ABOUT
Darker than black records
Solitary Elitism since 1.994 a.y.p.s.
In the beginning, there was darkness.
And therein the black metal was reforged.
Darker Than Black Records (D.T.B.) is a German record label founded in 1994, primarily to distribute the EP Thuringian Pagan Madness by Absurd. Due to financial constraints, the EP was released under a licensing deal with Capricornus Prod instead.
In 1996, D.T.B. briefly operated as a sublabel of Malicious Records, producing only the Silexater EP Bleeding Depth before Malicious Records ceased to exist. By 1997, the label released debut albums from bands like Thor’s Hammer and Abyssic Hate and organized events such as the Germanic Black Metal-Storm over Germany festival, featuring bands like Nagelfar, Riger, and Absurd.
In 1999, D.T.B. released works by bands including Barad Dûr, Winterblut, and Kristallnacht. That October, D.T.B. faced legal challenges for the alleged distribution of “extremist propaganda” and the base of operations was moved to the United States. Between 2001 and 2002, releases intended for D.T.B. were distributed under the label Ancestral Research Records but then the label went into a years-long hiatus.
The label resumed activity post-2007 and has since released numerous records, including works by bands like Bilskirnir, Kaevum, Maquahuitl and Vothana.
It remains operated by the same principles as before, with its official distributor Merchant of Death (M.O.D.) located in Germany. D.T.B. is recognized as a significant entity in the black metal scene, distributing music via formats like CDs, vinyl, and audiotapes, often in collaboration with other labels from abroad. It is now one of the oldest, prolific and most established record labels in the black metal genre in Germany.
Contrary to some speculations and claims, D.T.B. does not pursue a political agenda. Instead, the label sees itself as a “patron of arts,” aiming to support artists and provide them with reach and recognition within the black metal scene. The key criterion for a record deal is D.T.B.’s conviction that the artist or band makes a significant contribution to the black metal genre and that there is mutual agreement that black metal should be about more than just music.
It never ends
The darkness will never cease.
It dwells in every heart.
Darker Than Black Records primarily collaborates with artists and bands with whom it already has a working relationship—often a long-standing friendship and camaraderie.
However, the label also actively seeks out new talent, up-and-coming bands, and gifted artists. In an era where digital music streaming has become a part of everyday life for many fans, D.T.B. upholds the tradition of producing, manufacturing, marketing, and distributing physical media.
The label is committed to maintaining this philosophy in the future, ensuring that black metal remains deeply rooted in its underground origins.
AI-generated “art” – neither music nor images – is not welcome at D.T.B. Records, as we believe that creativity is man-made and not machine-made!
