Eclipse Records
Independent label known for Mushroomhead and selective releases.
Eclipse Records is an independent American label located in Butler, New Jersey. It was started in 1997 by owner Chris Poland. The label is most famous for helping the Cleveland band Mushroomhead gain a national audience. Its president is also named Chris Poland—not the same person as the former Megadeth guitarist who shares the name.
The label puts out fewer albums than many similar-sized companies. President Chris Poland believes a record company should focus on making every release “hit material” rather than releasing many albums just for attention. Eclipse Records has also invested in new technology, like digital distribution, to help its bands stand out in a crowded market. In September 2017, the label added Genus Ordinis Dei, a symphonic death metal band from Crema, Italy, to its roster.
Artists who have released albums through Eclipse Records include Nova Riot, A Breach of Silence, Benthos, Blacklist 9, Blowsight, Cold Snap, Despite, Mindshift, Naberus, Our Last Enemy, Outshine, Saint Diablo, Shape Of Water, Sixty Miles Ahead, Sifting, Tomorrow Is Lost, Violet Blend, and State of Deceit. Past artists include Alev, Bobaflex, Cipher, Dead By Wednesday, Dirt Church, Disarray, Five Foot Thick, Megaherz, Mushroomhead, Run for Cover, and Scum of the Earth, which was led by former Rob Zombie guitarist “Riggs.”
- founded
- 1997
- founder
- Chris Poland
- headquarters
- Butler, New Jersey
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Bringing Mushroomhead to national attention
- president
- Chris Poland
Lore & Background
Eclipse Records was founded in 1997 by owner Chris Poland. The label releases few albums compared to other labels its size. President Chris Poland states that he believes a record company should try to work on making each album 'hit material', instead of putting out as many albums as possible to gain recognition. The label has also focused efforts on using new technology such as digital distribution to increase its bands' exposure in a competitive music market. In September 2017, Eclipse Records signed Genus Ordinis Dei, a symphonic death metal band from Crema, Italy to their roster.
Reader's Guide
Eclipse Records occupies a distinct niche in the independent music landscape. Its philosophy of prioritizing quality over quantity, as articulated by president Chris Poland, sets it apart from many labels that rely on volume to gain recognition. The label's most notable achievement is bringing the Cleveland band Mushroomhead to national attention, a feat that established its reputation in the heavy music scene. Eclipse has also embraced digital distribution to help its artists compete in a crowded market. The signing of Genus Ordinis Dei in September 2017 demonstrates the label's continued interest in expanding its roster with international acts. While not a prolific label, Eclipse Records has maintained a steady presence by focusing on a curated roster of current and past artists, including acts like Nova Riot, A Breach of Silence, Bobaflex, and Scum of the Earth. Its legacy is tied to its selective approach and its role in launching Mushroomhead's career.
Did You Know?
- Eclipse Records was founded in 1997 by owner Chris Poland.
- The label's president, Chris Poland, shares his name with the former guitarist of Megadeth.
- Eclipse Records signed Genus Ordinis Dei, a symphonic death metal band from Crema, Italy, in September 2017.
- The label focuses on making each album 'hit material' rather than releasing many albums.
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