Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Basick Records

Basick Records is a based in , specializing in , , , and technical heavy music genres. Founded in 2005 by Nathan "Barley" Phillips and his half-brother Jake Smith, the label began operations modestly in their parents' spare bedroom with a modest budget of £250, initially focusing on handmade CD production and distribution. The label quickly gained prominence in the UK's underground metal scene by signing innovative acts and releasing influential albums that helped define subgenres like and . Early releases included Enter Shikari's track Anything Can Happen in the Next Half Hour on the debut compilation Do You Feel This? (2005), followed by key early albums such as Fellsilent's (2008) and Bury Tomorrow's debut Portraits (2009), which showcased the label's commitment to technically complex and progressive sounds. Over the years, Basick has worked with notable bands including Chimp Spanner, , , and , releasing critically acclaimed works like ' (2020) and Chimp Spanner's All Roads Lead Here (2012). A significant challenge occurred in August 2011 during the London riots, when a fire at the DADC warehouse—used by and other labels for international distribution—destroyed much of the label's physical stock, though inventory was largely unaffected. Despite this setback, recovered and continued to expand, celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2015 with a Decade of Progression, featuring tracks from ten pivotal artists, and maintaining an active roster into the with releases from bands like and . The label's enduring focus on "fiercely " music has solidified its reputation as a cornerstone for forward-thinking heavy music in .

History

Founding and early years

Basick Records was founded in 2005 in London, United Kingdom, by Nathan "Barley" Phillips and his half-brother Jake Smith as an independent record label dedicated to supporting unsigned acts in progressive and heavy music genres, including metalcore. The initiative stemmed from the founders' desire to aid emerging UK bands lacking major label support, such as local groups from the Hertfordshire area, beginning operations in their parents' spare bedroom with a modest budget of £250 and a DIY approach to production. Early activities involved handmade CD duplication using household tools like a kitchen-table guillotine for packaging, with distribution primarily handled at live gigs and through online platforms like MySpace. The label's inaugural release was the Do You Feel This? on August 8, 2005, which showcased tracks from various unsigned artists to highlight the burgeoning scene. Shortly thereafter, Basick signed its first band, , releasing their EP The Double 'A' in 2005 and their debut full-length album on August 25, 2008, which featured complex polyrhythms and technical instrumentation emblematic of the label's focus. In 2007, Basick became the first label to issue physical material for , including their Anything Can Happen in the Next Half Hour. These initial efforts underscored the label's grassroots operations, relying on the founders' limited industry experience—gained partly from Phillips' prior role at a distribution company—and a commitment to small-scale and production centered in . By around 2010, this foundation had laid the groundwork for broader reach, though early years remained characterized by financial risks and incremental releases.

Expansion and milestones

In August 2011, during the London riots, a fire at the DADC warehouse in —used for international distribution—destroyed much of Basick's physical stock outside the , posing a significant setback despite unaffected domestic inventory. In 2011, Basick Records secured a distribution agreement with Century Media, enabling the label to distribute its existing catalog and future releases globally, excluding . This partnership marked a significant step in broadening the label's international footprint beyond the metal scene. The following year, on January 18, 2012, Basick announced a North American distribution deal with and RED Distribution, further expanding access to its roster in key markets. These agreements facilitated greater visibility for artists like Dissipate, whom the label signed in September 2012 for the release of their EP later that year. By 2015, Basick Records reached its 10-year milestone, commemorating the occasion with a Decade of Progression and a feature in magazine that underscored the label's pivotal influence in pioneering the and genres. The anniversary highlighted the label's commitment to innovative heavy music, having supported acts blending technical complexity with experimental elements since its inception. In May 2017, Basick expanded its roster by signing the enigmatic collective , releasing their sophomore EP Two in July of that year, which introduced their unique fusion of metal, R&B, and atmospheric elements to a growing audience. Throughout the 2010s, Basick maintained its headquarters in while adapting to evolving industry dynamics by emphasizing digital platforms; by the mid-decade, it had integrated for direct-to-fan sales of music and merchandise, supporting physical releases like and alongside streaming. The label's last new releases occurred in 2017, after which it has maintained a low profile, offering its catalog on digital platforms like without reported closures.

Operations

Genres and distribution

Basick Records specializes in a range of subgenres, including , , , , and ambient metal, with a particular emphasis on technical proficiency and innovative compositions within the progressive heavy music spectrum. These genres reflect the label's commitment to supporting artists who push boundaries in complexity and sonic experimentation, distinguishing it within the broader metal landscape. The label employs a hybrid distribution model that caters to both physical and digital formats. Physical releases, such as CDs and vinyl, are primarily handled through and direct sales from the label, allowing for accessible boutique purchasing options. Digital distribution has included worldwide availability via The Orchard. North American physical and digital logistics were managed through a partnership with , announced in 2012. Basick Records supports artist through collaborative mixing and mastering processes aimed at delivering polished, high-fidelity sounds suitable for the genre's intricate arrangements. This approach facilitates releases optimized for global streaming services and often includes merchandise bundles to engage a dedicated niche audience of complex metal enthusiasts. As of , the label sustains an active digital footprint via , focusing on back-catalog accessibility and select physical editions of past releases, with no new reported since 2017. This underscores its boutique operational scale in a streaming-dominated market.

Business structure and affiliations

Basick Records was a privately held entity within the Music & Media group from the mid-2010s until at least 2018. The label was established in 2005 by brothers Nathan "Barley" Phillips and Jake Smith, who led its early operations with a focus on artist development and minimal overhead. Based in , , it employs a small team of 2-10 staff members, enabling without the scale of larger corporate structures. The organizational setup formerly included affiliations with sister imprints and services under the Invictus umbrella, such as Destroy Everything, a label specializing in releases, and Hold Tight! PR, which provided and marketing support launched in as the label's in-house arm. These entities allowed Basick Records to extend its reach into complementary areas of the music industry while maintaining a operational model. Revenue streams for the label derive from physical and digital album sales, merchandise distributed through platforms like , and licensing agreements for artist works. As a UK-registered operation, Basick Records holds the label code LC 14832 and can be contacted at [email protected] for business inquiries. No major corporate acquisitions or divestitures involving the label have been reported as of 2025.

Roster

Current artists

As of , Basick Records has no active roster with releases after , reflecting a shift toward following the founder's transition to as Head of A&R in 2023. The label provides boutique support for legacy artists through merchandise sales, back-catalog distribution, and occasional reissues, emphasizing preservation of its contributions. This approach aligns with Basick's operations, prioritizing historical depth in a competitive landscape.

Early Period (2005–2010)

Basick Records' initial signings laid the foundation for its reputation in progressive and technical metal scenes. Fellsilent, signed in 2005, released their debut EP The Double A and full-length album The Hidden Words (2008) through the label, showcasing intricate mathcore elements that influenced subsequent acts. The band disbanded in 2012 following internal changes, allowing Basick to pivot toward emerging talents. Enter Shikari's early association with came in 2007 with the release of their demo EP Anything Can Happen in the Next Half Hour, marking the label's first venture into and electronic fusion. This short-lived partnership ended as the band achieved mainstream success and signed with major distributor Ambush Reality, but it highlighted 's role in nurturing breakthrough acts. joined in 2008, debuting with Portraits (2009), a album that blended aggressive riffs with melodic breakdowns and helped establish 's distribution reach in . The band departed for Records in 2010 to pursue larger production scales, contributing significantly to the label's early visibility in the genre.

Mid Period (2011–2015)

The mid-2010s saw Basick expand its roster with technically ambitious acts. signed in 2012, releasing Polymorphic Code (2012) and Octopus4 (2014), innovative albums fusing , , and metal that pushed boundaries and garnered international acclaim. They left for FiXT Music in 2016 to explore broader influences, bolstering Basick's credentials. Chimp Spanner, a project of Tom Searle, released All Roads Lead Here (2012) under Basick, featuring neoclassical prog-metal with orchestral elements that exemplified the label's support for instrumental innovation. Following Searle's passing in 2018 and the project's hiatus, it underscored Basick's history of backing visionary solo endeavors. Bear signed around 2013, issuing Noumenon that year, an album of djent-infused progressive metal mixed by Jochem Jacobs. The band entered hiatus post-release, reflecting Basick's pattern of amplifying niche technical scenes before artists pursued independent paths. Heart of a Coward joined in 2013, releasing Sever (2013) and (2015), albums that evolved from to atmospheric and earned critical praise for production quality. They departed in 2016 for self-management and larger tours, enhancing Basick's reputation for grooming extreme talents. Skyharbor, an international prog-metal collective, released Guiding Lights (2014) via Basick, blending Indian influences with that expanded the label's global appeal. The band shifted to independent releases afterward, aiding Basick's diversification beyond acts. Glass Cloud signed in 2013, dropping Perfect Wretch (2014), a record with jazz-infused complexity that solidified Basick's technical metal niche. They disbanded in 2015 due to lineup shifts, yet their output reinforced the label's commitment to experimental heaviness. Devil Sold His Soul affiliated in the early , releasing Belong ▮ Betray (2014), a album exploring and . The band went on indefinite in 2019, leaving a legacy of emotional depth that distinguished Basick's roster. Intervals debuted with A Voice Within (2014), an instrumental prog-metal effort by Aaron Marshall that highlighted virtuosic guitar work. Moving to self-production and Century Media thereafter, it exemplified Basick's role in launching Canadian progressive talents. Misery Signals signed in 2013, issuing Absent Light (2013) and Ultraviolet (2020) under exclusive license to Basick, with their melodic metalcore-metal fusion drawing from Basick's growing transatlantic network. They transitioned to independent status post-2020, amplifying the label's influence on post-hardcore revival. Other notable mid-period acts included 7 Horns 7 Eyes, who released Thrones (2012), a symphonic album that showcased Basick's support for conceptual extremity before the band's 2014 disbandment; Inverted with Inverted (2012), advancing tech-death; and Parturition's early demos, contributing to the label's underground catalog. Dissipate, a US-based tech-metal band, signed in 2012 and released their debut EP that year, showcasing intricate, polyrhythmic riffs blended with progressive structures and precision, earning praise for its genre-blending innovation. Basick Records handled oversight and global distribution for the band, supporting their touring and digital presence.

Late Period (2016 Onward)

Sleep Token signed in 2016, releasing EP Two (2017), a blend of and R&B that built through and atmospheric songwriting. They departed for in 2019 amid rising popularity, marking a pivotal success for Basick in alternative realms. Canvas joined in 2017, debuting with Worry that year, an album of progressive emphasizing lyrical introspection. The band entered hiatus post-release, reflecting Basick's late-era focus on emerging innovators before scaling back operations. Napoleon signed in 2015, releasing Newborn Mind (2016) and Epiphany (2018), albums blending and atmospheric styles. The band disbanded in 2019, but Basick continues to facilitate back-catalog accessibility. These former artists collectively elevated Basick's profile through diverse releases spanning , , and prog-metal, often departing for major labels or independence while crediting the label's early platform for their growth.

References

  1. [1]
    Basick Records: Merch
    4.9 246 · Free deliveryA fiercely progressive record label from London, UK. discography · Ultraviolet ... Contact Basick Records · Streaming and. Download help · Redeem code. Report ...Missing: independent | Show results with:independent
  2. [2]
    Basick Records - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives
    Oct 20, 2011 · Address: London; Country: United Kingdom; Phone number: N/A. Status: active; Styles/specialties: Metalcore, Djent; Founding date : N/A ...
  3. [3]
    Celebrating a decade of Basick Records - Louder Sound
    Aug 18, 2015 · It's been 10 years since Nathan Barley Phillips and his half-brother Jake Smith set up Basick Records, a label that would later become synonymous with the rise ...
  4. [4]
    Music | Basick Records
    Bandcamp · Ultraviolet Misery Signals · Epiphany (Instrumental Edition) Napoleon · Newborn Mind (Instrumental Edition) Napoleon · Epiphany Napoleon · Askesis
  5. [5]
    Reviews of albums released on: Basick | Scene Point Blank
    Chimp Spanner. All Roads Lead Here Basick (2012) ; No Consequence. IO Basick (2013) ; Skyharbor. Blinding White Noise: Illusion & Chaos Basick (2012) ; Uneven ...Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
  6. [6]
    LONDON RIOT FIRES BURN BASICK RECORDS WAREHOUSE TO ...
    Aug 9, 2011 · As far as I know Basick has some of its international stock housed there but at the moment we're trying to find out what the extent of the ...
  7. [7]
    Decade Of Progression | Basick Records - Bandcamp
    Free deliveryFeaturing 10 of the best releases from 10 of the best bands Basick has had the pleasure of working with over the past decade. Strictly limited to 500 copies ...
  8. [8]
    ROCK LABEL OF THE WEEK: Basick Records - Global Music Tribune
    Oct 4, 2013 · Founded: 2005. Location: London, UK. Label Type: Independent. Distributors: Prosthetic/RED Distribution/Warner; Genre of Focus: Progressive ...
  9. [9]
    The Hidden Words | FELLSILENT - Basick Records - Bandcamp
    The Hidden Words by FELLSILENT, released 25 August 2008 1. Erase Begin 2. Double Negative 3. Drowned In My Enemy 4. Oblique 5. Void 6. Mindless Self 7.
  10. [10]
    https://basickrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-hidden-words
  11. [11]
    https://www.discogs.com/release/5689973-Fellsilent-The-Hidden-Words
  12. [12]
    Basick Records announce deal with Century Media
    Feb 20, 2011 · In a tailor-made deal that will see Century Media distribute Basick's existing catalogue as well as exclusively license and distribute future ...Missing: 2012 | Show results with:2012
  13. [13]
    https://themusic.com.au/news/basick-records-announce-deal-with-century-media/at52fH9-YWA/20-02-11
  14. [14]
    Basick Records - Music label - Rate Your Music
    Record label formed in the United Kingdom. Genres include Progressive Metal and Djent. Notable artists include ennamelang, ennamelang, ennamelang, andMissing: notable | Show results with:notable
  15. [15]
    BASICK RECORDS artists, albums, songs, playlists and listeners
    Artists · Sleep Token · Bury Tomorrow · Intervals · Misery Signals · The Algorithm · Heart Of A Coward · Skyharbor · Glass Cloud ...Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
  16. [16]
    The Last Day - YouTube
    Jun 23, 2015 · Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises The Last Day · Chimp Spanner Imperium Vorago ℗ 2006 BASICK RECORDS Released on: 2006-12-25 ...Missing: distribution | Show results with:distribution
  17. [17]
    Basick Records Partners With Prosthetic Records/RED For North ...
    Basick Records Partners With Prosthetic Records/RED For North American Distribution · BraveWords, Where Metal Lives ...
  18. [18]
    Basick Records Announce Four Vinyl Releases for Record Store ...
    The label is part of the Invictus Music and Media Group, which recently launched a sister label, Destroy Everything. For more info visit their wiki ...
  19. [19]
    Basick Records - LinkedIn
    Formed in 2005 by Nathan 'Barley' Phillips, BASICK has quickly established itself as one of the most important up and coming Metal labels in the UK & Europe.
  20. [20]
    New Destroy Everything Record Label Announced - HTF Magazine
    New Destroy Everything Record Label Announced. This morning a new ... In this article:Azriel, Basick Records, Black Dogs, Destroy Everything, hype ...
  21. [21]
    Hold Tight! PR relaunches as music marketing agency Hold Tight
    Jul 6, 2020 · Hold Tight! PR was founded in 2010 as the PR arm of Basick Records. It launched its radio plugging service in 2017, and soft-launched its ...Missing: affiliated Destroy
  22. [22]
    Basick Records Discography | Discogs
    ### Basick Records Profile Summary
  23. [23]
    Tectonics | DISSIPATE - Basick Records - Bandcamp
    Free deliveryTectonics by DISSIPATE, 6 tracks, 23 minutes, View purchase options, Share Wishlist In Wishlist read more... less, Compact Disc + Digital sold out.
  24. [24]
    BURY TOMORROW - Portraits (Official HD Audio - Basick Records)
    Apr 22, 2013 · Really hope they do a 10th anniversary re-release of this album. It's still their best one to date (no offense, love the other albums but this ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  25. [25]
    Polymorphic Code | THE ALGORITHM - Basick Records
    Free deliveryPolymorphic Code by THE ALGORITHM, released 19 November 2012 1. Handshake 2. Bouncing Dot 3. Trojans 4. Access Granted 5. Logic Bomb 6. Warp Gate Exploit 7.
  26. [26]
    Releases - The Algorithm Official
    Here you find an overview of all the official The Algorithm releases. ALBUMS. Brute Force - 2016 - FixT. Octopus4 - 2014 - Basick Records / Warner Music ...
  27. [27]
    BAND - B E A R – / / /
    2013 saw the release of *Noumenon* on Basick Records, mixed by Jochem Jacobs and again mastered by Alan Douches. This album took their sound to new technical ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  28. [28]
    NEW ARTIST OF THE DAY: Intervals - Subba-Cultcha
    Debut full-length A Voice Within, released this week on Basick Records is an impressive statement, a soaring, powerful and progressive slice of modern metal ...
  29. [29]
    Two | Sleep Token - Basick Records - Bandcamp
    Free deliveryAll 82 Basick Records releases · Download available in 16-bit/44.1kHz · Your money reaches the artist quickly and fairly · Includes digital albums: Two + 81 ...
  30. [30]
    Inside the rise of Sleep Token, by those who were there | Louder
    Jun 1, 2025 · Sleep Token have become the biggest metal band of their generation. We spoke to the people who witnessed and assisted their meteoric rise.
  31. [31]
    CANVAS - C.O.L.D (Official HD Audio - Basick Records) - YouTube
    Oct 6, 2017 · CANVAS - C.O.L.D; taken from the debut album, 'Worry' - released October 6th 2017 on Basick Records. Order your physical copy here: ...