Metropolis Records
| Metropolis Records | |
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| Founded | 1993 |
| Founder | Dave Heckman |
| Distributor(s) | US Physical: NAIL, Canadian Physical: Outside, Digital: INgrooves |
| Genre | Electro-industrial, synthpop, gothic rock, punk rock |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Official website | www |
Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1993, Metropolis Records has developed a strong reputation over the years as a leader in various genres of underground music. Though widely known for electro-industrial, synthpop, future pop, darkwave, and gothic music, the label has always operated with a bent towards all genres of dark alternative music, be it electronics-based or post-punk.
In 1993, Dave Heckman formed Metropolis Records, and started the process of building a roster and partnerships with bands and labels overseas. The label’s first releases were issued in May 1994. These albums were “Teignmouth” and “Mental Traveller” by Love Is Colder Than Death, “Revelations 23” by Mentallo and the Fixer, and “Bioculture” by Electro Assassin. Almost immediately, the company was able to expand past simply licensing albums from overseas partners, with the thirteenth release, Mentallo And The Fixer’s “Continuum”, being the first direct signing by Metropolis. The label quickly built a reputation, fueled by classic albums from such acts as Lassigue Bendthaus, Numb, and Evil’s Toy.
A huge step forward for the label came in 1995, when Metropolis landed its first flagship band, as legendary industrial act Front Line Assembly joined the roster. With this signing, paired with the label’s reputation for fair treatment of its artists, Metropolis began to rapidly expand. Another major factor that lent itself to this growth was a distribution deal with Caroline Distribution, which made it possible to get releases into national chain stores like Borders and Tower Records.
Renowned names as Project Pitchfork, Die Form, and cEvin Key (of Skinny Puppy) were released alongside lesser-known acts. The unique position of the label enabled it to build an extensive promo pool, servicing and sponsoring club nights and release parties all over the world. An additional highlight to this era was the coproduction of 1997’s Dark Harvest III concert in Philadelphia, which featured the exclusive return of the legendary The Sisters Of Mercy to the US for a one night only performance.
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Wikipedia