The record label was founded in 1987 by Markus Staiger in Germany. Originally releasing hardcore punk records, the label moved on to releasing albums by melodic death metal, grindcore, industrial metal, power metal and black metal bands, as well as tribute albums. It also distributes and promotes two post-hardcore/metalcore labels, SharpTone Records, focused on American scene (Miss May I, Emmure, Attila), and Arising Empire, focused more on European bands such as Novelists, Imminence, Cold Snap and While She Sleeps.