- Heavy Metal Pioneer: The Story of Karl-Ulrich Walterbach
Karl-Ulrich Walterbach was a pivotal figure in the evolution of heavy metal. He founded Noise Records, a legendary German label instrumental in launching the careers of bands like Helloween, Kreator, and Celtic Frost. His initial interest in the punk scene led him to establish Aggressive Rockproduktionen before his focus shifted to metal, solidifying Noise Records as a powerhouse in the genre.
Karl-Ulrich Walterbach is a prominent figure in the German heavy metal music scene. He is best known as the founder and owner of Noise Records, a renowned record label that played a significant role in the development and promotion of heavy metal music, particularly in Germany.
Walterbach founded Noise Records in 1983 in Berlin, Germany. The label quickly gained recognition for signing and releasing albums by some of the most influential bands in the heavy metal genre. Under Walterbach's leadership, Noise Records became synonymous with the German thrash metal movement of the 1980s, which included bands like Helloween , Kreator , and Running Wild .
Walterbach's vision and passion for heavy metal music led him to become not only a label owner but also a producer and executive producer for numerous albums. He played a crucial role in shaping the sound and production of many German heavy metal records during the 1980s and 1990s.
These albums, along with countless others, played a crucial role in establishing Noise Records as a powerhouse label for heavy metal music. Walterbach's dedication to the genre and his ability to spot and nurture talent helped shape the landscape of German heavy metal.
However, it's important to note that Noise Records faced financial difficulties in the late 1990s, leading to its acquisition by Sanctuary Records in 2001. Despite the label's eventual dissolution, Walterbach's contributions to the heavy metal music industry and his impact on the German scene remain significant. His work as a producer and executive producer, as well as his role in founding and running Noise Records, solidified his reputation as a key figure in the history of German heavy metal.
A Listing Of Vinyl Albums released by NOISE International Records