Record Store Profile: Blackened Records QLD

What is your store called? 

Blackened Records

Where are you located? 

19 Trafalgar Street, Woolloongabba and online here.

Do you cater for a specific niche or genre?

We are a specialist (heavy) metal record store

Tell us about the people behind the scenes?

The store is pretty much just me, although my friend Amy helps out with sewing patches onto battle jackets and helps with merch desks at local gigs

When and why did the store open? 

We opened in July 2023. I opened the store after having a mid-life crisis and leaving my previous job as a high school teacher.

What do your customers most know you for?

Supporting Brisbane metal and talking peoples’ ears off when they visit the store

What is the most popular title you stock at the moment? 

Has been Aeternum Interitus by Brisbane black metal band Serpentum for quite a while now

What is the most popular evergreen title? 

Sunbather by Deafheaven

What is the best thing about running a record store in 2025?

The best part about running the kind of record store that I own is being a part of the local metal community. Metal fans are the most devoted fans around and the metal community here in Brisbane have been super supportive of the store and what I am trying to do. Every day I get to have chats with people who super passionate about the music and I can give back to the community be stocking local artists and putting on in stores to make people aware of some of the up-and-coming bands in the city. So, in short, the best part of running a record store in 2025 is being able to contribute to the community the store is a part of.

What is the hardest thing about running a record store in 2025?

The hardest thing about running a record store is the impact that economic factors have on sales. The cost-of-living crisis is real and, as much as metal fans might want to support the store, there is only a certain amount of money to go around after the bills are paid. With international bands touring again with a vengeance after the pause brought about by Covid, the choice can often be between going to see a band or coming to the store to buy a record. I understand that, but it doesn’t make it any easier on the bottom line. Having said that, I never thought I was going to become a billionaire by opening the store.