Mark Morton at the Heavy Metal Examiner recently conducted a round table discussion with several record label executives to get their opinions on the resurgence and collectability of heavy metal vinyl. Participating in this discussion are Paula Hogan (General Manager, Candlelight Records USA), Austin Stephens (Director of Sales, Roadrunner Records), Pat Egan (Director of Sales, Relapse Records), Tracy Vera (Senior VP, Metal Blade Records), and Simon Füllemann (General Manager, Metal Blade Records GmbH).

An excerpt is available below:

Heavy Metal Examiner: What do you think of the resurgence in the interest in metal vinyl?

Paula Hogan (PH): "Vinyl and metal I feel is a 'taste' fans never lose interest in. Metal is, for the most part, always a genre that is a consistent seller regardless of fashion or trends. Sure it has its peaks and lulls, but it is always there. With vinyl, the packaging, oftentimes special artwork is something that feels so much more personal and unique in your hands versus a CD and the unphysical nature of the mp3. I think the resurgence in vinyl popularity is a combination of elements. First, as noted, is the uniqueness and the natural excitability factor of having a special/limited edition piece of your favorite band, but second, the continued argument of labels and artists about the accessibility CDs give to illegal downloading, which for vinyl is far more limited."

Go to this location for the complete discussion.