Josh Grabelle, Trustkill Records (Part 1)

One Step Beyond: The Cadence Leadership Podcast

On this episode of One Step Beyond, we are joined by Josh Grabelle, Founder of Trustkill Records.

In this episode, Aram and Josh dive into the rise, fall, and rebirth of Trustkill Records. Josh recounts the label’s early days in 1994, driven by passion and a DIY ethos, and how he navigated the challenges of distribution deals, marketing shifts, and the eventual decline of CD sales. As the music industry underwent rapid changes, Josh had to constantly adapt, balancing creative vision with the harsh realities of business.

Josh and Aram discuss the challenges Josh faced as Trustkill Records struggled and eventually collapsed. He reflects on the tension between artistic authenticity and commercial pressures, emphasizing how crucial it is to maintain strong relationships with the bands you work with. Josh chose to reinvent the label, securing a new deal with Universal and reshaping the business model to align with a changing industry landscape.

The conversation underscores the value of adaptability, clear communication, and bold leadership in uncertain times. Josh's story illustrates that visionary thinking, combined with execution and resilience, can turn setbacks into new beginnings. His journey is a reminder that passion is only powerful when paired with courageous action, and that effective leadership often means seeing potential where others see risk.

ON THIS EPISODE WE TALK ABOUT

• Vision without execution is just a dream. Bold execution turns dreams into outcomes.

• Conviction moves people. When data is scarce and you're creating something new, your belief can become the most valuable asset.

• Adaptability is your leadership currency in rapidly shifting markets.

• Effective communication and renegotiation during crises can determine whether your business survives or gets sidelined.

• When you offer strategic foresight and a clear path to growth, stakeholders can become collaborators.

About Josh Grabelle:
Trustkill Records was a pioneering independent label that helped define the hardcore, metalcore, and post-hardcore sound of the late '90s and early 2000s. Founded in 1994 by Josh Grabelle in New Jersey, it quickly became a beacon of raw energy and DIY spirit. With a knack for discovering talent, Trustkill introduced the world to genre-shaping bands like Poison the Well, Bleeding Through, Terror, and Eighteen Visions, acts that blended hardcore intensity with metal precision, setting a new standard for heavy music.

More than just a label, Trustkill became a cultural force, taking bands from basement shows to major tours like Warped and Ozzfest, and landing releases in Hot Topic and MTV. Before its 2010 hiatus, the label had sold over two million albums and left an indelible mark on the underground scene. Now, in 2025, its legacy surges forward with the return of HELLFEST, the legendary festival it once presented, reaffirming Trustkill’s role as a torchbearer for a new generation of heavy, fearless music.

Connect with Josh:
www.trustkill.com
www.hellfest.com
www.bullettooth.com
www.grabelle.com
Linkedin

About Aram Arslanian:
Cadence was established in 2016 by Aram Arslanian, a coach, therapist, and executive with over 20 years of experience. His background in business, counselling, and performance has enabled him to build a firm uniquely positioned to support organizations in developing their talent. Aram’s approach to leadership and communication is informed by research, his therapeutic experience, and his lived experience as an executive leader.

Connect with Aram:
Linkedin

About the company:
Cadence Leadership + Communication is a professional development company dedicated to unlocking true leadership potential. We guide individuals to lead authentically and effectively with a unique blend of mindset and skill set development that is rooted in psychology. Our team is laser-focused on meaningful change and empowering clients to break free from limiting habits. Cadence has worked globally with leaders and their teams from the C-suite to the frontlines and has engaged with companies from a diverse range of industries. At Cadence, our passion is helping people become their greatest selves so they can create a lasting impact in the workplace and beyond.

Coaching | 360 Assessments | Team 360 Assessments | Courses | Keynote Speaking

Connect with Cadence Leadership & Communication:
Linkedin