Metallica have launched their own record label, Blackened Recordings. The band possesses all the master tapes of their back catalog. The first released on the new label will be Quebec Magnetic, taken from two 2009 World Magnetic shows in Quebec City, on DVD and Blu-ray on December 10. The days of multimillion record deals with a major are over and by gaining control of their musical heritage, the band will get a far bigger piece of the pie of album sales:
We like to make it a point here not to bore you with the not-so-exciting business aspects of making and sharing music, but we're so psyched about our new adventure that we just had to tell you about it as we officially launch our very own record label, Blackened Recordings.
Some of you, who have followed along throughout the years, are aware that in 1994 we renegotiated our contract with the Warner Music Group, which resulted in a joint venture with our record company for releasing all of our recordings including long form videos. Per that agreement, as of today we have taken ownership of all of our master recordings and Blackened Recordings will be the home of all of our current albums and videos along with all future releases including the December 10 release of the "Quebec Magnetic” DVD and Blu-ray.
You may have heard us say it once or twice or a thousand times before, but it's always been about us taking control of all things 'Tallica to give you 110% on every single level every single time. Forming Blackened Recordings is the ultimate in independence, putting us in the driver's seat of our own creative destiny. We're looking forward to making more music and getting it all out to you in our own unique way.
» metallica.com