Koch Records, the fastest-growing independent music label in the U.S., and Entertainment Services Unlimited are thrilled to announce the relaunch and resurrection of the classic Combat Records label brand, the birthing place of hard rock and hard core titans like VENOM, EXODUS, MEGADETH, POSSESSED, C.O.C., NUCLEAR ASSAULT, DEATH, VENOM, DARK ANGEL and many more.
The new venture will focus on developing new bands and providing them with a home that is both artist friendly yet aggressive in its pursuit to rebuild a brand name that established itself as one of the most forward thinking labels in metal and hardcore.
There are no immediate plans to re-issue previously out-of-print catalogue titles, the joint venture will focus entirely on new releases.
Bob Frank, President of Koch Records, says “We are honored to partner with Larry [Mazer] and his team. This is a great time for aggressive independents and we are armed, dangerous and ready for some serious hand-to-hand ‘Combat’!”
Larry Mazer, a partner of Entertainment Services Unlimited, adds “My partners Tim Smith and John Daley and myself are thrilled to rebirth with Koch one of the most legendary names in the history of metal. We intend to scour the planet to seek out the best new bands to develop long term careers.”
The first of three releases already scheduled under the new Combat imprint is a new full-length album from metal/hardcore act, AT ALL COST. The release from this Texas-based band is currently being recorded with Rory Phillips (RECOVER, THE RISE, THE HIRE) and is slated for an early September ’05 street date.
Following AT ALL COST later in September will be the debut release from Southern Californians, HORSE THE BAND (who were recently named one of the “100 bands to know in 2005” by Alternative Press). This exciting new band is presently recording with Matt Bayles (MASTODON, NORMA JEAN, ISIS) in Seattle.
The initial Combat release cycle will also see the October release of the debut from LOOK WHAT I DID, who has been described as a mix of QUEEN and JAWBOX with MR. BUNGLE thrown in for good measure.
Stay tuned for some additional Combat announcements and news on future releases.