Shock’s Halfcut Records signs reciprocal deal with Distort

Shock Records’ heavy music imprint Halfcut has partnered with Canadian independent Distort, TMN can exclusively reveal.

The Toronto-based label is home to Canadian acts including ex-Shock signing Alexisonfire and Cancer Bats as well as UK’s Architects and Johnny Truant, LA band The Bronx and UNFD signing Northlane.

The reciprocal partnership marks Shock’s only Canadian label partnership, although the music company has approximately 15 international label affiliations and has worked with Distort and a handful of Canadian labels in the past.

“Our aim is to make Halfcut an international label and Distort is one piece of that puzzle,” Shock Label Director, Mick Tarbuk told TMN.

The first Halfcut signing to release its music through Distort is the label's newest addition Belle Haven. The Melbourne post-hardcore quintet will release their debut album Everything Ablaze in March 2015. The LP was recorded in the USA with producer Matt Goldman (Underoath, The Chariot). The album follows the band’s January 2012-released EP Onus, which is still enjoying online download and physical sales from across Australia.

Distort Entertainment Label Director, Greg Below said, “Rarely does a band have all the elements I look for right out of the gate. Belle Haven is a group that has the sound and musicianship that keeps metal inspiring.”

“We are really excited to have Shock's imprint label Halfcut released in Canada via Distort,” Tarbuk added. “Speaking to Greg on a regular basis and sharing our passion for new music it made complete sense. Distort and Shock have had a long standing relationship over the years and the team and I look forward to working closely with Distort in the future”.