Epitaph Records is an independent record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. The label was originally "just a logo and a P.O. box" created in the 1980s for the purpose of selling Bad Religion records, but has since grown into one of the largest indie record labels. Most of the bands on Epitaph are punk rock and hardcore groups, but several sub-labels exist, such as ANTI- and Hellcat Records that have signed other types of bands. A few of the first bands signed include Bad Religion, L7, The Offspring and NOFX.
In 1987, Epitaph released its first record as a proper label. It was the band L7's self-titled album, and it was distributed by Chameleon. The first album that was both released and distributed by Epitaph was Suffer by Bad Religion.
Recently (2003), Epitaph has sparked some controversy among its fans by signing noted alternative rap artists Atmosphere and Sage Francis, leading to many heated online debates about what constituted the true nature of "punk" music, but so far the new groups seem to feel at home on the label.
Although Bad Religion, as the founding "band" of Epitaph released their first records through Epitaph, they switched over to Atlantic in 1994, with Stranger Than Fiction being their first record outside the label. During the following two years, a lot of inter-band drama occurred, mainly between Greg Graffin, the band's main vocalist and co-songwriter and Brett Gurewitz, founder of Epitaph and the other songwriter for the band. This ended up with Brett Gurewitz leaving the band in 1996. However, in 2001, Brett returned to the band and Bad Religion once again signed under Epitaph Records, releasing The Process of Belief in 2002, and, most recently The Empire Strikes First (2004).
An epitaph (literally: on the grave in ancient Greek) is text honoring the dead, most commonly inscribed on a tombstone or plaque.
The Kohima Epitaph which is on the World War II War Memorial for the Allied fallen at the battle of Kohima.
Tolkien is buried next to his wife, and on their tombstone the names "Beren" and "Lúthien" are engraved, a fact that sheds light on the love story of Beren and Lúthien which is recorded in several versions in his works.
Most of the bands on Epitaph are punk rock and punk groups, but several sub-labels exist, such as ANTI- and Hellcat Records that have signed other types of bands.
Recently in 2003, Epitaph has sparked some controversy among its fans by signing noted alternative rap artists Atmosphere and Sage Francis and noise/grindcore band The Locust, leading to many heated debates about what constituted the true nature of "punk" music, but so far the new groups seem to feel at home on the label.
In mid-2005 Epitaph was added to the official list of RIAA members[1] along with several other high-profile independent labels such as Fat Wreck Chords, which—if true—makes their independent status questionable.
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