Deathwish Inc.

Deathwish, Inc. is an independent record label conceived by Jacob Bannon of Converge and Tre McCarthy in 2000.[1][2] Their first release was Deeper the Wound, a split album between Converge and Japanese band Hellchild on April 23, 2001. Deathwish established itself quickly, working with a diverse group of bands and eventually becoming one of the most respected and innovative labels in contemporary hardcore punk[3][4] and aggressive music in general.[5][6]

Deathwish Inc.

Founded2000 (2000)
FounderJacob Bannon, Tre McCarthy
Distributor(s)The Orchard, Deathwish Direct
GenreHardcore punk, punk rock, extreme metal
Country of originUnited States
LocationBeverly, Massachusetts
Official websitedeathwishinc.com

After having previously worked with RED Distribution, in March 2016, Deathwish signed a global deal with Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA), an independent distribution label under Warner Music Group that has also partnered with other punk labels including Epitaph Records, Rise Records, and Run for Cover Records.[7]

Deathwish Inc's old circle-D logo.
Deathwish Inc's old font style logo.

In 1999, Linas Garsys and Tru Pray founded the hardcore punk independent record label Malfunction Records. Deathwish merged with Malfunction in August 2007, and originally announced that the two labels would still exist as separate entities with Malfunction acting as an imprint label and Deathwish's staff operating both businesses.[8][9] However, one of Malfunction's last releases was Bitter Ends' 2008 self-titled EP. Deathwish still distributes some of Malfunction's back catalog.

In 2012, Jeremy Bolm of Touché Amoré formed his own imprint label under Deathwish dubbed Secret Voice.[10][11]

In 2014, Jami Morgan of Code Orange along with Pat Kindlon of Self Defense Family formed their own imprint under Deathwish titled Harm Reduction Records.[12]

The label in the past has operated an imprint label Icarus Records, for more experimental and ambient sounding bands,[13] though it has been dormant for many years and only released albums from two artists.

In 2009, Deathwish expanded into independent music distribution offering exclusive and featured distribution of other record labels. Currently, Deathwish distributes many labels including: Closed Casket Activities, ConCult (Converge self-released titles), Discos Huelga, Grave Mistake Records, Nonbeliever, React! Records, Painkiller Records, Perfect Victim Records, Six Feet Under Records, State of Mind Recordings, and Vitriol Records.

Deathwish Fest

For two nights in July 2014, Deathwish hosted back-to-back concerts in Massachusetts featuring current and formerly signed bands of the label. Both nights featured headliners Converge and Trap Them, the first show had Modern Life is War, Doomriders, Cult Leader, Self Defense Family and Harm Wülf as openers; while the second night had Young and in the Way, Code Orange, Oathbreaker, New Lows and Chrome Over Brass (Alex Garcia-Rivera of Give Up the Ghost, Bloodhorse) as openers. The label also stated that this is the first of a series of events.[14] In May/June, the Deathwish Fest toured Europe for a 7-day gig featuring Converge, Trap Them, Harm's Way and Young and in the Way.[15]

Former MMA sponsorship

Deathwish began sponsoring several mixed martial arts UFC fighters in 2008.[16] Among the label's sponsored fighters includes: Dan "The Outlaw" Hardy, Joe "J-Lau" Lauzon, Dan "The Upgrade" Lauzon, Toby "Tigerheart" Grear and several local Boston grapplers.[16][17][18][19] Bannon is also a licensed MMA judge, and designed some of the fighters' clothing.[16][18] Deathwish's sponsorship of MMA declined in the early 2010s and all references to this subject have been removed from its official website.

Label discography
For a more comprehensive list, see Deathwish Inc. discography.

As of January 2015, Deathwish Inc's discography includes over 170 releases from over 90 different bands (including non-Deathwish artists featured on split releases). Its main discography most prominently features 10 releases from Converge, eight from Self Defense Family (End of a Year) and seven from Blacklisted.

In March 2014, Deathwish uploaded its entire catalog onto the music streaming/purchasing service, Bandcamp.[20]

Current artists

Former artists

Malfunction artists (1999–2008)

Icarus artists (2003–2005)
  • Halfacre Gunroom
  • Switchblade

Secret Voice artists (2012–present)

Harm Reduction artists (2014–present)
  • Axis
  • Drown
  • Purge
  • Resistance Wire
  • Steel Nation
  • Detain
  • Unit 731

References
  1. "Label Profile: Deathwish Inc.". Alternative Press 299 (June 2013), p. 37.
  2. O'Neil, Luke (July 17, 2014). "Bannon keeps the indie ethos alive with Deathwish Inc". The Boston Globe. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  3. Childers, Oakland L. (August 15, 2014). "Label Q&A: Deathwish Inc". Alarm. Retrieved November 19, 2017.
  4. Anthony, David (June 16, 2017). "Rank Your Records: Converge's Jacob Bannon Reflects on the Seminal Hardcore Band's Eight Albums". Noisey. Retrieved November 19, 2017.
  5. Levines, George (August 13, 2014). "Thriving record label Deathwish flying under Beverly's radar". Salem News. Retrieved November 19, 2017.
  6. O’Neil, Luke. "Bannon keeps the indie ethos alive with Deathwish Inc". Boston Globe. Retrieved November 19, 2017.
  7. "Deathwish Inc partners with ADA". LambGoat. March 15, 2016. Retrieved March 15, 2016.
  8. White, Adam (August 10, 2007). "Deathwish Inc. merges with Malfunction Records". Punknews.org. Retrieved September 24, 2010.
  9. "Deathwish Merges With Hardcore/Punk Label Malfunction Records". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. August 17, 2009. Retrieved December 28, 2012.
  10. Kraus, Brian (February 2, 2012). "Touche Amore's Jeremy Bolm launches record label, first release announced". Alternative Press. Retrieved March 28, 2012.
  11. Paul, Aubin (February 2, 2012). "Touché Amoré vocalist launches new label". Punknews.org. Retrieved March 28, 2012.
  12. Punknews.org. "Music: New label Harm Reduction Records". www.punknews.org. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  13. Jaschke, Magnus (May 2003). "Jacob Bannon Interview". Creative Eclipse. Retrieved September 24, 2010.
  14. Crane, Matt (April 7, 2014). "Deathwish Inc. are putting on a festival this summer". Alternative Press. Retrieved April 14, 2014.
  15. "Converge, Trap Them, Harms Way tour dates (Europe)". Lambgoat. December 17, 2014. Retrieved December 21, 2014.
  16. Louangvilay, Romey (July 30, 2009). "Jacob Bannon: Distance and Meaning". The Fight Magazine. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  17. Amy, Sciarretto (April 13, 2011). "MMA Fighter Dan Hardy and Hardcore Band Blood For Blood Team Up". Noisecreep. AOL. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  18. Robinson, Eugene (January 8, 2013). "My Walkout Song - Converge's Jacob Bannon". Fightland. Vice. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  19. "Converge: Jacob Bannon On Japanese MMA and Training At Sityodtong". The Fight Magazine. October 15, 2009. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  20. Gentile, John (March 17, 2014). "Deathwish puts catalogue on Bandcamp". Punknews.org. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  21. Adams, Gregory (December 11, 2013). "Gaza Offshoot Cult Leader Sign to Deathwish Inc. for Debut EP, Share New Tune". Exclaim!. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
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