This will be a fairly short, impromptu post. Metal icon, Jon Zazula – the founder of Megaforce Records – has unfortunately passed away. For those who may not know, Megaforce Records is best known for being Metallica’s first label. Megaforce Records were the primary label for Metallica’s first two full-length albums. In addition, Megaforce Records was also home to east coast thrash acts, like Overkill, S.O.D., and Anthrax. I think Brendan Small’s group even worked with the label on one of the later Dethklok albums.

In late October 2019, Jon Zazula published a book titled “Heavy Tales: The Metal. The Music. The Madness.”. Although I have not read his book (not yet, at least), the book covers his life and how the label came to be. I hope to buy my own copy one day and read it for myself.

To the members of the Zazula family, I express my sincerest condolences. I know that Jon made a very big impact on metal as we know it today. I and many others in the larger metal community are very thankful for his efforts. He will be missed.

Rest peacefully, fallen brother.