Metal Blade Records is the independent label that launched Metallica, Slayer, Cannibal Corpse, Amon Amarth, Armored Saint, and dozens of other bands, as well as being the longtime home of King Diamond, Killswitch Engage, Whitechapel, and Cattle Decapitation. The label is celebrating its 45th Anniversary in 2027. To mark this milestone, founder Brian Slagel has announced a new podcast series: Metal Blade Records’ 45th Anniversary Podcast.

Beginning in January 2027, Slagel will release one new episode per week throughout the entire year, available on all major podcast platforms. Each episode will feature an in-depth conversation with past and present Metal Blade Records artists and others involved in the making of 25 of the label’s most landmark albums.

Metal Blade Records founder, owner, and CEO Brian Slagel comments:

I’m super excited to host this new podcast celebrating 45 years of Metal Blade Records! Following my podcast 100 songs that define heavy metal, the concept is basically the same! Going to be fun to talk to everyone each episode!

Pantheon Media CEO, Christian Swain adds:

Brian Slagel didn’t just witness the rise of heavy music-he built the platform that launched it. Partnering with Brian on 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal showed us how passionate this community is for authentic, deep-dive storytelling. We’re thrilled to host the Metal Blade Records’ 45th Anniversary Podcast on Pantheon as Brian opens the vault on 25 landmark albums that reshaped the musical landscape. Nobody tells these stories better.

The weekly podcast will include bands like Amon Amarth, Armored Saint, Bitch, Bolt Thrower, Cannibal Corpse, D.R.I., Fates Warning, GWAR, Lizzy Borden, Omen, Six Feet Under, The Black Dahlia Murder, Unearth, and more.