Interview with Hammerheart Records
- plikas30
- Apr 12
- 7 min read
Hammerheart Records from Netherlands celebrates 30th anniversary this year and during that time released lots and lots of great Metal leaning on Death, Doom, Heavy, Thrash and Black! Here's what it says on the label's website about this journey:
"Hammerheart Records started in 1995, as a dedicated, small underground label. Of the original two owners, only Guido Heijnens remains since 2012. During this 30 year history, Hammerheart Records has gone through a lot of highs and of course some lows as well but is still very much attached to the underground. Owner Guido Heijnens has been involved since 1995 in Hammerheart Records, but was also manager for Pestilence, did A&R for third parties (resulting in record-deals for Heathen, Thulcandra, Volbeat a.o.), running the Relapse Records European office from 2007 until 2019, organized tours for bands as Emperor, Behemoth and Mayhem and a lot more. All in all, we have seen and done it all, and we know almost everyone."
For me Hammerheart Records really stood out during 2024, starting with the campaign of all MASTER album re-releases and their last killer album "Saints Dispelled". Never letting go off the gas most of their following releases in 2024 were insanely good and they keep on delivering the goods in 2025. So it was the right time to talk with the label honcho Guido Heijnens.
Hi Guido, what's up? How's life in Netherlands these days?
G: Work is up, always work. But I am a lucky man, doing what I like most of the time.
Life in The Netherlands is great most of the time. Of corpse we have our complaints, but all in all we are very lucky bastards.
Can you tell how did you get into Metal and which was the first band that really got you?
G: 1982, visiting my 7 year older cousin, who had bought "Number of the Beast" and was playing it.
That left a huge impression on the then ten year old Guido. He had records of Rainbow, Michael Schenker, Judas Priest. And gradually during the 80's he bought and thus introduced me to Helloween, Savatage and many more. Needless to say I love my cousin still and we still both are into Metal. Just a little bit older ;-)
You also sang in BIFROST and released 3 albums and an EP plus a few demos. Why did it split up? Can you say that being in the band situation gave you a better understanding and ability to deal with artists as a label boss?
G: BIFROST split up after I stopped. A friend mine took over the vocal duties, but it did not last too long. I was tired of it, we had a bit of momentum, but after the 3rd album I saw no progress anymore, so I was not motivated anymore to continue. Yes, it was definitely a good guideline on how things work (or not).
This year marks 30 years of Hammerheart Records, so you came a long way since. How did it all began?
G: With an idea I shared with my friend Peter. To do a recordlabel ourselves. We had the idea in 1993 or, but in 1995 we had a bit of money saved so we released a CD with the band TUMULUS and MOCK. It did really well, so we were off to a great start.
Was it difficult to start signing bands in the beginning when it was still a small operation? Did you have a sort of "break-through" release?
G: Yes, it was. You have to learn by experience. The break-through was HHR008, AETERNUS's "Beyond the Wandering Moon". We invested a lot of money into that one and it paid off really well.
Great album btw.
What is the criteria to signing a new bands now? Do you still listen to all submissions or looking for the new talent yourself? And is there a geographical preferences, like you mostly work with bands from West Europe.
G: Signing a completely new band has one big demand: I have to really like it. Then of corpse it is a matter of reaching an agreement, which fortunately happens a lot of the times. If the band is not realistic I let it go, simply buy their album when it is released. But bands are pretty eager to work with us as well. I check each and every submission, be it for one minute only sometimes and I answer every submission. And I look around on what I see, read, hear. I have no geographical preferences, never really had. Western-European bands? Nope, Sear Bliss is from Hungary, Amen Corner from Brasil, Monolithe from France, Totengott from Spain, Hesperia from Italy.
In 2004 you changed the name into Karmageddon Media? Why was that? Did you try to change the direction of the label?
G: We thought it was better to start in a way afresh. But it did not feel right, so we changed it back quickly. It was no change of direction really.
How do you go about releasing a new album and deciding on the different formats and quantities? What sells better these days - vinyl or CDs? And what about the digital albums? Do people buy old releases on this format?
G: If i really like a band I am into releasing their music. Be it a new band or a band with a track record. CD's still outsell LP's with 3 to 1, maybe 4 to 1. The quantity is based on experience and our expectations. Digital will kill music, plain and simple, no escape there. Within 10 years AI will take over and for most people create music, really awful, but it is the future. People buy old releases right now on all formats.
Continuing the theme, do you mainly sell through the internet or is it still possible to find Hammerheart releases in the record stores? And which country has the best network of them?
G: Both. Although record stores are not really increasing in numbers anymore these days.
Germany is for both options the best. And has always been. The Metal paradise.
Speaking about re-releases, especially of more obscure bands, is it difficult to obtain the licenses and who usually holds them, the band or the old labels? Which one was the most challenging to put out?
G: It can be very easy and it can be (almost) impossible. Labels or bands are owners yes.
The most challenging was the whole TROUBLE catalogue, which I chased for years.
As a die-hard MASTER fan, I was especially happy to see Hammerheart re-releasing all their previous album as well as the last one "Saints Dispelled", because they were scattered on all these different labels. How that collaboration happened and do you plan to work with Paul Speckmann in the future?
G: I contacted Paul and presented him exactly than plan you describe here. He went for it and we are working together now for three years and both happy and satisfied. Paul deserves way more credit and respect than he sometimes get, he basically invented Death Metal (well, almost, you know what mean here). He is the Lemmy of the Death Metal scene, simple.
Your rooster is huge, I was wondering how do you keep up with all these releases? Do you personally have to like each one? And how many albums per year usually comes out with Hammerheart Records?
G: Not that big. Some bands skip years before doing another releases. We do like to release 15 to 20 new albums a year and about 2 re-issues a month. So between 40 and 50 releases a year.
I like each one yes, it is a no go if I do not like it. I can do what I want, it is my record label LOL.
Do you have any influence getting your bands into the festivals or is it completely their prerogative which bands to include? Do you organize tours packages with your bands only?
G: It has become more difficult and the Cult of playing live has worn of a bit I think. But we try and sometimes succeed. Everybody wants a piece of the same cake.
Can you name 3 releases which you're most proud that came out on Hammerheart?
G: That is really difficult. The three I think were certain steps are: Aeternus "Beyond the Wandering Moon", because it was first "serious" record released. Primordial's "Spirit the Earth Aflame" because it brought us a huge expansion in recognition and visibility. And third is Master's "Saints Dispelled" because it kind of made a circle go roun completely, releasing an album by a band I saw live in 1990 already, how cool is that?
I heard about upcoming Pungent Stech offensive of releases on Hammerheart. What can you disclose at this point? Maybe we'll even get an unreleased album?
G: No unreleased album, for sure not. But a lot of unreleased recordings, with an unheard song here and there for sure.
How do you listen to music these days? On your stereo system, headphones or in your car? is there time at all to listen to what you personally like, not just for the label?
G: In every way, Spotify, CD, LP, even a MC here and there. And always and everywhere.
Until my ears bleed ;-) No more headphones, to dangerous for my older ears. I listen to personal liking every day, can sit in a comfy chair and play a vinyl and read the lyric sheet, just like I did when I was 17. Love it still, need it, my daily dose or I turn in a grumpy man (like Gizmo).
Ok, so what are the Top 4 Alpha dogs of Dutch Death Metal right now?
G: Okay, what exactly is Death Metal then, right? I think our scene has lost a lot of its creativity and does not really leave an impression anymore, like it did in the late 80's and 90's, or am I too nostalgic here? 4 good names in Death Metal from the last 3 years...nope, nothing comes to mind immediately. Probably forgot some now (do not kill me). We have the classic ones still doing the rounds like Asphyx, Sinister, Pestilence, God Dethroned, Dead Head.
On topic of Black Metal - Norwegian or Greek?
G: Rotting Christ forever in my heart, but the Norwegian scene was way more creative and bigger, so Norwegian.
And who is more evil - Spotify or blogspotters sharing all their albums? What is the best digital platform in your opinion?
G: Both are soldiers in Satan's army for sure. Spotify will kill music, 100%, people do not realise this, but they will. They lie and they cheat, but we all use it, just like myself. Youtubers showing off, well, at least they care and are into it 100%, so I appreciate it.
Ok, let's round it up. What can we expect from Hammerheart Records this year? Any good Old School Death Metal or Thrash? Also Castle fuckin rules and I hope you release many more of their albums!
G: New albums by Lord Belial, Runemagick, Pandemia, Entrails, Vintersorg, Trouble and newcomers like Opia, Sun After Dark, Impurity. A great mix. And killer re-issues as usual. Metal will never die.
Castle will tour Europe again soon, Liz and Matt are great!
Thank Guido for the interview, now go down to their bandcamp and check some great fuckin Metal! And then check out the shop and buy what you liked!!
Interview by Mindaugas Lapinskas
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