Nuclear Blast
Nuclear Blast is a German independent label that specializes in metal and related music styles. Founded in 1987 by Markus Staiger, the label has become a prominent force in the metal industry. With their headquarters located in Donzdorf, Germany, Nuclear Blast Europe serves as a label, mailorder service, wholesale distributor, fulfillment service, and distribution center for several labels across Europe. In addition to their European presence, Nuclear Blast America operates as a US company with similar business tasks in collaboration with Century Media. They also have a South American branch working alongside Century Media.
A typical Nuclear Blast catalogue number follows the format "NB XXXX-F", where F represents the format of the release. This can vary but generally includes limited first editions (such as Digipak or O-Card) for both CD and DVD (-0), LPs or other vinyl formats (-1), jewelcase CDs or promo CDs/DVDs (-2), video tapes or tapes (-3/-4), box sets or limited mailorder editions with bonus CDs/DVDs (-5), some vinyl 7”s (-7), shape CDs (-8), and picture vinyls (-9). Earlier releases may only have three digits.
With an extensive catalog of metal music and an authoritative presence in the industry, Nuclear Blast continues to be a leading label for fans of heavy music