Canadian technical death metal juggernauts Archspire are going fully independent — and they’re calling on their fans to help make their next record a reality.
The band announced today (May 29th) that they’ve parted ways with long-time label Season of Mist and launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund their upcoming studio album, which will feature newly recruited drummer Spencer Moore (ex-Inferi). The group plans to hit the studio this June to complete recording sessions that began earlier this year.
“After 13 incredible years signed with Season of Mist Records, we’re now officially independent,” the band explained. “No label means no safety net. We’re now financially responsible for everything ourselves: studio time, vinyl pressing, artwork, videos, PR, distribution, and more.”
“Independence gives us full control of our future, but it also means we’re relying on our fans more than ever before to make it happen. If you believe in supporting bands directly, now’s your chance. Claim your exclusive vinyl variant and merch today for our upcoming new album!”
The Kickstarter is aiming for $174,000 CAD (~$125,644 USD), and at time of publishing, the campaign had already pulled in over $50,000 CAD — an impressive start. The campaign page offers fans a detailed breakdown of where those funds are going, plus a variety of perks ranging from exclusive vinyl to merch bundles.
On the campaign page, Archspire elaborated:
“For the past thirteen years, we’ve had an incredible journey with Season of Mist Records. They helped us build our brand, fund our albums, and guide us through countless industry challenges. Without them we would have had a much harder time getting through the adversity we faced early on in our career, and for that we’re grateful for their support.
But now, it’s time to take full control of our future, and go completely independent.
Going independent means managing everything ourselves: album production, PR, distribution, recording budgets, music videos; you name it. It’s a massive step, but we’re ready. And we need your help to make this a reality.”
They also laid bare the harsh economics of traditional label deals:
“Did you know the industry standard royalty split is 80–85% in favour of the label? This means if an album sells for $29.99, after manufacturing costs and the label cut, the band might get as little as $3.00.
Labels provide an advance on royalties, but it often takes years (or never) to recoup.
Archspire wants to break free of that cycle. By going fully independent, we can take 100% control of our business, fund our own record, and never again rely on advances or unfair royalty splits.”
The band knows they’re taking a risk — but for them, it’s just another step in a career that’s always been about taking bold swings.
“Of course, funding an album on our own is risky. Instead of leaning on a label, it’s on us to cover the costs of studio time, artwork, advertising, and physical album production.
But risk is nothing new to us. From day one, we’ve quit jobs, crashed on couches, and emptied personal bank accounts to keep the music going. Our music has always been about pushing boundaries, and now, so is our career.”
Fans can back the project now via Kickstarter.
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