Labels Spotlight: Selfmadegod

 

 

SWITCH TO POLISH

There are many labels, and there is a company that just had stole my heart. Selfmadegod  is an example to follow. To make it clear, I am (unfortunately) not sponsored to say it. Instead of telling you the origins, albeit I can arrange some interview with the boss of the label, I want to focus on my personal reflections. Majority of the true fans of underground probably heard of SMG, as over the years, the label amassed a pretty impressive catalogue.

Selfmadegod, is an old, Polish label who functions since as far as early 00s. Suffice to say that they use to have very good distribution, as their releases used to be everywhere, despite being underground. Of course, it later changed, but they really had a good distribution, despite presenting extreme music. Imagine seeing their releases next to Linkin Park or Korn. Yeah, early 00s were the shit.

What was avalaible through SMG? The cream of the crop from Grindcore. That's how I got familiarized with Agathocles, through their famous compilations, collecting their singles and splits in 5 parts. Mince-Core History it was called. That way, I got smarter.

But it was only a beginning. Retaliate, Neuropathia, Dead Infection and first and foremost, Toxic Bonkers - band, who changed my life for the better, and about whom I will make another post another day. I bought everything that had SMG logo, especially, that it was very cheap (20 zł - something around 3/4 euros). That way, I still have such classics like Sewn Shut (https://selfmadegod.bandcamp.com/album/rediscovering-the-dead), or Security Threat (https://selfmadegod.bandcamp.com/album/the-truth-is-out), which you probably never heard of, because they weren't on Rateyourmusic lists, or whatever. Give them a chance. I am especially proud of these two (hence I posted them), because I discovered them on my own, without anyone's help.

Back then, internet wasn't a big thing, but I was too young, to know about tape trading, this was already a prehistory, so I had to use net to discover new music. That way, I discovered whole Cogumelo Records and Holocausto, Chakal, Witchhammer, Ratos De Porao, Overdose, Mutilator etc. But also Selfmadegod, who back then, posted 30 sec. samplers of their releases. That way I've learned about XXX Maniak, who was actually kinda weak, but whose guitarist created some petty controversies, and later joined Absu, to do the same crap there. I've heard for the first time Neuropathia and their masterful "Graveyard Cowboys", or Incarnated "Some Old Stories" (compilation of their demos, SMG would later release their new album). Contrary to general opinion, I've never liked Antigama (whom also were avalaible there, but I never bought them). It might have something with the fact, that they are from Warsaw, and I don't actually like that city (inside joke).

The biggest breakthrough for me was nonetheless Hirax and one of the greatest EP of all time "Assassins of War" (https://selfmadegod.bandcamp.com/album/assassins-of-war). If you never heard it, don't boast it, just educate yourself. I remember that I felt back then like a kid, who heard "Chemical Warfare" for the first time back in 1984. Obviously, it's not my thought, I've read it somewhere in the magazine back then, but I do agree with the sentiment. It was 2007, it might surprise you, but Slayer was still something fresh for me, and I've felt happy that I can at least have Hirax for myself. Little did I know that Hirax actually started in the 80s as well, but I did not have internet non-stop back then, hence my blunder. Hirax, together with Toxic Bonkers, were the core of Selfmadegod records. Unfortunately, life interfered. I had to earn money, to make something of myself, and therefore, I never got Vöetsek - Infernal Command, or complete discography of another Polish Grind legend, Squash Bowels, or Schismopathic, I only managed to fill this void partially.

Despite Selfmadegod being known for Grindcore, it was full of surprises. They always released stuff that never was below high standards. And when I mean it, I mean the debut of Hellbastard, or discovering serious Funeral Doom with Encoffination (yes yes, it was SMG who discovered them, oh how eagerly you forget, even if they still co-operate to this day), and they also were cool with taking over Death Metal bands in vein of Immolation, like Deivos. Unfortunately for them, they also dealt with numerous Rogga Johansson projects. But they never gave up. I'm glad it never broke them financially.

This label, despite time, it keeps on existing, and I wholeheartedly recommend their new stuff (to buy, not only to listen, but to purchase): https://selfmadegod.bandcamp.com/album/plagued-with-violence, and https://selfmadegod.bandcamp.com/album/the-macabre-voodoo-messiah (with that said, SCD is not as edgy as they used to be), and many other rarities.

I want to specifically thank the label for their patience, for not giving up, despite bad times for physical formats, and for being with us. It's been 30 years, and they keep going, like a well oiled machine.

Sincerely, your greatest Fan,

In case, I didn't make it clear enough, just go and check it. If you don't, you can be damn sure, that my face will be haunting you in your dreams.

Selfmadegod