In a move that surprised both the band and their longtime supporters, Metal to the Core announced today that they have signed a major record deal with NotJustPrompts Records. The three-piece metal outfit, known for their decade-long presence in the underground scene, will be releasing their debut studio album later this year.

“We honestly never thought this day would come,” admitted lead vocalist and guitarist Normand Lewis during a phone interview. “We’ve been playing the same dive bars and local festivals for so long that a major label deal felt like something that happened to other people.”

The signing comes after NotJustPrompts A&R representative Sarah Chen discovered the band during one of their performances at The Rusty Anchor, a small venue in downtown Los Angeles known for showcasing local metal talent. Chen was reportedly impressed by the band’s unique blend of traditional metal with electronic influences, largely attributed to bassist Veyra Shade’s background in Amsterdam’s techno scene.

“What struck me immediately was how they managed to create something completely fresh while still honoring metal’s roots,” Chen explained. “Normand’s songwriting is incredibly mature, Veyra brings these electronic textures that shouldn’t work in metal but absolutely do, and Draven’s drumming has this raw power that you can’t fake.”

The deal represents a significant shift for a band that has been notably reluctant about social media and pursuing mainstream success. For years, Metal to the Core operated almost entirely through word-of-mouth, building a dedicated local following without the typical promotional machinery that drives most modern bands.

“We’ve always been more focused on the music than the business side,” said Veyra Shade. “But NotJustPrompts approached us with a vision that respects what we’ve built while giving us the resources to reach people who might connect with our sound.”

Drummer Draven Holt, who legally changed his name for personal reasons when the band formed, expressed gratitude for the opportunity while acknowledging the surreal nature of the situation. “Ten years ago, I was playing on street corners to make rent money. Now we’re talking about releasing an album that people across the country might actually hear. It’s overwhelming in the best possible way.”

The band plans to enter the studio in March to begin recording their debut album, with a tentative release date set for late 2025. They’ve indicated that while they’re excited about the increased exposure, they have no intention of abandoning the venues and fans that supported them during their early years.

“The dive bars, the small festivals, the venues where you can smell the beer on the floor – that’s where we learned how to be a band,” Lewis emphasized. “Success doesn’t mean forgetting where you came from.”

NotJustPrompts Records, known for developing acts like Crimson Echo and Stellar Void, has expressed confidence that Metal to the Core represents the future of metal music, citing their ability to innovate while maintaining authenticity as key factors in the signing decision.