The Beginning: An Idea is Born

The founder of Iron Avantgarde Publishing was deeply rooted in the music industry as the head of the globally operating metal label NAPALM RECORDS. He witnessed firsthand how artists often suffered losses due to errors or deficiencies in the evaluation of their rights. Music rights management was complicated and often opaque. It was clear that reliable and accurate administration was necessary to correct these errors and maximize income. With this vision in mind, Iron Avantgarde was founded. The company’s name represents an uncompromising stance in defending artists‘ rights („Iron“) while simultaneously embracing openness to innovation and new approaches in the music industry („Avantgarde“).

The Breakthrough: Efficiency Meets Passion

From the outset, Iron Avantgarde focused on achieving the optimum in music rights management for its authors. The team specialized in reviewing GEMA data, screening work registrations, and analyzing streaming and live data. Soon, the company was able to achieve significant revenue increases for its clients by reclaiming missing streams, correcting erroneous work data, and ensuring that setlists were reported correctly.

Expansion: A Holistic Approach

Over the years, Iron Avantgarde expanded its portfolio and offered comprehensive consulting services. With signings of genre greats like Monster Magnet, Alestorm, Gloryhammer, Jinjer, Visions of Atlantis, and Candlemass, as well as the Burning Witches, Hammerfall, Nile, Wind Rose, or Nervosa, a renowned roster was quickly built up.

Today, Iron Avantgarde Publishing stands as a leading company in music rights management, relying on strong relationships and technical expertise to help artists get the most out of their creative work.

Markus Riedler: The Founder of Napalm Records and Pioneer of the Metal Underground

Markus Riedler is the mastermind behind Napalm Records and Iron Avantgarde Publishing, one of the world’s most renowned independent labels. His journey began in 1992 when he decided to found a label in Austria that would offer a platform for artists who were underrepresented in the mainstream music industry, especially in the metal and rock genres.

The Early Years: The Metal Spirit

Markus Riedler himself was a passionate fan of the metal genre and noticed that many talented bands in the scene were struggling to get a record deal or receive adequate support. With little capital but plenty of enthusiasm, he founded Napalm Records in the small Austrian town of Eisenerz.

Growth and Internationalization: From Underdog to Global Player

Through his tireless efforts and love of music, Markus Riedler managed to establish Napalm Records internationally. With a clever digital strategy that focused on streaming and online sales, and a strong mail-order system, Napalm Records quickly became a global player.

Digitalization and Innovation

With the advent of the digital age, Markus Riedler once again demonstrated his innovative spirit. While many labels struggled to adapt to new distribution channels like streaming and downloads, Riedler recognized the opportunities that this development offered. Napalm Records was one of the first metal labels to effectively utilize streaming services and employ crowdfunding for albums and tours.

Commonalities and Intersections

Although Iron Avantgarde Publishing and Napalm Records have different focuses – one specializes in music rights management, the other in the production and marketing of metal and rock music – there are clear parallels in their history. Both companies were born out of a passion for music and have established themselves as pioneers in their respective fields. Markus Riedler, the founder of Iron Avantgarde Publishing, shares the belief that fairness, transparency, and hard work are the key to success in the music industry. Both companies have made it their mission to help artists get the most out of their music, whether through correct billing and work registrations or by creating record contracts that give artists the freedom to develop creatively.