Article written by Roger Casadejús Pérez
Challenges and Decline
The 1990s were a turbulent decade for many independent labels, and Combat Records was no exception. The rise of alternative rock and grunge shifted the musical landscape dramatically, impacting the commercial viability of metal music. As a result, Combat Records faced declining sales and struggled to remain relevant in an evolving industry.
By the mid-1990s, Combat Records had effectively ceased operations as an independent label. Its legacy, however, remained intact, with many of its albums continuing to be revered by metal enthusiasts worldwide.
Revival and New Ownership
The upcoming 2026 relaunch of Combat Records marks a new chapter in the label’s history. The label has been acquired by a consortium of music industry veterans and metal enthusiasts, who are committed to restoring Combat Records to its former glory.
Vision for the Future
The new owners have outlined an ambitious vision for Combat Records. Their primary goal is to leverage modern technology and marketing strategies to discover and promote emerging metal talent. They plan to utilize streaming platforms, social media, and digital marketing to reach a global audience, ensuring that the label’s releases receive the attention they deserve.
Moreover, the new Combat Records aims to honor its legacy by reissuing classic albums with enhanced sound quality and exclusive content. This initiative is expected to attract both longtime fans and a new generation of metal enthusiasts who are eager to explore the roots of the genre.
Focus on Artist Development
A key component of the relaunch is a renewed focus on artist development. The new owners recognize that nurturing talent and providing artists with the resources they need to succeed is crucial. This approach mirrors the label’s original ethos, which was instrumental in the success of bands like Megadeth and Exodus.
Combat Records plans to offer comprehensive support, including production, touring, and marketing services, to its artists. This holistic approach is designed to foster creativity and allow artists to focus on what they do best: creating powerful, genre-defining music.
The Impact of Combat Records’ Return
The relaunch of Combat Records is likely to have a significant impact on the metal music scene. For established artists, it represents an opportunity to revisit and celebrate their early work through reissues and special editions. For emerging bands, it offers a platform to reach a wider audience and gain the exposure they need to succeed in a competitive industry.
Furthermore, the return of Combat Records is expected to reignite interest in the thrash and speed metal genres, bringing them back into the mainstream spotlight. As the label seeks to build a diverse roster of artists, fans can anticipate a blend of classic and contemporary metal that honors the past while embracing the future.
Conclusion
The relaunch of Combat Records in 2026 represents a momentous occasion for the metal music community. With its rich history, legendary roster, and renewed commitment to artist development, the label is poised to reclaim its place as a driving force in the genre. As we look forward to this new era, one thing is certain: Combat Records will continue to shape the soundscape of metal music for years to come.