Get ready to bang your head, because one of the most iconic names in metal is rising from the ashes! Combat Records, the legendary label that launched thrash metal titans like Megadeth, is back and ready to conquer the scene once again. But here's where it gets exciting: this time, it's under the fresh leadership of Robert Dujmusic and Alex Stojak, former owners of Eternal Sound Records, who are determined to breathe new life into this historic brand.
For those who lived through the 1980s metal boom, Combat Records was more than just a label—it was a movement. Home to powerhouse bands like Exodus, Nuclear Assault, and Helstar, Combat defined the sound of an era. But what happens when a label that shaped a genre fades into obscurity? And is it possible to recapture that magic decades later? These are the questions Dujmusic and Stojak aim to answer as they relaunch Combat from their new headquarters in Göttingen, Germany.
The story of Combat’s resurgence is as dramatic as any metal anthem. After years of ownership changes and a dormant period in the mid-2000s—during which its catalog was absorbed by Sony—the label seemed destined for the history books. That was until 2016, when Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and EMP Label Group’s Thom Hazaert resurrected the brand, laying the groundwork for its return. Now, with Dujmusic and Stojak at the helm, Combat is expanding its empire into distribution, PR, festivals, and touring, proving it’s more than just a nostalgia trip.
And this is the part most people miss: Combat isn’t just reviving old glories—it’s actively scouting and developing new talent. With a team that includes Nicole Wendeborn as A&R manager and Christian "Opus" Lawrence (ex-Cro-Mags drummer) as U.S. manager, the label is poised to bridge the gap between metal’s golden age and its future. But will the new Combat Records live up to its legendary past? Or is it destined to become a shadow of its former self?
Dujmusic himself acknowledges the weight of this endeavor, calling it "the honor of a lifetime" to carry forward Combat’s legacy. Ellefson, meanwhile, expresses confidence in the new leadership, stating, "It's good to know that the Combat Records brand has landed into the right hands." Yet, the question remains: Can a label born in the analog era thrive in today’s digital landscape?
As Combat prepares to unleash its first wave of releases—a mix of established acts and fresh talent—fans and skeptics alike are watching closely. Updates will be rolling out soon via the label’s newly revamped website and social media channels. But here’s the real question for you: Can Combat Records redefine metal for a new generation, or is its glory days forever behind it? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
