New Unsigned Metal

New Hampshire-based Screaming Ferret Wreckords, LLC, was formed at the turn of the millennium by metal fans that play in bands and know what they would want from a record label. By building a top-notch support team of radio and media promotion experts, as well as prominent distributors, Screaming Ferret has the personality of a small indie label, but the power of larger labels in the metal niche market.
The 2007 release schedule promises to be a powerhouse, featuring bands that uniquely represent every genre of metal, from death to doom to power to metalcore and beyond.
Screaming Ferret Wreckords is run by musicians, sound engineers and music fans, not by accountants, investor groups, billionaires or legions of shareholders. These are people who are in the music business because they love it, they know it, and they live the lifestyle.

Interview with President Tim Koukos- Tim gives great insight into the metal label busienss and offers advice to aspiring bands. Metal forever.com would like to thank Tim for his time!

Metalforever.com: What was the start of Screaming Ferret and the first bands signed?

Tim Koukos: We started off not thinking about a metal label, we were a bunch of aspiring artists who wanted to open a metal club, then realized we needed to start our own label to get our music heard. Meliah Rage is the First band signed by the label and Nuclear Assault is the Second band

MF.com: How do you give equal attention to all the bands???
Tim: Bands with new releases take priority- we have to pay attention to all bands- but immediate releases get immediate attention, it is simply good business- but we always try and promote the full catalouge of music.

Mf.com: Are things going better than expected at this point in your history?
Tim: It is going better than expected- but there are always hurdles- just when you think you have smooth sailing- something always comes up. There are always hurdles and challanges, but you need to adapt and make decisions and move forward. Overall things are going better than expected for the label.

MF.com: Are you prepared for the changes in the music industry, digital downloads, indie stores closing, big box stores like Wal-Mart and Target only stocking the hit bands?
Tim: We like to think Screaming Ferret has prepared for the shift in the music industry and has been prepared for the future. We have been prepared for the ever changing music industry.

MF.com: What are top bands with priority at the moment?-
Tim- Foghat will be a priority release, as will the new Lillian Axe release and the Cursed- there will be another new band Till We Die will get attention as well, and Meliah Rage coming out this year- the new Lillian Axe will be a strong release-even though they have a new singer, the new singer sounds very close to Rod Taylor the former singer.

Mf.com: What is the biggest Challange facing the label?
Tim: The industry itself is the biggest challange- and the fact is is ever changing- distribution is different now, than it was even 3 to 4 years ago, everyone needs to roll with the punches and adapt to new changes- a lot of people are panicing , but you simply need to stay to your plan and stay the course.

Mf.com: What are things you're looking most forward to for the future of your label, do you think the outlook is positive?
Tim: I love my staff and the people I work with, I also love the bands we are working with- the label is also starting to get involved in rock music, childrens music and jazz, not under the Screaming Ferret "moniker"- but will be under another moniker - but we are looking also at punk- since there is a market for all other types of music, but metal will remain the focus and priority over other genres and projects.

Mf.com- How many employees do you have and what can you tell people who want to work in the industry?
Tim: Currently we have 12 employees between part time and full time - some people who get into the industry think that they will experience what they see in the media- and that is the glamour side- but working for a label is as described- it is work- and therefore it is hard to keep people- since they think it will be easy, it will be all parties and back stage passes- but you need to do what it takes to be successful, it is not always a "walk in the park"- we need to pull all nighters sometimes to get it done- they work in the "non-glamorous" part of the industry

Mf.com: What do you look for when signing new bands, do you look for a similar work ethic?-
Tim: We have learned from some mistakes in the past, some bands say they want to work hard to be successful, but some bands in reality want to simply stay local, and don't want to work hard and go on tour. We now look for bands that are willing to do what it takes to be successful.

MF.com- What do you think about the future of metal music?
Tim: Metal is still strong and metal is still alive. Metal is not going away, it is a music genre that is always there, it is not a fad, it won't go away. Some prospective investors have asked the question, "why does your label stay in metal"? It might not always be on the "front burner"- but it is there. People take the metal industry more seriously now than they did back in the "hey day" of metal.

Metalforever would like to thank Tim again for making time for the interview. We wish the best of luck to Tim and all the bands at Screaming Ferret Wreckords

Current Featured Underground Artist or Metal Indie company
New Hampshire-based Screaming Ferret Wreckords, LLC, was formed at the turn of the millennium by metal fans that play in bands and know what they would want from a record label. By building a top-notch support team of radio and media promotion experts, as well as prominent distributors, Screaming Ferret has the personality of a small indie label, but the power of larger labels in the metal niche market. The 2007 release schedule promises to be a powerhouse, featuring bands that uniquely represent every genre of metal, from death to doom to power to metalcore and beyond. Screaming Ferret Wreckords is run by musicians, sound engineers and music fans, not by accountants, investor groups, billionaires or legions of shareholders. These are people who are in the music business because they love it, they know it, and they live the lifestyle. Interview with President Tim Koukos- Tim gives great insight into the metal label busienss and offers advice to aspiring bands. Metal forever.com would like to thank Tim for his time! Metalforever.com: What was the start of Screaming Ferret and the first bands signed? Tim Koukos: We started off not thinking about a metal label, we were a bunch of aspiring artists who wanted to open a metal club, then realized we needed to start our own label to get our music heard. Meliah Rage is the First band signed by the label and Nuclear Assault is the Second band MF.com: How do you give equal attention to all the bands??? Tim: Bands with new releases take priority- we have to pay attention to all bands- but immediate releases get immediate attention, it is simply good business- but we always try and promote the full catalouge of music. Mf.com: Are things going better than expected at this point in your history? Tim: It is going better than expected- but there are always hurdles- just when you think you have smooth sailing- something always comes up. There are always hurdles and challanges, but you need to adapt and make decisions and move forward. Overall things are going better than expected for the label. MF.com: Are you prepared for the changes in the music industry, digital downloads, indie stores closing, big box stores like Wal-Mart and Target only stocking the hit bands? Tim: We like to think Screaming Ferret has prepared for the shift in the music industry and has been prepared for the future. We have been prepared for the ever changing music industry. MF.com: What are top bands with priority at the moment?- Tim- Foghat will be a priority release, as will the new Lillian Axe release and the Cursed- there will be another new band Till We Die will get attention as well, and Meliah Rage coming out this year- the new Lillian Axe will be a strong release-even though they have a new singer, the new singer sounds very close to Rod Taylor the former singer. Mf.com: What is the biggest Challange facing the label? Tim: The industry itself is the biggest challange- and the fact is is ever changing- distribution is different now, than it was even 3 to 4 years ago, everyone needs to roll with the punches and adapt to new changes- a lot of people are panicing , but you simply need to stay to your plan and stay the course. Mf.com: What are things you're looking most forward to for the future of your label, do you think the outlook is positive? Tim: I love my staff and the people I work with, I also love the bands we are working with- the label is also starting to get involved in rock music, childrens music and jazz, not under the Screaming Ferret "moniker"- but will be under another moniker - but we are looking also at punk- since there is a market for all other types of music, but metal will remain the focus and priority over other genres and projects. Mf.com- How many employees do you have and what can you tell people who want to work in the industry? Tim: Currently we have 12 employees between part time and full time - some people who get into the industry think that they will experience what they see in the media- and that is the glamour side- but working for a label is as described- it is work- and therefore it is hard to keep people- since they think it will be easy, it will be all parties and back stage passes- but you need to do what it takes to be successful, it is not always a "walk in the park"- we need to pull all nighters sometimes to get it done- they work in the "non-glamorous" part of the industry Mf.com: What do you look for when signing new bands, do you look for a similar work ethic?- Tim: We have learned from some mistakes in the past, some bands say they want to work hard to be successful, but some bands in reality want to simply stay local, and don't want to work hard and go on tour. We now look for bands that are willing to do what it takes to be successful. MF.com- What do you think about the future of metal music? Tim: Metal is still strong and metal is still alive. Metal is not going away, it is a music genre that is always there, it is not a fad, it won't go away. Some prospective investors have asked the question, "why does your label stay in metal"? It might not always be on the "front burner"- but it is there. People take the metal industry more seriously now than they did back in the "hey day" of metal. Metalforever would like to thank Tim again for making time for the interview. We wish the best of luck to Tim and all the bands at Screaming Ferret Wreckords
	While clearly in the beginning stages- we think Pivotal Rockordings has the right idea to be successful in metal. Check them out: http://www.pivotalalliance.com " Pivotal Rockordings was founded nearly a year to the day that the Pivotal Rage Webzine was started. Leevan Macomeau began Pivotal Rage as both a compliment to his hobby, which is heavy music, and also as a way to gain experience in the business environment, the field in which he is currently studying. Within that short year Pivotal Rage managed to grow to over 175,000 hits a month and was even featured in Metal Maniacs Magazine just before the New Year to roll into 2005."

Avarice	From the farthest regions of the New Jersey spectrum emerges a stand-alone band that tests the bounds of musical creativity, that which has no limit. Originally created over 4 years ago, Avarice hit the scene 3 years ago and with help of all their friends and fans have been able to become one of the most recognizable acts in the NJ underground. By blending styles such as metal, hardcore, hard rock, and punk rock this six-member ensemble has developed a style of music that is all their own. They continue to expand as a band and tap deeper into their musical arsenal. Welcome to the New Beginning....

	In March of 2003, Black Widow recorded their debut CD, "Satan's Playground". It reflects their European metal influences as well as their own American-made power tunes . . . They invite you to enter their web . . . The rest will be history . . .

Diesel Theory	Local NJ band with female lead singer-demo out soon

EDIFY	Currently working on Pre-Production for our Second C.D

FURTHER LO

KAOS	Kaos -You are about to experience a Kaos not known to man. Kaos has developed a form of metal all their own. Their songs contain a brutal thrashing style, mixed with pure Bay Area power. They have created their own identity through their sound and certain way of playing metal. The music delivery has a heavy attack, an extremely aggressive vocal style, with a punishing guitar sound, crushing bass and superior drumming.

	KillReign is metal. All four of the founding fathers of KillReign, realized about a year ago. That after 5 years of trial and error, break ups and mishaps. They have finally found their niche. KillReign was given the gift of bringing you hardcore, in-your-face metal, that is nothing more then real. With lyrics based on everyday life, and choices we make. A slew of blistering guitar riffs, driving bass lines and thunderous drum beats will make your head want to move. All this on top of vocal screams and melodies, that will send chills running up and down your back. Brutal verses, and melodic choruses are brought together to form a very solid backbone to the music. (From Killreign Website)

	Mmebers of LEGACY joined together with the idea to bring the structure back to metal. LEGACY focuses on technical prowess and layered vocals. With immediate success and large following, LEGACY started selling out Dayton's biggest and best clubs. With the success of SLAY THE BEAST and their great live performance, LEGACY began drawing the attention of record labels such as SONY MUSIC and SONG BIRD PRODUCTIONS. TO DATE, LEGACY HAS RELEASED THEIR SECOND CD "STAND AND CONQUER",RECORDED AT ADOBE STUDIOS IN LEBANON, OHIO AND MASTERED AT REFRAZE. LEGACY HOPES TO TAKE THIS CD TO THE NEXT LEVEL AND NEGOTIATE A POSSIBLE RECORD DEAL..... STAY TUNED!!!

	(From Official Hat Trick Website) - Spawned in 2002, HAT TRICK of MISERY is a modern, heavy rock band from Asbury Park, NJ. Mitch Wilson and Kelsey Thomas formed HAT TRICK of MISERY with vocalist - Steven Statland, lead guitarist Bob O'Hara, and bassist Crash Evil. This Jersey Shore rock act has exploded on the local music scene having recently appeared with Vince Neil, Skid Row, Anthrax, Motorhead, King's X, Dee Snider, Winger, Quiet Riot, Dope and others.

	Michael Knight's newest solo CD is instrumental metal music at its finest. If you long for classic metal riffs & solos you will not be disappointed checking out Michael Knight. He is a NYC award winning guitarist & if you like instrumental metal music- you should check him out. A Metal Forever exclusive Michael Knight interview will be posted soon.

	Power metal fans and classic metal fans alike should check out Overlorde. For starters, they feature a very good vocalist- at times very familiar & reminiscient of Geoff Tate, and Bruce Dickinson- and at other times sounding much like Michael Kiske (ex.Helloween)- which in the MF.com book is the best comparison any metal vocalist can recieve. The song writing is also very solid- at time very melodic & ripping guitar solos. Any genre of metal fan should check out Overlorde- they would not be disappointed.

	Very solid new power metal band, Ripped Speed. Great guitars, good vocals with range- a very good new metal band, they are very heavy but worth checking out! You can buy the new Ripped Speed here at the Metal Shop Page- Metal Shop

Seasons of the Wolf	Progressive, Gothic, New Age Metal band from the Tampa Bay Area, Florida.

	Severed is a 5 piece extreme heavy metal band from Queens, NY. Severed blends many brutal elements with beatdown breaks to provide killer music to get pumped to if its in a mosh pit or in your stereo. Playing with many known national acts in the NY area such as Cannibal Corpse, Dark Funeral, Arch Enemy, God Forbid, Sworn Enemy, Kataklysm, Beyond the Embrace, Pissing Razors, Dying Fetus, Misery Index, Society 1, Incantation, Immolation, Goatwhore, Grave, Crematorium, Scar Culture, Mastodon...just to name a few, Severed has gained recognition as one of the heaviest and well known underground bands in NYC. The Severed full length album will be out in Fall 2003. Click band logo for link to their website for the latest updates regarding shows, and news.

	(From the Supervillain official website)-In a time of extreme stagnation in the world of rock music, when corporations are more responsible for the content of albums than the artists come Supervillain. Five veterans of the unforgiving streets of New York,crusaders in the war on mediocrity and true believers in the cause. They come bearing the flamepassed down from their ancestors. Bands like Black Sabbath, Soundgarden, Bad Brains and Motorhead have shown them the way. Metal Forever adds-If you like Soundgarden type rock/metal you will like Supervillain.

	Utopia Banished-These New York-based melodic Death-metallers bring with their first demo a combination of vibrant, raw music in the vein of later At The Gates and a touch of heavy metal (though these guys probably rather wouldn't like to be associated with that label). Although this is but a cassette demo, the whole sounds quite good with great Tomas Lindbergh-like vocals, original song-structurings (certainly when you compare them to the more classical Gˆthenburg-bands), but perhaps also with a bit too repetitive-sounding riffs

	Viscid- Bringing Back the Metal-"Fast, thrash just like from back in the day. Headbang to great solos, thrashy vocals, fast beats, and killer bass. Click logo for Viscid website!