El Puerto Records

Lore & Background

The origins of El Puerto Records trace back to 2011, when Stormwitch founder Harald Spengler (alias Lee Tarot) teamed up with Stefan Kauffmann and Peter Langer to record new songs. After Spengler's death in 2013, the decision was made to continue his musical legacy under the name Witchbound, which became the label's first release in 2015. The label then signed southern German bands The Phans and Stepfather Fred in 2016, noted for their live qualities. With Matt Bischof joining promotion, the label became increasingly international, signing American singer David Reece (ex-Accept) and his Sainted Sinners in 2016. In 2017, European distribution of Beasto Blanco was taken over by the label. The label continued to grow, signing acts such as Undertow, Necronomicon, Alight, Bloodlost, and others in 2018.

Reader's Guide

El Puerto Records has served as a platform for both regional German bands and international acts, reflecting a dual orientation that has defined its growth. By 2019, the label had signed bands from Belgium, Australia, Austria, Denmark, and the US, including a return of David Reece. The label's versatility is shown through its roster, which spans symphonic metal (Last Days Of Eden), melodic death metal (Dieversity), and power metal (Elvenpath, Generation Steel, Stormage). In 2022, the label improved its digital positioning by switching to Edel Music and Kontor New Media, enabling signings of Dawn of Destiny, Crossplane, Dezperadoz, and others. The label has remained a launching pad for newcomers like Fireborn and Caroline Breitler, as well as established bands like Bangalore Choir. Its significance lies in its consistent support of heavy music across generations and geographies, while maintaining roots in the German scene.

Did You Know?

• The label's first release was Witchbound in 2015, continuing the legacy of Stormwitch founder Harald Spengler after his death in 2013.
• In 2017, European distribution of Beasto Blanco was taken over by the label.
• The 2019 debut CD of Dark Blue Inc. featured a guest appearance by Ian Paice of Deep Purple.
• In 2023, Dispyria joined the label with guest vocalists Zak Stevens, Ralf Scheepers, and Carsten 'Lizard' Schulz.