Candlelight Records today confirms the extension of their cooperation with Chicago-based Battle Kommand Records. Founded by NACHTMYSTIUM vocalist/guitarist Blake Judd in 2004, Candlelight will now look after the noted underground label's catalog around the globe; previously the deal was in place for only England and the European continent. Nachtmystium's highly regarded catalog will be the first to find reissue under the new deal. In stores April 21, each of the band's early recordings, namely Reign of the Malicious, Nachtmystium, The First Attacks, Demise and the highly acclaimed Instinct: Decay, will again be available for the band's growing stateside fanbase. Reissues from Krieg, Obscurus Advocam and Glorior Belli among others will follow shortly thereafter. Bonus material is planned on many of the re-issues with specifics to be confirmed at a later date.

Judd says of the cooperation, "it is with much honor that we can announce this collaboration. Music fans worldwide will now have much easier access to older BKR releases." In addition to the reissue series, the cooperation will see new signings that Judd notes, "will maintain the unique brand identity of Battle Kommand Records." Judd will retain control of the label's A&R; while Candlelight's worldwide team will handle marketing and distribution. "With Candlelight's funding behind BKR's new signees," says Judd, "I anticipate that more of our artists will be touring here and abroad. A more major push for all of our artists marks a major step for the label, and we intend to push-forward with full force."

Since its launch in 2004, Battle Kommand Records has released nearly 30 albums. The roster's artists span black, doom, death, experimental noise and ambient rock. The label has seen cooperation in the US previously with Los Angeles-based Southern Lord Records as well direct relationships with numerous indie and underground distributors. Candlelight Records with offices in London and Philadelphia has a worldwide catalog containing over 400 titles including recordings from EMPEROR, OPETH, 1349, BLUT AUS NORD, CROWBAR, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, OBITUARY and many more. Candlelight is distributed in the United States via Caroline Distribution, EMI Music is the label's new distributor for Canada with England and European distribution handled by Plastic Head Music.