there, though Universal has got the distribution deal outside of the States.
The band wrote: “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”.
They continued: “Some of you, who have followed along throughout the years, are aware that in 1994 we renegotiated our contract with the Warner Music Group, which resulted in a joint venture [between us and] our record company for releasing all of our recordings, including long form videos. Per that agreement, as of today we have taken ownership of all of our master recordings, and Blackened Recordings will be the home of all of our current albums and videos along with all future releases”.
Finally they said: “You may have heard us say it once or twice, or a thousand times, before, but it’s always been about us taking control of all things Tallica to give you 110% on every single level every single time. 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”.
The first release through the new label will be the band’s ‘Quebec Magnetic’ live DVD and Blu-ray, which is due out on 10 Dec.
