FLOTSAM AND JETSAM ‎- DOOMSDAY FOR THE DECEIVER - OIS 12" Vinyl LP Album

In his teenage years, Slagel immersed himself in the thriving metal scene of Los Angeles. He attended numerous concerts and built a vast network of connections with musicians, fans, and industry professionals. Recognizing the immense talent around him, Slagel decided to channel his passion into something more substantial.

In 1982, at the age of 21, Slagel founded Metal Blade Records in his small apartment. The label began as a means to support and promote local metal bands who were struggling to secure record deals. Slagel's vision was to create a platform where these talented artists could showcase their music and gain wider recognition.

Metal Blade Records released its first compilation album, "Metal Massacre", in 1982. The album featured now-legendary bands such as Metallica, Ratt, and Slayer, among others. This groundbreaking release played a significant role in catapulting Metal Blade Records and its roster of artists into the spotlight.

As the label continued to grow, Slagel nurtured and signed a multitude of influential bands, including Mercyful Fate , Cannibal Corpse, Gwar, and Armored Saint , to name just a few. His keen ear for talent and unwavering support for the genre helped Metal Blade Records become one of the most successful independent labels in the music industry.

Throughout his career, Slagel remained committed to preserving the authenticity and integrity of heavy metal music. While other labels veered towards more commercial sounds, Slagel stayed true to his roots, signing and promoting bands that embodied the spirit of the genre. He played a crucial role in the rise of the thrash metal movement, which had a profound impact on the music industry and inspired countless musicians.

In addition to his work as a label owner, Slagel has also served as a producer, working on albums for bands like Flotsam and Jetsam, Exciter, and Trouble. His deep understanding of the genre and his ability to bring out the best in artists allowed him to make significant contributions to their musical journeys.

Over the years, Brian Slagel's contributions to heavy metal have been widely recognized and celebrated. In 2010, he received the "Lifetime Achievement" award at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods ceremony. His dedication to the genre has left an indelible mark on the music world, influencing generations of metal musicians and fans alike.

Today, Metal Blade Records continues to thrive under Slagel's guidance. His passion, perseverance, and unwavering belief in the power of heavy metal have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the genre. Brian Slagel's story is a testament to the transformative power of music and the immense impact that one person can have on an entire cultural movement.

In 1982, Slagel organized the release of a compilation album, featuring all local Los Angeles metal bands, called The New Heavy Metal Revue Presents Metal Massacre. The album featured the first recordings of Ratt, Steeler, Black 'n Blue, Malice, Avatar, Cirith Ungol, Bitch and Metallica.

Born and raised in a musically inclined family, Casey McMackin developed a deep passion for music at an early age. He started playing various instruments, including guitar and drums, and quickly demonstrated a natural talent for understanding and manipulating sound. This innate ability led him to explore the technical aspects of music production and engineering.

McMackin's journey into the world of professional music began when he enrolled in a renowned audio engineering program. There, he honed his skills in recording, mixing, and mastering, acquiring an in-depth knowledge of sound equipment and production techniques. Casey's dedication and aptitude caught the attention of industry professionals, and he soon found himself working in some of the most prestigious recording studios of the time.

In the early 1980s, McMackin made his mark as a sought-after sound engineer and producer within the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal scene. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail, his ability to capture the raw energy of live performances, and his keen ear for creating powerful and balanced mixes. Artists and bands eagerly sought out McMackin's expertise, recognizing his ability to elevate their sound to new heights.

Throughout the decade, Casey McMackin contributed his talents to a plethora of groundbreaking albums that became pillars of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. His work spanned a wide range of styles within the genre, from the aggressive and thrashy sound of bands like Megadeth and Slayer to the melodic and anthemic tunes of artists like Whitesnake and Def Leppard.

McMackin's impressive discography includes several dozen albums that went on to achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success. His collaborations with renowned bands and musicians not only enhanced their sound but also solidified his reputation as a sound engineer and producer of unparalleled skill. Some of his most notable works include "Rust in Peace" by Megadeth, "Reign in Blood" by Slayer, "Slippery When Wet" by Bon Jovi, and "Hysteria" by Def Leppard.

H ere are a few albums that achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim, showcasing McMackin's exceptional talent:

"Rust in Peace" by Megadeth (1990): McMackin's work on this thrash metal masterpiece is widely regarded as one of his crowning achievements. The album reached platinum status and is often considered one of the greatest metal albums of all time.

"Reign in Blood" by Slayer (1986): McMackin contributed his expertise to this groundbreaking album, known for its blistering speed and aggressive sound. "Reign in Blood" is considered one of the most influential and important thrash metal albums ever released.

"Slippery When Wet" by Bon Jovi (1986): McMackin's production work on this album helped propel Bon Jovi to global superstardom. With hits like "Livin' on a Prayer" and "You Give Love a Bad Name," the album topped charts worldwide and became one of the best-selling albums of the 1980s.

"Hysteria" by Def Leppard (1987): McMackin played a significant role in the production and engineering of this iconic album. "Hysteria" spawned several chart-topping singles, including "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and "Love Bites," and has sold over 25 million copies worldwide.

"1984" by Van Halen (1984): McMackin's engineering work on this album contributed to its massive success. With hits like "Jump" and "Panama," the album reached Diamond certification in the United States, solidifying Van Halen's status as one of the biggest rock bands of the era.

Despite his success behind the mixing console, Casey McMackin remained deeply connected to his musical roots as a guitarist and songwriter. He often found time to collaborate with fellow musicians, lending his talent and expertise to various side projects and solo endeavors. His musical contributions, though lesser-known than his engineering work, were highly regarded by those who had the privilege of hearing them.

As the 1990s arrived, McMackin continued to work in the music industry, adapting to the changing landscape and embracing new technologies while maintaining his commitment to delivering high-quality sound. He expanded his repertoire beyond Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, working with artists in different genres, ranging from alternative rock to pop.

Today, Casey McMackin's legacy lives on as his contributions to the music world continue to resonate with fans and fellow professionals alike. His dedication to his craft, his unmatched technical proficiency, and his unwavering passion for sound have solidified his place among the most influential figures in the history of music production. Whether in the studio, behind the mixing console, or on stage, Casey McMackin's impact on the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal genre remains indelible, forever engrained in the world of music history.