Ever wondered where some of the loudest music in the world gets its start? Right here in Dortmund, stands Century Media. This is no ordinary building. It’s the headquarters of a record label that has shaped heavy metal for decades.
Century Media’s story began humbly in 1988. Robert Kampf and Oliver Withöft founded it right here in Dortmund. Imagine them starting a record label from a bedroom. Their passion for heavy music drove them. They probably never imagined the global impact Century Media would have.
The label quickly became a force in the heavy metal scene. Century Media started with death metal. Then they expanded into hardcore, black metal, gothic metal, and rock. This diversity became their trademark. Their slogan was “diversity in extremes.”
Bands like Asphyx, Tiamat, and Moonspell joined Century Media in the 90s. These bands helped the label grow. In the next decade, Lacuna Coil, In This Moment, and Shadows Fall achieved significant success. Lacuna Coil’s “Comalies” was a breakthrough. It cracked the Billboard 200 album chart in 2002. Shadows Fall’s “The War Within” debuted in the Top 20 in 2004.
Century Media discovered many bands. They launched or furthered the careers of countless artists. Grave, Samael, and Unleashed are just a few examples. Century Media became home to Arch Enemy and Napalm Death. Iconic punk band Sick of It All joined the Century Media family.
In late 2014, Robert Kampf launched Another Century. This new label focused on hard rock. It aimed to develop the best bands in rock. Bands like New Years Day and Like a Storm joined Another Century.
Century Media also had an imprint called Century Black. It was founded by Rayshele Teige in the mid-90s. Century Black released hard-to-find black metal albums. These albums were often from smaller European labels.
In 2015, Century Media joined Sony Music. Sony provided global distribution and security. Century Media retained its vision and creative control. This partnership benefited both parties. It allowed the label and its artists to achieve record results.
Oliver Withöft, co-owner of Century Media, died in 2014 after a long illness. Tributes poured in from across the music industry. His contribution to heavy metal is undeniable. Today, Century Media continues to thrive. It has offices in Dortmund, Berlin, and New York. Current bands include Lorna Shore, Insomnium, and Dark Funeral. From its humble beginnings, Century Media has become a flagship label in metal and rock. Its unwavering dedication to music remains its driving force.
As you stand here, think about the countless hours of music created and shared. Century Media has amplified the voices of extreme music. Its legacy echoes around the world.