Pest Productions
| Company type | Independent record label |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founder | Deng Zhang, Wu |
| Headquarters | Nanchang , China |
| Products | Atmospheric black metal music releases |
Pest Productions is an independent record label from China, established in 2006, that focuses on atmospheric black metal and features a diverse international lineup. It operates two sub-labels: Autumn Flood (established in 2006) and Self-Destruction (founded in 2008). The label has issued three compilation albums: The World Comes to an End in the End of a Journey, Depression and Hatred of 3 Years, and Der Wanderer über dem Nebelmeer.
History
Originating in Nanchang, Jiangxi, Pest Productions was created by Deng Zhang and Wu, members of the depressive black metal band Be Persecuted. It stands as China's foremost black metal label, representing artists spanning various black metal styles, from raw to experimental and atmospheric.
After Wu left following the release of a demo, Deng Zhang—a graphic designer and musician—assumed full control of the label. Although early financial difficulties nearly led to its shutdown, encouragement from peers in the music community helped Pest Productions persevere. A significant achievement for the label was the release of Zuriaake's debut album Afterimage of Autumn, which became a landmark moment for black metal in China.
The label attracted global recognition through signing the American blackgaze band Ghost Bath. Initially, Ghost Bath was mistakenly thought to be from China due to their Bandcamp presence listing Chongqing as their location. Their actual origin in Minot, North Dakota was later uncovered. Pest Productions released their first album Funeral in 2014; Deng had contemplated dropping the group but changed his decision after hearing the album. The signing stirred controversy, including pressure from a South American fan urging the label to sever ties with the band.
Expanding its international footprint, Pest Productions signed artists from various countries, including German bands Heretoir and Thränenkind, as well as Danish outfit Make a Change… Kill Yourself.
Artists
- Altus Astrum (Ireland)
- Anhedonia (Sweden)
- Apocynthion (Spain)
- Astral Luminous (USA)
- Bauda (Chile)
- Chaotic Aeon (China)
- Cerberus (China)
- Dernier Martyr (Russia)
- Deep Mountains (China)
- Dopamine (China)
- Dysthymia (Iceland)
- Elhaz (France)
- E.D.I.E.H (China)
- From Chaos (China)
- Heretoir (Germany)
- Heartless (China)
- Hinsidig (Norway/Germany)
- Höstkänslor (Peru)
- The Illusion Of Dawn (China)
- In The Abyss (China)
- The Last Days (Mexico/Brazil)
- Líam (Germany)
- Means to an End (USA/Belgium)
- Midwinter (China)
- Morose (UK)
- Nectar (China)
- Pure Wrath (Indonesia)
- Secretly In Pain (China)
- Seeds of Iblis (Iraq)
- Sinisterite (UK/Finland)
- Skeletal Augury (China)
- Skendöd (Sweden/Iceland)
- Súl ad Astral (New Zealand/USA)
- Thränenkind (Germany)
- Transylvania (Canada)
- Vergissmeinnicht (China)
- Yn Gizarm | 英吉沙 (China)
- Zuriaake | 葬屍湖 (China)
- Be Persecuted (China)
Self-Destruction artists
- Heartless (China)
- Secretly In Pain (China)
Autumn Flood artists
- Chaos Division (China)
- Deep Mountains (China)
- E.D.I.E.H (China)
- Excruciate 666 (France)
- From Chaos (China)
- Gol Dolan
- The Illusion Of Dawn (China)
- Morose (UK)
- Natt (Turkey)
- Original Sin (China)
- Songs Over Ruin (China)
- Varuna (China)
- Yell (China)
- Yn Gizarm (China)
- Zaliva-D(China)