A COUNTY band with a Worcester front man and Wyre Forest links have taken a big step on their musical path.
Emerging thrash metal band Mount Slatra have joined prestigious German underground record label Witches Brew Records.
They include Bewdley’s George North and Ben Alexander on guitar and drums respectively as well as Aaron Watkins from Stourport on bass.
The vocals are provided by Worcester’s Ryan Darling who studied at the Kidderminster College music department as did North and Alexander.
Thrash metal band Mount Slatra have joined prestigious German underground record label Witches Brew Records (Image: Mount Slatra)
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The band said: “We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we have officially signed to the roster of Witches Brew Records, one of the most prestigious and respected underground metal labels in Germany and across the world.
“Having our debut album distributed globally through their network is a massive step forward for us as a band — it means our music will be heard across the metal community in a way that simply wouldn’t have been possible without the right label partnership.
“For Ben and Ryan, both Kidderminster College alumni, this signing carries particular personal significance.
“We are immensely proud to be flying the flag for independent British thrash metal and the wider UK heavy metal scene that has given so much to the world.
“We can’t wait to take our music across the pond to Europe later this year and introduce ourselves to the international thrash metal community with this album.”
Mount Slatra’s debut full-length album lands in September and is set for international release through the label’s worldwide distribution network.
Proud representatives of the West Midlands heavy metal scene, they have linked up with veteran underground metal figure Cheryl Schindler who runs Witches Brew Records.
Established in 2002 and distributed globally through Hell’s Headbangers Records, High Roller Records and Dystopian Dogs among others, they are widely regarded as one of the most respected underground heavy metal labels in Europe.
The label have spent more than two decades championing underground metal bands from across the world and bringing them to a dedicated and passionate international fanbase.
Mount Slatra join a roster of underground metal acts whose physical releases reach metal fans across Europe, the US and beyond.
The news comes off the back of a landmark period for the band.
They were recently featured in the BBC Sounds documentary series Forging Metal alongside British heavy metal legends Tony Iommi and Rob Halford and highlighted as part of the future of British heavy metal.
Mount Slatra have also built a formidable live reputation, having supported US thrash metal touring act Warbringer on their UK tour.
The band are now preparing to take their music to European audiences for the first time.
Their debut single 5×5 is available now on all major streaming platforms.
The band can be followed on social media with material on YouTube and Spotify among other platforms.
