Metal Blade Records Death / Thrash Metal

 

The Bloody Axe Editions: Metal Blade's Most Iconic Mark

Among vinyl collectors and metalheads, few items stir up more excitement than the Metal Blade Bloody Axe editions. These pressings are known not just for the blistering music they contain, but for the blood-dripping axe graphic on the record label—a symbol of raw underground power and cult legacy.

First appearing on select Metal Blade Records releases in the mid to late '80s, the Bloody Axe logo became a visual trademark for the label’s most intense thrash, speed, and death metal albums. Unlike standard pressings, these versions were often limited in distribution and are now highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

Whether it’s Juggernaut’s "Baptism Under Fire", Nasty Savage’s "Abstract Reality", or Warlord’s "Thy Kingdom Come", the Bloody Axe editions offer more than just music—they represent a piece of heavy metal history. Fans lucky enough to own one possess not only a vinyl record but a relic from an era where metal defied the mainstream and forged its own path in blood and wax.

large album front cover photo of: Metal Blade Records

Metal Blade Records' Bloody Axe: Controversy & Collector’s Grail

The Story Behind One of Heavy Metal’s Most Infamous Collectibles

Synopsis

The Metal Blade Records "Bloody Axe" is one of the most infamous and controversial collectibles in heavy metal history. This highly limited promotional or commemorative item sparked debates due to its violent symbolism and extreme exclusivity. While some saw it as a natural extension of metal’s horror-inspired aesthetic, others criticized it for promoting brutality. Additionally, its rarity led to frustration among fans, with resale prices skyrocketing in the collector’s market. This article explores the controversies surrounding the Bloody Axe and its lasting value in the heavy metal memorabilia scene.

The Origins of the Bloody Axe

Metal Blade Records, known for its deep roots in the heavy metal scene, has released various promotional items over the years. However, few have caused as much debate as the "Bloody Axe." Released in extremely limited numbers, this collectible quickly became both a sought-after prize and a lightning rod for controversy.

Controversies of the Bloody Axe

Graphic Violence Symbolism

The brutal imagery of the Bloody Axe drew criticism from those outside the metal community. While extreme metal often embraces horror aesthetics, some argued that the axe glorified violence rather than just serving as an artistic statement.

Association with Censorship Battles

During the 1980s and 1990s, heavy metal music faced numerous attacks from censorship groups, religious organizations, and parental advisory boards. The Bloody Axe was viewed by some as reinforcing negative stereotypes about the genre, leading to further scrutiny.

Limited Release & Fan Outrage

The axe was produced in extremely low numbers, making it nearly impossible for many dedicated fans to acquire. This led to resentment, with some accusing Metal Blade of using it as a marketing gimmick rather than a true fan collectible.

Resale & Scalping Issues

Due to its rarity, the Bloody Axe became a high-value item in the collector’s market, with some copies selling for thousands of dollars. This led to frustration among fans who felt priced out, as scalpers took advantage of the demand.

Collector’s Value of the Bloody Axe

Despite the controversy, the Bloody Axe remains a holy grail for heavy metal collectors.

The legacy of the Bloody Axe lives on, proving that heavy metal’s connection to controversial imagery and collector culture is as strong as ever.

FEATURED Metal Blade Records VINYL RECORDS

ARMORED SAINT - Symbol of Salvation
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BITCH - The Bitch is Back
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Thumbnail of BITCH - The Bitch is Back 12" Vinyl LP album front cover

The Bitch is Back is a bold statement of defiance from Bitch, released in 1987. Fueled by Betsy's fierce vocals and razor-sharp riffs, the album delivers pure heavy metal energy. Produced by Joseph Romersa and engineered by Bill Metoyer, it captures Metal Blade's raw power. With an electrifying Elton John cover and headbangers like Heavy Metal Breakdown, this record cements Bitch’s place in metal history. Learn more

CRISIS PARTY - Rude Awakening
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CRISIS PARTY - Rude Awakening album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

"Rude Awakening" isn’t just another half-baked attempt at rock ‘n’ roll rebellion—it’s a filthy, sweat-drenched sermon straight from the gutters of late-'80s Seattle. That white label spins like a warning sign: raw riffs, junkyard poetry, and a frontman howling like he’s seen the end times. This is metal, punk, chaos—cranked to 11 and left bleeding.

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CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER - Money Talks 12" LP Album
CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER - Money Talks album front cover

Cryptic Slaughter's "Money Talks" LP, a Metal Blade Records gem, unchains a relentless blend of hardcore punk and thrash metal. Produced by Bill Metoyer and the band, its raw energy reverberates through precise engineering. Bill Crooks' fierce vocals meet Les Evans' versatile guitars, Rob "Blasko" Nicholson's driving bass, and Scott Peterson's thunderous drums.

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D.R.I. - 4 of a Kind 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail Of  D.R.I. - 4 of a Kind 12" Vinyl LP album front cover

Metal Blade Records RR 9538 , 1988 , Holland

"D.R.I.'s '4 of a Kind,' unleashed in 1988, epitomizes the crossover thrash genre's fervor. Produced by Billy Metoyer and Spike Cassidy, the album's sonic intensity is a marriage of hardcore punk and thrash metal. The expert sound engineering by Bryan Karlstrom, Ken Paulakovich, and Greg Fulginiti, along with Craig Cummings' vivid cover art, complements the band's lineup, resulting in a timeless masterpiece that resonates with the rebellious spirit of its era."

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D.R.I - Crossover
Thumbnail Of  D.R.I - Crossover 12" Vinyl LP album front cover

Metal Blade Records RR 9620 , 1987 , Holland

"Crossover," the third album by the American crossover thrash juggernaut D.R.I., smashes boundaries on a 12" Vinyl LP Album. Originally released in 1987, this sonic onslaught epitomizes the band's fusion of hardcore punk and thrash metal. D.R.I.'s relentless energy and gritty lyrics resonate throughout, making "Crossover" a seminal release in the world of crossover thrash. This album is a testament to D.R.I.'s influential role in shaping the landscape of aggressive and boundary-defying musical genres.

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DR KNOW - Wreckage
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DR KNOW - Wreckage  album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

Dr. Know’s Wreckage in Flesh isn’t just a hardcore punk record—it’s a napalm strike on your skull, a thrashing, blood-splattered love letter to the gutter where punk and metal collide in an unholy car crash. It howls, it burns, it bleeds raw rage with riffs sharp as switchblades. This is Nardcore at its most vicious, an apocalyptic sermon delivered through distortion, speed, and sweat-drenched fury.

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FATES WARNING - No Exit
FATES WARNING - No Exit album front cover vinyl record

Fates Warning's 1988 album "No Exit" is a defining moment in progressive metal, marking the band's transition into complex compositions and thought-provoking themes. Featuring the epic "The Ivory Gate of Dreams" and dynamic tracks like "Silent Cries" and "Anarchy Divine," the album showcases intricate musicianship, soaring vocals, and a darker, more introspective sound.

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HALLOWS EVE - Death and Insanity
HALLOWS EVE - Death and Insanity album front cover vinyl record

Released in 1986, "Death & Insanity" arrived at a pivotal time in metal history. Thrash was rapidly evolving, with bands pushing the boundaries of speed, technicality, and lyrical aggression. Hallows Eve, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, found themselves in a scene dominated by West Coast thrash giants

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HERETIC - Breaking Point 12" Vinyl LP Album
Thumbnail of HERETIC - Breaking Point 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover

Metal Blade Records RR 9534 , 1988 , Netherlands

After the album "Breaking Point" had been released, Mike Howe joined Metal Church , and Heretic fell apart.

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HERETIC - Torture Knows no Boundary 12" EP
Thumbnail of HERETIC - Torture Knows no Boundary 12" EP album front cover

Metal Blade Records MBR 1080 Restless 72170 , 1986 , USA

"Torture Knows No Boundary" is the first recording released by the Thrash Metal band "Heretic" from Los Angeles, California.

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JUGGERNAUT - Baptism Under Fire
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JUGGERNAUT - Baptism Under Fire album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

Metal Blade Records RR 9682

Crank this sucker up and feel the blood boil—Baptism Under Fire is a jagged, fire-breathing beast straight outta the Texas underground, a thrash metal blitzkrieg soaked in gasoline and set ablaze. Riffs like barbed wire, drums pounding like warheads, and vocals spit with venom. No polish, no mercy—just raw, unrelenting chaos. Bang your head or get trampled.

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KING DIAMOND - Abigail II Black & White Splatter Vinyl
Thumbnail of KING DIAMOND - Abigail II Black & White Splatter Vinyl 12" 2LP Album front cover

Metal Blade Records – 3984-14379-1 , 2012 , Germany

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Abigail released by Music On Vinyl 2014 12" Vinyl LP
KING DIAMOND - The Eye USA
Thumbnail of KING DIAMOND - The Eye USA Re-issue 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover

Metal Blade Records 3984-15316-1 , 1990-2014 , USA

This is an re-issue of King Diamond's album "The Eye" pressed on 180 grams audiophile vinyl "The Eye" a concept album by King Diamond released 1990. It continues to feature a major storyline

The Eye USA Metal Blade Records Re-issue 12" Vinyl LP
KRANK - Hideous
KRANK - Hideous album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

Metal Blade Records RR 9674

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LIEGE LORD - Burn to my Touch 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail of LIEGE LORD - Burn to my Touch 12" Vinyl LP album front cover

Metal Blade Records RR 9625 , 1987 , Netherlands

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LIZZY BORDEN - Terror Rising
LIZZY BORDEN - Terror Rising  album front cover vinyl record

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Terror Rising 12" Vinyl EP
LIZZY BORDEN - Visual Lies
LIZZY BORDEN - Visual Lies Picture Disc album front cover vinyl record

Lizzy Borden's "Visual Lies" Picture Disc Vinyl LP is a visual and auditory spectacle. The album's striking imagery comes to life on the picture disc, while the music itself delves into a realm of dark glam metal. Tracks like "Me Against the World" resonate with the band's signature theatricality

Visual Lies 12" Vinyl Picture Disc
NASTY SAVAGE - Abstract Reality
NASTY SAVAGE - Abstract Reality album front cover vinyl record

Released in 1988 under Metal Blade Records with Bloody Axe Records, Nasty Savage's third studio album, "Abstract Reality," solidified their position as a formidable force in the thrash metal scene. Building upon their established sound, the album showcased the band's evolution while retaining their signature

Abstract Reality 12" Vinyl LP
NASTY SAVAGE - Indulgence
NASTY SAVAGE - Indulgence  album front cover vinyl record

NASTY SAVAGE's "Indulgence" is a powerful 12" LP album that serves as the second full-length release from the death metal band. This particular version, released on Metal Blade Records in the Netherlands, stands out as a rarity since most heavy metal records from the Netherlands were typically released

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OMEN - Battle Cry
OMEN - Battle Cry (Metal Blade Records)  12" LP

Metal Blade Records 3984-14215-1

"Battle Cry" is the debut album of the American heavy metal band Omen. It was originally released in 1984 by Metal Blade. This is the 2017 re-issue of the album and includes lyrics insert and large poster.

Battle Cry (Metal Blade Records) 12" Vinyl LP
OMEN - Nightmares
OMEN - Nightmares  12" LP

Metal Blade Records RR 9617

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Nightmares 12" Vinyl EP
SACRED REICH - Ignorance
Thumbnail Of  SACRED REICH - Ignorance album front cover

Metal Blade Records RR 9578

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Ignorance 12" Vinyl LP
SCHOOL OF VIOLENCE – We The People...?
SCHOOL OF VIOLENCE – We The People...? album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

Metal Blade Records – RR 9502 1

School of Violence - We The People...? (1988) is a raw, politically charged thrash metal album released on Metal Blade Records/Roadrunner. Featuring aggressive riffs, socio-political lyrics, and an unrelenting hardcore energy, it captures the rebellious spirit of 80s underground metal. With tracks tackling corruption, oppression, and resistance, this rare LP remains a cult classic in the genre.

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SLAYER - Live Undead (Two different versions)
SLAYER - Live Undead (Two different versions) album front cover vinyl record

This reissue includes the bone-crushing bonus track "Chemical Warfare," a studio scorcher that complements the raw energy of the live recordings.

SLAYER - Live Undead ( Record Label with Blood Dripping AXE ) SLAYER - Live Undead (Record Label with Red Guitar)
WARLORD - Thy Kingdom Come
Warlord - Thy Kingdom Come album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

Metal Blade Records RR 9637

Warlord's Thy Kingdom Come is a rare 1987 vinyl LP that showcases the band's epic heavy metal sound, blending soaring melodies, intricate guitar work, and a dramatic atmosphere. Released by Metal Blade Records, the album features the iconic blood-dripping axe logo on the label, symbolizing its raw intensity.on

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