Spinefarm, which started out in Finland in 1989 by Sami Tenetz from Thy Serpent, has subsidiaries in the UK and the US. Since 2002 it has been part of the Universal Music Group but operates as an independent company.
Acts on its roster includes Rammstein, Throne of Chaos, Anti-Flag, The Black League, Dragonforce, Killing Joke, Nightwish and One Morning Left.
It will release Airbourne’s fourth album later this year.
The deal sees the band reunite with Spinefarm general manager Jonas Nachsin, who worked with them when he was president of Roadrunner.
“We’re pumped up to have signed on the dotted line to the world’s toughest and truest hard rock label, Spinefarm,” Airbourne said. “We have worked with some of the guys on this team in the past, and we’re extremely confident about having each other’s back in the trenches for many hard rockin’ years to come. We’re chompin’ at the bit to get ROCKIN’ and KICKIN’ ARSE in 2015 and beyond.”
Nachsin added, “We are so proud to be the new global home for the amazing Airbourne! They are a band who have thrilled audiences around the world with their insanely energetic live shows and wildly anthemic songs, and all of us at Spinefarm are thrilled to be part of their ensuing juggernaut.”
Daniel Lieberberg, senior vice president, Universal Music Germany, stated, “Germany, Austria and Switzerland have always been strong markets for this unique band. We’re excited to closely collaborate with Spinefarm Records on our mission to bring Airbourne to a new level in our part of the world.”
Airbourne formed Warrnambool in 2003 around Joel O’Keeffe (singer, guitarist), Ryan O’Keeffe (drums) and David Roads (rhythm guitar) and later joined by Justin Street (bass). Their first two albums Runnin’ Wild (2007) and No Guts. No Glory (2010) cracked the Australian, UK and US charts. Their third album Black Dog Barking (2013) expanded their global success.
For a band inspired by AC/DC, it must have been gratifying when Angus Young, recently asked what he thought of modern rock music, replied, “I see it as healthy, because there’s newer stuff coming through. I really like Airbourne.”
