Ebony Records Hoodie

Ebony Records was a British independent record label, primarily active during the 1980s. The label became known for specializing in heavy metal and hard rock, particularly within the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. Founded by Darryl Johnston, Ebony Records played a crucial role in launching and promoting underground metal bands, helping them gain exposure in an era dominated by major labels.

The label is best known for signing bands such as Grim Reaper, Chateaux, and Samurai, among others. Grim Reaper, in particular, achieved notable success with their debut album, See You in Hell (1983), which was released under Ebony Records.

Ebony also released several notable compilation albums showcasing the UK underground scene, most notably the Metal Warriors and Metal Maniaxe LPs as well as releasing the very first vinyl of legendary Danish band Merciful Fate on their Metal Storm Compilation.

The label often provided young, unsigned bands an opportunity to record and release albums, though it was sometimes criticized for its restrictive contracts and production quality. Despite its influence on the NWOBHM scene, Ebony Records eventually faded from prominence, transitioning into Reaction Records in 1987. However, its legacy remains significant in the metal community as an incubator for some of the genre’s rising stars in the '80s.