The top record labels of 2011
With the proliferation of the internet and an overwhelming public opinion that full length albums, let alone the physical product, it has made labels a hard thing to really quantify. In the muck and mire of the current music industry a handful of labels stand above. These labels made their mark for a bevy of reasons. The main reasons having to do with the consistency of their releases and a strong eye on detail. Here are a few labels that not only made themselves known but kept rolling strong throughout the year.
1. A389
Dom, over the years, has kept a keen eye on both the metal and hardcore scenes. As of late, more so than ever, this has been parlayed by him into something of an anomaly within hardcore label circles. He has managed to build a label that has a consistency within their releases that is nearly unmatched. Forgoing the usual need for a label to pay attention to hype and message board clamor Dom has managed to pick a number of bands that are merely great bands nothing more nothing less. With releases by Ringworm, Seven Sisters Of Sleep, Low Places, Full Of Hell, Witch-Lord, Withdrawal. and Seraphim among others the label has become something to not only watch in matters of quality but also in matters of being on the cusp of what is going on in current metal and hardcore circles.
Notable Releases:
- ANNE - Dream Punx
- FULL OF HELL - Roots Of Earth Are Consuming My Home
- Low Places - Spiritual Treatment
- Pulling Teeth - Funerary
- Penetration Panthers - Perpetual 80's
- Seven Sisters Of Sleep - Self Titled
2. Duck-Down
Having a long storied history in east coast hip hop has done little to make most people take notice of what Dru Ha has been up to on the regular. While a few years of meager releases had set them back quite a bit 2011 was a much appreciated return to form. Branching out slightly while sticking close has been their year. Focusing on the strength of east coast hip hop while not limiting themselves to just that. The label released a few gems that should be on any hip hop fans this year.
Notable Releases:
- Pharoahe Monch - W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)
- Random Axe (Sean Price, Guilty Simpson, Black Milk) - Random Axe
- Pete Rock & Smif-N-Wessun - Monumental
3. Handmade Birds
R. Loren, best known from his various musical projects (Pyramids, White Moth, Sailors With Wax Wings) started a label from the ground up this year. While it is hard to say from merely a year into it Handmade Birds is a collectors wet dream of a label. Servicing mainly avant garde and black metal the label pays close attention to the details. This goes so far as the sound of the record and remastering involved. Boasting a strong list of new records as well as reissues the label seems to have a very bright future ahead.
Notable Releases:
- Evan Caminiti - When California Falls Into The Sea
- The Rita - The Rack
- Der Blutharsch - Werkschau 1997 : 2010
- Crooked Necks - Alright Is Exactly What It Isn't
- Circle Of Ouroborus - Eleven Fingers
4. Music Ruins Lives
Here is another young label having started in 2010 and staying consistent. MRL has released a number of favorites at SPB and that is due to a keen ear and consistency within their releases. Keeping a strong focus on mostly the experimental sides of black metal and shoegaze among others the label has managed to pick a handful of bands that are situated well above their peers. With Limited quantities of most releases this allows the collector something to covet with each of their releases.
Notable Releases:
- Greys - Brightly Our Stars Did Shine As The Sea Reached Into The Sky
- Lonesummer - There Are Few Tomorrows For Feeding Our Worries
- Airs - Gloomlights
- Life In The Dark - The Sunya Is Rising Expanded / Limbs In Gloom
5. Southern Lord
While not really a secret in the metal underground anymore Soutehrn Lord has made it a point to continue feeding fans of a vast array of heavy music genres. This includes a great number of releases that are branching out from their original construct of doom metal. The label has done more to include standout releases that embrace crust, hardcore, black metal and even some grind. This coupled with the attention to detail in the artwork has helped to make them something to pay attention to with each release.
Notable Releases:
- All Pigs Must Die - God Is War
- Heartless - Hell Is Other People
- Craft - Void
- Acephalix - Interminable Night
- Earth - Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light I
Words: Jon
