It is with great sadness that I must report the passing of Century Media Records Co-Owner Oliver Withöft has passed away today at the age of 49. Oliver had been on a leave of absence due to illness for some time, and his passing leaves the music industry with a heavy heart today. Century Media Records was founded in 1988 by Robert Krampf, and Oliver joined forces with him in 1989. For the last 25 years, the label flourished under Oliver’s leadership. Oliver is survived by his loving wife, Judith, and their three beloved daughters. Memorial services for Oliver are set to be held on January 25 at 11am at the Sotogrande Church, La Iglesia de nuestra Senora de la merced (11310), Cadiz in Spain. Over the last three years, The Rock Revival has built a strong relationship with Century Media, covering, interviewing, and photographing many of their artists. Oliver helped build an amazing label to foster some of the heaviest talent in the business, and we are forever grateful for his impact on music.
Century Media Records is home to some of the best hard rock and metal artists on the
planet, including Buckcherry, 3 Inches of Blood, Adrenaline Mob, Arch Enemy, Otherwise, Eyes Set To Kill, Iced Earth, Fozzy, Gus G., Kill Devil Hill, In Flames, Paradise Lost, In This Moment, Voivod, Suicide Silence, Butcher Babies, Nevermore, Warbringer, Rival Sons, Lacuna Coil, and more. The label boasts distinguished alumni like Blind Guardian, Andrew WK, Brand New Sin, Shadows Fall, Strapping Young Lad, God Forbid, Hellhammer, Behemoth, and others. Power metal mainstays Iced Earth released their new album, Plagues of Babylon, today and heavy hitters Adrenaline Mob are set to drop their much-anticipated sophomore effort, Men of Honor, on February 18. Both albums made TheRockRevival.com’s list of the Most Anticipated Rock Albums of 2014. Las Vegas rockers Otherwise are currently in the studio working on the follow-up to their 2012 smash hit, True Love Never Dies. – by Matt Bishop