Brian Slagel is widely regarded as one of the key architects of modern heavy metal. In 1982, he founded Metal Blade Records, initially as a passion project to document the rising underground scene. The label quickly became a launchpad for bands such as Metallica, Slayer, Mercyful Fate, and Trouble, helping transform tape-trading obscurities into global forces. Alongside his role as a label head, Slagel also worked as a producer with acts like Flotsam and Jetsam, Exciter, and Trouble, leaving a lasting imprint on the sound and infrastructure of 1980s metal.