David Ellefson Brings Back Combat Records

David Ellefson

Megadeth bassist David Ellefson is reviving the legendary thrash label Combat Records through his EMP Label Group. Combat was founded in 1983 and was known for representing bands like Exodus, Circle Jerks, Death, Agnostic Front, and more. It also signed Megadeth and released the band’s debut album, Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!, in 1985.

“So excited and honored to be able to revive such an iconic brand that was so instrumental to my history,” Ellefson stated. “Even though we signed to Capitol after Killing is my Business, Combat’s logo was on all the Megadeth releases through Countdown To Extinction, and it truly was/is one of the most iconic Metal labels of all time, even being home to some of the other artists who would end up on the EMP roster, like Helstar. The same independent spirit that drove Combat in those early days is truly the same spirit that drives what we do with EMP, and we are honored to launch another amazing conduit to support new and established Metal artists, with great respect to the legacy of the past.”

Sony owns the original Combat back catalog, so the refreshed label will be focused on new content. Its first releases will be in 2018 with albums from Raven, Helstar, Dead By Wednesday, and Wrath.

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