Influential Metal Label Nuclear Blast Expands Australian Presence

They already look after acts like Lamb Of God, Slayer, Rob Zombie and Anthrax, and now influential metal label Nuclear Blast will have a greater focus on local talent after launching a brand new A&R division for Australia and New Zealand. 

The label first launched in Germany in 1987 and has recently been acquired by Believe Digital, who have picked up the majority stake in the company. 

Longtime employee John Howarth has since been promoted to the role of Oceania managing director.

"These are exciting times for the music industry here in Australia and New Zealand, finally we will have the option to sign local bands to the brand," said Howarth. "There will be several options that we can explore. One is directly to the Nuclear Blast label be it global or local, the other is world class digital platform services with Believe."

‘’Global deals, local deals and straight digital distribution deals with Believe will be on offer," he continued. "The prestige to being signed by Nuclear Blast is something a lot of local bands tell me is something they dream about. Although we will do the deals here, everything accounting wise will still run through Europe." 

"I look forward to developing the local market and local acts, there is so much talent here and to have a new player in the game is one that is needed, bands need options and we will offer another avenue. As a global business it’s vital that we develop a strong A&R strategy which allows us to identify and sign the best artists. Launching A&R in Australia and New Zealand is a huge opportunity to collaborate with amazing some local artists." 

"It is going to be a very interesting and fun time scouting for bands. I know my inbox will blow up big time. If it’s in the straight-out rock to metal genres and all in between, I am interested. This is a huge boost for the Australian and New Zealand music industry, and we intend to be competitive. I really want managers and artists to reach out and I am really looking forward to discovering potential signings. So let’s bring it on!’’

‘’We were looking into this market for a long time already," added Nuclear Blast managing director Marcus Hammer. "This area already brought such great artists to the world and has so many dedicated fans and bands. 

"We are stoked to take the next step down under with John (Howarth), who has been our major asset in this great country for so many years now and looking forward to further develop strong relationships in Australia & New Zealand."