One of heavy metal’s most iconic labels is roaring back. Combat Records, the legendary U.S. label behind Megadeth, Exodus, Helstar, Circle Jerks, Nuclear Assault, and countless other 1980s thrash and punk trailblazers, is set for a full-scale relaunch in 2026 under the leadership of Robert Dujmusic and Alex Stojak.
Combat’s storied history is steeped in metal lore. After launching some of the most influential acts of the 1980s and surviving a handful of ownership changes, the label went dormant in the mid-2000s, with its catalog eventually absorbed by Sony. In 2016, former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and Thom Hazaert of EMP Label Group acquired the Combat brand and its intellectual property, safeguarding the label’s legacy.
As of January 2026, Combat Records is officially under the stewardship of independent film producers Alex Stojak and Robert Dujmusic, operating from their new office in Göttingen, Germany. The revived label has already expanded infrastructure to include distribution, PR, festival support, and touring, signaling a modern, full-service approach.
The first wave of confirmed releases will include projects from established artists as well as development opportunities for emerging bands, ensuring that Combat stays true to its history of championing underground heavy music. Key additions to the team include Nicole Wendeborn (former Eternal Sound partner) as A&R manager and Christian “Opus” Lawrence (ex-Cro-Mags) as U.S. manager.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to be able to continue the legacy of such an important part of heavy music history and I’m super excited for what we’ve got coming up,” said Dujmusic. “Combat is back!”
Ellefson added his endorsement: “It’s good to know that the Combat Records brand has landed into the right hands and will continue to thrive with Christian and Rob at the helm.”
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