In a surprise move, major label BMG has announced the acquisition of pioneering indie label The End Records.  The acquisition includes the entire back catalogue as well as future releases.  The End Records will continue to operate from its offices in New York.  Check out the press release here.

The label was started out of CEO Andreas Katsambas‘ home in Pasadena and flourished in the early years as a label that pioneered a new scene of eclectic, avant garde metal bands, including AGALLOCH, WINDS, and EPOCH OF UNLIGHT.  They also made a name for themselves by becoming the trailblazer in having the best selection of underground metal and rock albums in its online shop.  One did not have to pay $30 for a copy of ARCTURUS‘ La Masquerade Infernale.  The now industry standard pre-release album packages with a limited edition t-shirt, CD, vinyl, and mp3s was a concept pioneered by Katsambas.

The End Records partnered with many underground European labels such as Black Mark, Osmose Productions, Music for Nations and Listenable Records to provide distribution in North America.  One could finally pick up IMMORTAL‘s At the Heart of Winter at a record store at a domestic price.

Through endless hard work, struggle, and disappointments, Katsambas kept the label alive and greatly expanded the roster to include bands of all genres.  The End Records ceased to be strictly a heavy music label.  The label that was once home to ULVER, DIR EN GREY, and VOIVOD is now home to EVERCLEAR, WANZ, and THE DANDY WARHOLS.

We congratulate Andreas Katsambas and the rest of the staff, past and present, on this milestone!

 

(Source)