Frontiers Label Group launches Blkiiblk Records and appoints Mike Gitter Global Head Of A&R 14 Jan 2026
FRONTIERS LABEL GROUP is proud to announce the launch of its metal, hard rock and extreme music label, BLKIIBLK RECORDS.
Having released tentpole signings, BIOHAZARD in 2025; with thrash titans, MEGADETH unleashing their much anticipated, self-titled final album on January 23, Frontiers is taking a brash next step with BLKIIBLK.
Joining the team at the Naples, Italy, based company is long-running A&R man and record executive, MIKE GITTER, who will lead the label as well as assume responsibilities as Global Head of A&R for Frontiers Label Group.
Gitter arrives at the label, having signed and worked with a venerable history of genre-defining artists including Lorna Shore, Killswitch Engage, Bad Religion, Orbit Culture, Starset and the grammy winning Ice-T’s Body Count, at his previous A&R posts at Century Media, Roadrunner, Razor & Tie and Atlantic.
Says Gitter: “I’m proud to announce my joining the Frontiers Label Group team and helming BLKIIBLK. Frontiers is a company of passion. The mission statement is simple: to establish BLKIIBLK as a force on the heavy and extreme music spectrum that spans the gamut from the mainstays and driving forces of the genre to the most modern of metal to the grimiest of the underground. The common denominator is pushing boundaries with records and bands that are nothing short of vital, no matter what stage in their career.”
With Gitter’s joining, BLKIIBLK proudly announces the signing of re-amped Bay Area thrashers, FORBIDDEN, NYC hardcore institution, CRO-MAGS, Portland, Oregon’s gothic metal heroes, UNTO OTHERS and Cleveland Ohio's denizens of the unholy underground, NUNSLAUGHTER.
“This is just the beginning”, says Gitter. “Expect surprises at every turn but the common denominator will remain pretty consistent. Expect everything to go for the throat.”
2026 marks the 30th anniversary of Frontiers Label Group, founded in Napoli, Italy by Serafino Perugino. Born from a passion for rock music and artist development, Frontiers has evolved from a fiercely independent European operation into a global label group, shaping careers, revitalizing legends, and building new creative platforms across rock, alternative and metal.
Today, its roster is spread over three distinct label identities: Frontiers Music Srl (Rock), FLG (Alternative) and BLKIIBLK (Metal).
Over nearly 2000 releases, Frontiers has helped initiate and quarterback the successful reinvigoration of timeless artists including Blue Oyster Cult, Whitesnake, Def Leppard, Journey and Electric Light Orchestra. Recent months have seen FLG artist, SKUNK ANANSIE debut at #3 on the UK midweek charts as well as the signing of LYNYRD SKYNYRD Today, the label has offices in Italy for administration and financial services as well as New York, Boston and Los Angeles.
Frontiers Label Group has worked closely with worldwide distributor, The Orchard: an alliance that has been instrumental in the label’s growth.
“As Frontiers Label Group enters its thirtieth year, we do so with a renewed and bolder spirit”, states Perugino about Frontiers’ vital next chapter. “BLKIIBLK is not just a label, it is a meaningful statement of intent. We aim to push boundaries, support artists with something meaningful to say, and shape a future for metal that is as powerful as its legacy. With Mike Gitter’s experience, credibility, and passion, we are launching a true home for global metal. After thirty years in this business, my passion for building great artists and making great records has never been stronger. BLKIIBLK is the next chapter of that story.”
Now, with BLKIIBLK and Gitter’s joining, Frontiers Label Group moves to decidedly heavier ground.
BLKIIBLK Announces for ’26:
FORBIDDEN: Melding classic thrash metal with melodic and progressive leanings, FORBIDDEN’s recent return to both the stage and studio is a rebirth for the Bay Area legends. They’re not merely celebrating classic albums, Forbidden Evil (1988) and Twisted Into Form (1990). Joining founding guitarist Craig Locicero and bassist Matt Camacho are drummer Chris Kontos (formerly of Machine Head and Attitude Adjustment), guitarist Jeremy Von Epp and vocalist Norman Skinner (ex-Imagika and Niviane). States the band: “When Forbidden was ‘reborn’ in 2023, we knew we were going to write new music. That excited us. We also knew that we were in no rush to be signed or obligated to anything that didn’t feel ideal. Well… that situation has finally revealed itself. We are elated to announce that Forbidden has joined forces with BLKIIBLK as one of their inaugural signings.”
CRO-MAGS: With 1986's Age of Quarrel, New York's CRO-MAGS changed and influenced the face of metal, hardcore, punk and underground music as we know it. Helmed by bassist and vocalist Harley Flanagan, CRO-MAGS have cut a jagged swath across the past forty years of culture, spelt out with unflinching honesty in 2025's documentary, Wired for Chaos, which chronicles Flanagan's lifelong journey through personal hells to artistic triumphs. In 2026, CRO-MAGS joins forces with BLKIIBLK as they strengthen their legacy while smashing into the future. "I'm looking forward to a new chapter for myself and CRO-MAGS," says Flanangan. "I've never felt better in my life anout my future, my music or my new partnership with BLKIIBLK. I'm ready to kick ass."
UNTO OTHERS: From the 2019 release of their first record, Mana, UNTO OTHERS has ensnared legions of fans worldwide with their distinct blend of classic metal riffing, gothic rock’s melancholy and razor-sharp song writing. The braintrust of singer/guitarist Gabriel Franco with lead guitarist Sebastian Silva, bassist Brandon Hill and drummer Colin Vranizan, UNTO OTHERS has toured the world with the likes of King Diamond, Arch Enemy and Carcas, while scoring heavy press and radio coverage with the likes of Sirius XM Liquid Metal for tracks like “When Will God’s Work Be Done” from 2021 Strength or “Butterfly” off 2024’s Never, Neverland. Says the band: “As we continue to work on our 4th full-length album as a band, we are happy to follow our good friend and talented A&R man, Mike Gitter to his new home at BLKIIBLK/Frontiers. May the coming year and upcoming album be a big one for all of us!”
NUNSLAUGHTER: A constant in extreme metal and an unholy force for generations of black metal and thrash provocateurs, NUNSLAUGHTER comes bursting out of the grave with a soon-to-be-announced new album. It’s not merely the next chapter in the band’s veritable Necronomicon of releases. It’s the sound of NUNSLAUGHTER with sanguinary metal-punk ferocity and utter disdain for all that is holy. “We’re ready to start the next chapter of our blasphemy as a band”, says mailman Don of the Dead about NUNSLAUGHTER’s new label pact. “We’ve garnered our Satanic legions over the years and a countless number of releases. With the current lineup, we’ve taken NUNSLAUGHTER to some seriously insane places I never expected when I started this band as a teenager. We’re now taking things to a new level with our new congregation at BLKIIBLK while never turning our back on the underground.”
And for 2026, expect new releases and music from THE 69 EYES, TORTURED DEMON, THROWN INTO EXILE, WoR and FIREWIND.
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THE HEADLINES
Court battle over unpaid royalties could have implications for the industry in the streaming era (see News)
Luminate released its 2025 year-end music report (see Reports)
Impala sets out crucial questions on UMG/Downtown, AI, sovereignty and more for EU & music sector (see Comment)
Spotify’s new co-CEOs highlight what’s ahead for the company (see Digital)
Music publishers sued by X in growing licensing battle (see News)
Call on EU to clamp down on unauthorised ticket reselling (see News)
Lucian Grainge outlines UMG's 2026 plans in staff memo (see News)
Skye Newman wins Radio 1's Sound of 2026 (see News)
Spotify now lets you share what you’re streaming in real time with friends (see Digital)
Streamed and retail entertainment sales grew four times faster than UK economy in 2025 (see News)
UMG announces collaboration with NVIDIA to pioneer responsible AI for music discovery, creation, and engagement (see News)
2026 music industry predictions (see Features)
New wave of global British breakthrough talent helps UK recorded music grow for 11th consecutive year (see News)
What’s going to give you the marketing edge in 2026? (see Features)
