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The Metal Blade Museum is one of those places you won’t find in typical travel guides, but every heavy metal fan should visit at least once in their lifetime — or at the very least know that it exists 🙂
Here’s a teaser: all of this is connected, among other things, to the very first Metallica song ever recorded on a record.
Located in Las Vegas and run directly by Brian Slagel, this museum works as a historical archive, exhibition space, and personal tribute to one of the most influential record labels in metal history.
Don’t expect a massive, crowded museum: access is limited to just 20 people per day, turning the visit into an almost private experience.
Metal Blade Records: a story written from the underground
Founded in 1982, Metal Blade Records changed the course of heavy metal forever. Slagel started out by releasing compilations of unsigned bands while working at a record store in Los Angeles. Out of that initiative came Metal Massacre, a compilation series that is now considered a true cornerstone of the genre.
And this is where Lars Ulrich enters the picture. He had previously auditioned on drums to join James Hetfield’s band, only to receive a vague response along the lines of “We’ll call you.”
After his summer trip to Europe in ’81, where he spent two months staying at the home of Diamond Head’s singer, living the band’s day-to-day life and attending concerts — including shows by Iron Maiden and Motörhead — he returned to the U.S. with a fixed idea in mind: to form a band.
He got in touch with his friend Slagel and, after learning about his project, boldly bluffed about the existence of his own band and begged him to give them a slot on the record.
After getting a positive answer, he contacted Hetfield once again and promised him a spot on the record — on one condition: that they brought him in as the band’s drummer.
Lars’ skills behind the kit had improved, and Hetfield gave in. There was only one thing left to decide: the band’s name. And once again, Lars had an ace up his sleeve, proposing the name Metallica for the band.
The first pressing of Metal Massacre sold out in just one week, and it featured a Metallica demo: the song Hit the Lights, back when no one could have imagined what was coming next — least of all Slagel himself.
From that point on, Metal Blade went on to push bands such as Slayer, GWAR, Cannibal Corpse, The Black Dahlia Murder, or Amon Amarth, among dozens of other key names in the scene.
What can you see at the Metal Blade Museum?
The museum houses original items spanning more than four decades of metal history:
- Original vinyl records and first pressings
- Historic promotional material
- Original album cover artwork
- Unique memorabilia from tours and recording sessions
- Items linked to the Metal Massacre series
The entire experience is designed as a guided tour, with each item placed in context within the evolution of heavy metal and the label itself.
METAL-NUGGET
Curiosities of this one-of-a-kind museum for true metalheads
- In 2017, Kerry King (Slayer) inducted Metal Blade Records into the Hall of Heavy Metal History.
- That same year, Brian Slagel released the book For the Sake of Heaviness, in which he looks back on the complete history of the label.
- Metal Blade remains an independent record label, something truly exceptional given its size and influence.
METAL-INFO
Practical information
Address:
4067 Dean Martin Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89103
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday
From 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
(Sundays closed)
Tickets:
– Capacity limited to 20 people per day
– Advance booking required
Opening date:
Open since January 6, 2024
Web: Metalblademuseum
Próximo lanzamiento de Viajeros Metaleros
Hay rutas que no están en las guías. Lugares donde aún resuena un riff, una historia… o una leyenda. Nuestro próximo libro no es solo para viajar. Es para sentir el metal bajo tus pies. Muy pronto. 🤘
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