Holy Roar Records

Holy Roar Records is an independent record label run by Alex Fitzpatrick. The label began in January 2006 when he moved to London from Birmingham and put out its first release in June 2006,[1] the Phoenix Bodies album, Raise the Bullshit flag. Since then Holy Roar Records has over 150 releases. Alex originally joked that the name was derived from a vision he had whilst on the hallucinogen LSD.[2]

Holy Roar Records
Founded2006
FounderAlex Fitzpatrick
Ellen Godwin
GenreHardcore punk, punk rock, extreme metal, experimental rock
Country of originUnited Kingdom
LocationLondon, England
Official websitewww.holyroarrecords.com

History

Holy Roar Records was formed at the beginning of 2006, when Alex Fitzpatrick moved to London. After previously trialling out “thecommunion” with friends in Birmingham during his university days and armed with the intention of giving bands the recognition he felt they deserved, he and his girlfriend at the time, Ellen Godwin decided to start up a record label.[3] Utilising a loan, they released and promoted what would be the label's first ever releases: Rolo Tomassi (their first “proper” EP), Phoenix Bodies (a grind/punk crossover band) and a split between the bands, Kayo Dot and Bloody Panda.

In 2007, through a combination of luck and circumstance, Holy Roar Records found themselves releasing records by Gallows, Chronicles of Adam West (tech-metal) and Chariots (screamo). The label was still very much a hobby at this point, but this was soon to change as Alex Fitzpatrick decided to throw in his day job and take the label on as a priority - utilising the support of those around him and taking on other relevant and connected roles such as writing for magazines and driving and managing bands to keep himself afloat.

A couple of years later, Alex had managed to make Holy Roar Records a full-time commitment and since then he has managed to: curate a stage at Offset Festival (2014),[4] host a stage at Incubate Festival (2014),[5] partner with Shock Records,[6] partner with ArcTanGent Festival (2015) [7] and has curated a stage at The Great Escape Festival in 2016.[8] The label are planning to curate another stage at The Great Escape Festival in 2017.

A decade since initiation, Holy Roar Records finds itself with over 150 releases and nominations by Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards for “Best Independent Label”[9] and the AIM Independent Music Awards for "Best Small Label" in 2016.[10]

According to Alex, the name “Holy Roar” was actually derived from a Torche song with the same title.[11]

Ethos

Taking inspiration from Aaron Turner (Isis & Hydrahead Records), Jacob Bannon (Converge & Deathwish Inc.), Black Market Activities and Touch and Go Records,[12] amongst many others, Holy Roar Records strives to be a hardworking, friendly and approachable label for a wide range of bands, preferring to establish a relationship of trust through being transparent and honest. Alex Fitzpatrick’s previous experiences from being in various bands (Pariso, Cutting Pink with Knives), has provided him with the insider knowledge of what a band needs and how to effectively compromise this alongside the needs of a label.[13]

Holy Roar Records advocates common sense, respect and manners over hype and money and is about breaking moulds rather than repeating trends and fashions - it has even been referred to as the “thinking man’s hardcore label” due to its varied catalogue of releases. Holy Roar Records wants to get people into different kinds of music[14] whilst ensuring there is a strong aesthetic to all their releases.[15]

Current roster

Bands on the Holy Roar Records roster (as of 2016) are:

Past artists

Below is a list of bands previously on the Holy Roar Records roster:[16]

Releases

Any specific pressing information can be found on the official Holy Roar Records website.[17]

Cat # Artist(s) Release Format(s)
HRR184WatchcriesS/TDigital
HRR181RuetzMelanomaDigital
HRR180Brutality Will PrevailIn Dark PlacesCD/Vinyl/Cassette/Digital
HRR179Down I GoMooncleanserDigital
HRR178Down I GoМеня зовут Владимир ПутинDigital
HRR177Down I GoWitness the ShitnessDigital
HRR176Down I Gothis is RobotcoreDigital
HRR175Down I Gothis is DinocoreDigital
HRR174OHHMSThe FoolCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR173Rolo TomassiOSTCassette
HRR172Group Of ManWorld Peace ChampionsCassette/Digital
HRR171BosskI & II ReissueCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR170Rolo TomassiBoxsetVinyl
HRR166PijnFloodlitCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR165Up RiverIf There Is A God That Is Judging Me ConstantlyCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR164SvalbardDiscography 2012-2014CD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR163Apologies, I Have NonePharmacieCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR162ConjurerICD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR161DeparturesDeath Touches Us, From The Moment We Begin To LoveCD/Vinyl/Cassette/Digital
HRR160Apologies, I Have None/Luca BrasiSplitCassette/Digital
HRR159WrenHostVinyl/Digital
HRR158GiantsAgainst The Grain (single)Digital
HRR157Fall of MessiahEmpty ColoursCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR156Rolo TomassiThe BBC SessionsCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR155GiantsBreak The Cycle (Single)Digital
HRR154Employed to Serve/A Ghost OrchestraSplitDigital
HRR153GiantsBreak The CycleCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR152Down I GoIceland ExtrasVinyl/Digital
HRR151HelplessHelplessCD
HRR150More Than LifeLove Let Me GoCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR149EulogyEternal WorthVinyl/Digital
HRR148Cursed EarthEnslaved By The InsignificantFlexidisc
HRR147Haast's EagledII For MankindVinyl
HRR146Down I GoYou're Lucky God, I Cannot Reach YouVinyl/Digital
HRR145SvalbardOne Day All This Will EndCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR144SlabdraggerRise of the DawncrusherCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR143ParisoParisoVinyl/Digital
HRR142Years of AbuseSocial OrderCassette/Digital
HRR141We Never Learned to LiveCrystallineDigital
HRR140We Never Learned to LiveShadows in HibernationDigital
HRR139Rolo TomassiOpalescentDigital
HRR138Employed to ServeBones to BreakDigital
HRR137Employed to ServeWatching Films to Forget I ExistDigital
HRR136Rolo TomassiStage Knives (Single)Digital
HRR135Rolo TomassiGrievancesCD/Vinyl/Cassette/Digital
HRR134We Never Learned to LiveSilently, I Threw Them SkywardCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR133OhmmsColdCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR132Employed to ServeGreyer Than You RememberCD/Vinyl/Cassette/Digital
HRR131SvalbardDiscography 2012–2014CD
HRR130VADigital SamplerDigital
HRR129OhhmsBloomCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR128Body HoundRhombus NowVinyl/Digital
HRR127Rough HandsNothing's ChangedVinyl/Digital
HRR126BrontideArteryCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR125We Never Learned to Live/Human FutureSplitVinyl/Digital
HRR124Employed to ServeChange Nothing, Regret EverythingVinyl/Digital
HRR123More Than LifeDo You RememberDigital
HRR122Up RiverUndertowVinyl/Digital
HRR121More Than LifeWhat's Left of MeCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR120EnablerFliesVinyl/Digital
HRR119BastionsBedfellows Part II: The Forgotten DaughterVinyl/Digital
HRR118Maths/ThroatsSplitCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR117SvalbardGone TomorrowDigital
HRR116SvalbardSvalbardDigital
HRR115MINEDisappearVinyl/Digital
HRR114Rough HandsRough HandsVinyl/Digital
HRR113MonolithA Votive OfferingDigital
HRR112Brutality Will PrevailScatter the AshesVinyl
HRR111VAWinter Spring 2013 SamplerDigital
HRR110Conan/BongripperSplitVinyl
HRR109ColiseumSister FaithCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR108This Is HellThe EnforcerVinyl/Digital
HRR107Last WitnessSaccharine/Less Than ZeroVinyl/Digital
HRR106BastionsBedfellows Part 1: The Bastard SonVinyl/Digital
HRR105StrifeWitness a RebirthCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR104MINEMINEVinyl/Digital
HRR103ThroatsThroats (Repress)Vinyl/Digital
HRR102Full of Hell/Calm the FireSplitVinyl/Digital
HRR101Hang the Bastard2009-2012CD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR098KerouacHeavy Hearted: Collected Recordings 2009-2011Vinyl/Digital
HRR097Cutting Pink With KnivesPopuluxxe (Reissue)Vinyl/Digital
HRR096run WALK!HealthVinyl/Digital
HRR095Pariso2009-2011 DiscographyDigital
HRR094DesolatedVerse of JudasVinyl
HRR093We'll Die SmilingNew ObjectivityVinyl/Digital
HRR092NibiruEarthbreederVinyl/Digital
HRR091MonolithI, MisanthropeVinyl
HRR090Last WitnessThe VoidDigital
HRR089Last WitnessMourning AfterCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR088CrocusOur Memories Dress Me in a Dead LustCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR087Jackals/GrazesSplitVinyl/Digital
HRR086Goodtime BoysAre We Now or Have We Ever BeenCD/Digital
HRR085BrontideColoured Tongues/MFBTVinyl/Digital
HRR084Will HavenVoir DireVinyl/Digital
HRR083run WALK!/ SirsSplitVinyl/Digital
HRR082CrossbreakerLowsVinyl/Digital
HRR081VAHoly Hell Summer Sampler 2011Digital
HRR080Make Do and MendMake Do and MendVinyl
HRR079AbolitionAbolitionVinyl
HRR078DaggersEuphoriaVinyl/Digital
HRR077Rosa ValleHoly BermudaCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR076Brutality Will PrevailSleep ParalysisCD
HRR075End ReignEnd ReignVinyl/Digital
HRR074Witch CultWitch CultVinyl/Digital
HRR073Jackals/Self LoathingSplitVinyl/Digital
HRR072BrontideSans SouciCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR071EisbergEisbergVinyl/Digital
HRR070GallopsJoust/EukodolVinyl/Digital
HRR069Rolo TomassiEternal YouthVinyl/Digital
HRR068Rolo Tomassi/AntaresSplitVinyl
HRR067Kerouac/ParisoSplitCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR066The Ergon CarouselDead BanksVinyl/Digital
HRR065SlabdraggerRegressVinyl/Digital
HRR064GrazesMythsVinyl/Digital
HRR063Cthulhu YouthInflatable World…Cassette
HRR062Cthulhu YouthCthulhu YouthCassette
HRR061VAHappy Holy Roar Mega BoxCassette
HRR060KerouacCold and Distant, Not LovingVinyl
HRR059BaptistsBlack DawnCD
HRR058MathsAscentVinyl/Digital
HRR057Touche Amore…To The Beat of a Dead HorseVinyl
HRR056run, WALK!Instrumental EPCD/Digital
HRR055Throats/The Ergon CarouselKyuss Covers SplitVinyl/Digital
HRR054Hang the BastardHellfire ReignCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR053Black MassS/TCD/Digital
HRR052BastionsIsland LivingVinyl
HRR051Never AgainYear OneVinyl/Digital
HRR050VAHappy Holy Roar Vol.4Cassette
HRR049Brutality Will PrevailRoot of All EvilCD/Vinyl/Digital
HRR048Young LegionairreColossus/Iron DreamVinyl
HRR047Lone WolvesA True DiscourseCD
HRR046Rolo TomassiCosmologyVinyl
HRR045GallopsGallopsCD/Digital
HRR044JackalsS/TVinyl
HRR043Last WitnessGive UpVinyl/Digital
HRR042We'll Die SmilingAvant-GardeCD/Digital
HRR041run, WALK!IHTAWSICSSOEAOMITSCD
HRR040Never AgainLive at The Albert, BrightonCassette
HRR039AntaresL'Espirit de l'escalierCD/Digital
HRR038ThroatsS/TCD/Vinyl
HRR037PABH/Holy StateSplitVinyl
HRR036Manuscripts/Betty ParisoSplitVinyl/Digital
HRR035Trash TalkEast of Eden/Son of a BitchVinyl
HRR034Easy Hips/Dreamboats/Le Swing/Run, Walk!New Roars on the BlockVinyl
HRR033Holy State/Brontide/The Tupolev Ghost/ShapesHoly MonstersVinyl
HRR032Rolo Tomassi/ThroatsSplitVinyl
HRR031LivimorketDark TotalityCD/Digital
HRR030VAHappy Holy Roar Vol.3Cassette
HRR029Holy StateLiveCD
HRR028VASpring '09 Digital SamplerDigital
HRR027The Ghost of a ThousandThis is Where the Fight BeginsCD/Vinyl
HRR026MathsDescentCD/Vinyl
HRR025Rolo TomassiUntitled (Reissue)CD
HRR024BrontideBrontide EPDigital
HRR023Cutting Pink with KnivesDiscographyDigital
HRR022MathsLive Acoustic MedleyDigital
HRR021Holy StateHoly State EPVinyl
HRR020VAHappy Holy Roar Vol. 2Cassette
HRR019The Ergon CarouselThe Ergon CarouselCD
HRR018Devil Sold His Soul/TortugaSplitVinyl
HRR017YouvesCardio-VascularCD/Digital
HRR016Throats/The_NetworkSplitCD
HRR015DananananakroydSissy HitsCD/Digital
HRR014Mirror! Mirror!Silicon Eyes/Wolfgang BangVinyl
HRR013Rolo TomassiDigital History/BeatrotterVinyl
HRR012Maths/ThroatsSplitCD
HRR011Cutting Pink with KnivesLaser HannonDigital
HRR010VAHappy Holy RoarCassette
HRR009Cutting Pink with KnivesSt Mark/AirzDigital
HRR008Rolo TomassiUntitled (Reissue)CD
HRR007Cutting Pink with KnivesPopuluxxeCD
HRR006GallowsDemoVinyl
HRR005ChariotsThe Inner LifeCD/Digital
HRR004Chronicles of Adam WestWe Walk UnbalancedCD/Digital
HRR003Rolo TomassiUntitledCD
HRR002Bloody Panda/Kayo DotSplitVinyl/Digital
HRR001Phoenix BodiesRaise The Bullshit FlagCD/Digital

Compilations

For Christmas 2007 Holy Roar Records released a limited edition cassette tape compilation, "Happy Holy Roar!" featuring 20 previously unreleased/ self-released only songs by a variety of bands including some Holy Roar artists. The compilation was limited to 100 copies and sold out in just over a week.

Since then, Holy Roar Records have released the following via cassette:

and the following via digital release only:

In 2016, Holy Roar Records contributed an exclusive song to the Alcopop! Records Record Store Day release "Sensible Record Labels" Volume 2 compilation.

Holy Roar Records Subscriptions

In 2016, Holy Roar Records established a monthly subscription service to allow for fans of the label to keep up to date with new releases on a tier basis.[18] The different price levels include a variety of benefits including discount, exclusive content, physical copies of all new releases, prize draws and subscriber news feeds that informs members of tours and new releases. The focus of the service is to reward loyal fans of the label whilst also continue to support new projects and the development of the label.

Podcasts

Since April 2015, Holy Roar Records have been producing podcasts[19] hosted by Mario John Gambardella featuring different guests and their perspectives on the UK music scene.

Guests so far have included: Alex Fitzpatrick, Sammy & Justine (Employed to Serve), Djamila + Sam (Ithaca), Thom Denson (Kerouac/Brace Yourself PR), James Spence (Rolo Tomassi), Sean & Brett (We Never Learned To Live), Liam Phelan, Serena Cherry and Mark (Svalbard), Mario Gambardella (Pariso), Oli Knowles (Meet Me in St. Louis), Lewis Johns (The Ranch Productions/Goodtime Boys/The Long Haul), Tom Collins (Eulogy), Tomas Hubbard (Hang the Bastard/Carry The Weight Records), Jonathan Desmond (Grappler/Terrible Love), Chlo Edwards (Vales), Matthew Davies-Kreye (Funeral For A Friend), Curtis Prauß (Carrion Sunflower/The Pitch Control/Witch Cult), Alex + Steve (Truthseeker Music & Human Future), Phil Buch (Eden Maine), Loz Clark (Tour Driver/Cady), Paul & Dan (OHHMS), Leigh McAndrew (Rope/Palm Reader Records/Goodtime Boys), Pete Fraser (Down I Go), Thom Weeks (Gnarwolves), Zachary Birchley (Crocus/Bastions/Terrible Love), Thomas Peckett (&U&I/Blakfish), Lee Vincent (Pulled Apart by Horses), Laurent Barnard (Gallows/Venn Records), Charlie Simmonds (Venn Records/Wall of Sound PR), Yusuf & Sam (Slabdragger), XRedX (Let It Die), Christopher Barling (Group of Man/MINE/Hang The Bastard). New episodes of the podcast are available from SoundCloud[20] and iTunes.

Pink Mist

Since 2010, Holy Roar Records has been a member of Pink Mist, a London-based promoter and label collective alongside Big Scary Monsters and Blood & Biscuits. The idea behind this collective was to create an alliance whereby resources were pooled in order to promote their bands to a wider audience.[21] Their first release was a pink and white 12" vinyl limited to 300 copies and released in April 2011 on Record Store Day, "Hello Pink Mist".[22] It consisted of 12 exclusive tracks (4 from each label) in which Holy Roar Records contributed tracks from run, WALK!, Hang the Bastard, Grazes and Bastions. Later that year, Tangled Talk joined the collective[23] to complete the current line-up.

In 2012, they released a download-only free compilation "Hello Pink Mist Volume 2"[24] to coincide with the launch of their new website[25] and in this same year, they were nominated for the Association of Independent Music Awards for "Best Small Label".[26] In 2013, Pink Mist announced a pop-up shop in Boxpark,[27] East London where they sold records and had in-store sessions and in 2014 they collaborated with Relentless (drink) to set up another pop-up shop at No.5 Denmark Street[28] featuring live performances. Pink Mist was also listed in The Guardian's "The 10 British Record Labels Defining the Sound of 2014".[29]

Due to individual circumstances, Pink Mist has become a looser entity over time as its initial founders went off in their own directions. However an extension of the brand is still particularly active and currently operates via Pink Mist live gigs which are run by the drive and dedication of promoter, Ross Allmark (DICE FM). In honour of Holy Roar Records' tenth birthday, Pink Mist presented the Holy Roar X (HRX)[30] show, hosting bands at The Dome and The Boston Music Rooms in London on Saturday May 21, 2016. The line-up featured Rolo Tomassi, Svalbard (band), Hang The Bastard, OHHMS and many more.

Pink Mist is now predominately a live event promotion company, of which its full list of upcoming shows can be found on its website.[31]

Truthseeker Music

In 2015, Holy Roar Records launched a brand new sister label Truthseeker Music which is headed up by Holy Roar intern Alex Leat[32]. To date, they have released records by Human Future, Sonance, Annexia, Rope, Torpor, Palehorse, Earth Moves, 52 Commercial Road, Oak, Regurgitate Life, Howls, Yards and Hexis.

References
  1. "Label Focus #9: Holy Roar Records". Drowned in Sound. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  2. "Interview 015 - Holy Roar Records". This Is Fubar Productions. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  3. "Interview: Alex Fitzpatrick of Holy Roar Records". Punktastic. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  4. "Holy Roar Announce Stage at Offset". diymag. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  5. "Holy Roar to curate stage at Incubate". Holy Roar. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  6. "Holy Roar Records signs deal with Shock Records". Holy Roar. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  7. "Holy Roar to be official label partner to ArcTanGent festival". Holy Roar. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  8. "Holy Roar Alternative Escape". After Dark. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  9. "Metal Hammer Golden Gods Nominees". Planet Mosh. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  10. "AIM Awards 2016 Nominees Announced". Proper Distribution. Retrieved 6 February 2017.
  11. "Bearded Label Love: Holy Roar". Bearded Magazine. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  12. "Designer Label: Holy Roar Records". Rock Midgets. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  13. "Holy Roar". Mint Magazine. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  14. "Holy Roar Records". SWNK. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  15. "Interview with Alex Fitzpatrick of Holy Roar Records". Louder Than War. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  16. "Artists". Holy Roar Records. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  17. "Releases". Holy Roar Records. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  18. "Holy Roar Records Bandcamp". Bandcamp. Retrieved 6 February 2017.
  19. "Holy Roar Podcasts". Itunes. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  20. "Holy Roar Podcasts". SoundCloud. Retrieved 6 February 2017.
  21. "Label Profile: Pink Mist". diymag. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  22. "Hello Pink Mist". Banquet Records. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  23. "Tangled Talk Official". Tangled Talk. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  24. "Hello Pink Mist Volume 2". Punktastic. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  25. "Pink Mist". Pink Mist. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  26. "AIM Independent Music 2012 Nominees". Huffington Post. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  27. "Pink Mist Boxpark". Thrash Hits. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  28. "Relentless x Pink Mist". Culture Compass. Archived from the original on 26 April 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  29. "10 Best Record Labels". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  30. "Pink Mist - HRX". Pink Mist. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  31. "Pink Mist". Limited Run. Retrieved 6 February 2017.
  32. "NEWS: Holy Roar Records launch sister label, Truthseeker Music!". DEAD PRESS! | Alternative music news, reviews, interviews and more!. Retrieved 11 December 2017.

Interviews with Alex Fitzpatrick of Holy Roar Records

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