In 1991, Century Media Records opened its first North American office -- three years after the label's humble beginnings in Germany. Today, the label boasts nine worldwide offices and a slew of subsidiaries that have introduced a thriving underground metal scene to the masses. Metal off all styles – traditional (Iced Earth, Jag Panzer), gothic (Lacuna Coil, Tiamat), death (Asphyx, Unleashed), power (Nocturnal Rites, Angel Dust) and hardcore (Only Living Witness, Candiria) – have always found a home at Century Media, firmly establishing it as a down-'n'-dirty label run by dudes and chicks who are – first and foremost – fans.
That's why listening to the limited-edition three-disc Century Media 10-Year Anniversary Box Set (even though, technically, the label turned 13 in 2001) will bring joy to any metal fan. Given the label's diversity, any number of the 53 carefully chosen songs included in this collection will likely be new to some listeners. All of the bands mentioned above are represented here, divided into one disc featuring Western Hemisphere bands, one disc of bands from the Eastern Hemisphere and one disc of rarities and unreleased material by the likes of Nevermore, Skinlab and Samael. The set provides insight into earlier works by Century Media's current big names (Borknagar, Stuck Mojo, Moonspell, The Gathering), as well as exposure to the label's past heroes (Strapping Young Lad, Cro-Mags).
Included in the impressive packaging are a black-and-silver slipcase and 90-page full-color booklet, which features commentaries from past-and-present bands and employees, a complete label discography and some fascinating photographs. The booklet does seem a bit self-indulgent, but Century Media deserves to revel in its glories. Without this label, the state of metal would be a lot worse off than it is today.