1.Hello Radek please introduce yourself to the readers?
Hi everyone !!!
Radek here , i run distro and label Northernshadow , Proudly Canadian since 2020
2.When did you first discover Black Metal and what is it about this genre that drew you?
My first contact with black metal was in the early ’90s with the Necromantia / Varathron split "Black Arts Lead to Everlasting Sins". At the time, I was a huge death metal fan (Morbid Angel, Entombed, Deicide, etc.), and this release felt completely different. The mysticism and evil atmosphere were overwhelming, and I realized that this was exactly what I had been looking for in metal music.
Because of this release, I still love Hellenic black metal and bands like early Rotting Christ (Thy Mighty Contract and Non Serviam are perfect), Necromantia, Varathron, Katavasia, and others. Later, I discovered the Norwegian black metal bands with their colder approach—and that sealed the deal for me
3.Who were the first bands that you listened to and who are some of the current bands that you have been listening to?
If you count all the bands that paved the way to black metal, then the very first one for me was of course Slayer (South of Heaven). But as I said, the first BM release I heard was the Necromantia / Varathron split. That’s where my journey with Hellenic black metal began. Later, I discovered Emperor (Wrath of the Tyrant EP and their great split with Enslaved) and Darkthrone. I liked Darkthrone’s debut, and I was really surprised by the direction they chose on the second album—but in hindsight it feels like it was meant to be, because the following records showed real consistency.
I’ve discovered a lot of bands since the early ’90s and had the privilege of watching black metal evolve into what it is today. But I can honestly say I never expected it to become so diverse. It has mutated into so many subgenres that I’m sometimes surprised by the bands that are still considered black metal.
4.When did you first get the idea to start this label?How did you come up with the name Northern Shadow?
It’s hard to pinpoint the exact date, but I think the final decision came at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Sitting at home helped me finalize all the details and launch an online store with vinyl records, which is still growing. Later, I decided to release a few things — and here I am. The name was always meant to reflect the North, and I think I captured what I wanted.
5.What are your current releases that are availible for the readers to purchase?
On December 21 last year, I released my first vinyl: KASM "Gravitational Echoes", cosmic black metal from Alberta, Canada. The purple vinyl edition is limited to 110 copies. All my releases are available at my online store: https://northernshadow.ca/
6.What do you look for when signing and releasing a band?What styles of metal do you release on your label?Are you currently looking for new bands to work with or is your roster full for now?
Of course — I'm always looking for new bands! What I look for is hard to define, because it’s mostly based on feel. If I like the music, the atmosphere of the record, the album concept, and the arrangements, then I’m open to working together. I try not to make decisions based strictly on genre, because I believe there’s only good music and bad music. Genres blend so much these days that it’s often hard to draw clear lines, and I don’t want to be closed ‑ minded.
But you’ve probably noticed that so far all my releases have been black metal, and I think that will remain the main genre for my label.
7.What are some of your upcoming releases in 2026 that the readers should watch out for?
I don’t have any confirmed dates yet, but something is definitely brewing.
8.If their are any labels or bands reading this do you do many trades with labels or do you prefer to buy wholesale?If their are any labels reading this how can they get in contact with you about possible trades?
Of course, I’m open to trades and other forms of cooperation. All contact details and socials are available on my website: https://northernshadow.ca
9. Radek you live in Canada what is your opinion of the mighty Canadian metal scene over the years?
I think the Canadian metal scene has always been a bit in the background — it was never as famous as Florida death metal, Teutonic thrash, Swedish DM, and so on. But there are many great bands here, starting with Voivod, Annihilator, and Sacrifice, to the powerful war metal scene with Blasphemy and Revenge. Quebec practically breathes black metal, and Ontario gave us Woods of Ypres (sadly, RIP) and Thantifaxath.
There are plenty of great bands here, and that’s why I’m trying to focus on releasing Canadian artists — I think there’s a lot of potential in this scene
10.Who are your all-time favorite Bands coming out of Canada?Are their any new bands you could recomend to the readers to check out soon?
I can definitely recommend Miserere Luminis from Québec. Their new album will be released via Debemur Morti in March. You can also check out their previous albums—great atmospheric black metal
11.Besides your own label are their any other Canadian Metal labels that you can recomend or that you have worked with?
To be honest, I haven’t had direct contact with other labels in Canada, but I can recommend CDN Records from Ontario — they specialize more in death metal
12.When you need to take a break from working on label business what do you like to do in your free time?
Hahaha — the label is my main free time hobby. I have a regular job and a family, so free time is limited. I’m more of a metal fan than a businessman, so I’m sure there are many things I could do better with the label. But I’m in the comfortable position where it’s only a side gig, so I don’t have to base my decisions on money or compromises — I just release what I like and distribute what I like.
For example, I love Hellenic black metal and I’ve stocked almost everything I could get my hands on, but it mostly gathers dust because it’s not very popular here in Canada. Still, I believe this niche approach is my strength, and maybe with my small contribution, those bands will gain more fans here.
13.Do you get to go to very many shows in your town or area? What have been some of your most memorable shows that you have gotten to witness?Who are your favorite bands that you have got to see live?
There aren’t many interesting shows here — unfortunately, most of the really exciting ones happen in Europe. We mostly get the more mainstream bands like Vader, Behemoth,Cradle of Filth, and a few others. The last truly great show I saw was Wardruna a few years ago.
14.Thank you Radek for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?
Thank you for reading! Please check out the albums I have released. The best option is to visit my YouTube channel —I uploaded all my releases there: https://www.youtube.com/@Northernshadow-ca Northern Shadow https://northernshadow.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/northernshadowwebstore/ https://www.instagram.com/northernshadow.ca/ https://www.youtube.com/@Northernshadow-ca