Net labels are a unique internet phenomena. They aggregate and distribute niche artists for free, and are fast becoming the way of the future. They will also hopefully lead to the death fo the record industry as we know it.
There are tons of net labels out there, with a wide variety of music, but I found the largest percentage catering to purely electronic/ambinet and noise genres. So I delved deeper and same up with some lables that exclusively cater to dark original goth/rock/metal music and have released some downright amazing stuff for....thats right....FREE !!!
Format is link followed by short description.
EKLEIPSI
An insane collective, this deals with large number of releases, all catering to the darker side, Everything from progressive detah metal to gothic and industrial releases can be found here. The quality of the artists will have you coming back for more. Nearly all the bands and artists here are doing something original. Recommended !
LAND UNTER MUSIC
http://www.landunter-music.de/
Another label that covers the rather broad catgeory of dark music, You will find a lot angst and gloom, fuelled by electro-goth and guitars on this site. It is is what I assume to be German, but the words "Download" appear to be universal lingo. There is alphabetical browsing for the releases (use the browsing menu on the left).
AF MUSIC
Yes, the Germans strike again. A nice but concise collection of darkwave and gothic rock albums and EPs are on offer here from diverse artists, all brooding , all morose. The browsing is bit slow, but worth it. Download as you sharpen the razors.
ASILUUM
Another label that emphasizes quality over quantity. They have a small selection of artists, but all the albums here are essential listening for anyone into dark and heavy music. Highly recommended !
LOST CHILDREN
http://lostchildrennetlabel.wordpress.com/
A very nice (and long running, by net standards) lable that caters to the the post-metal, math rock and shoe gazer genres. There is a large quanityt of releases available, and some are more traditional, while some are really out there. Load up the bong and get downloading !
G-16 NET LABEL
http://www.netlabel-g16.de.vu/
A good sized collection of sick and raw grind ,crust and hardcore that goes straight for the throat, all the while having a distinct metallic edge. You will find some undiscovered gems of the undergound here. Get ready to mosh and kill !
TON MAGNET
Large collective of a lot of rather enjoyable and totally rocking outfits. There is some good punk/HC, extreme metal as well as crazy electronica on offer here. You will be surpised. Check it out !
DEATH TO MUSIC
http://www.deathtomusic.com/main.htm
They have a few releases for free downloads. But 2 of these releases (Fuck It All - Compilations Volumes 1 & 2) are essential downloads giving a true picture of the direction the underground monster known as industrial metal is headed in. Hope to see many more ! Plus some killer albums from experimentalists , Blackholepit and Blacksmoke.
VOMIT BAKERY RECORDS
Easily the most brutal and sickest of the bunch, this is great place to start exploring some sounds that are really underground and brutal. Great mix of death metal, grind, hardcore and industrial bands and releases for download. Also a killer series of compilations titled "Vomit Tracks" that needs to be heard. Drown in the filth !!