Bob Nalbandian is dead: Director, producer and journalist of the heavy metal scene was 58

Bob Nalbandian, whose journalism and film career chronicled the ups and downs of the heavy metal scene in print, film and online, died on Friday, December 30 in Redding, California, at the age of 58.

According to a cousin, Nalbandian was recently diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma, an aggressive, rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Nalbandian started his career as a teenager as the editor/editor of heavy metal fanzine The Headbanger in April 1982. The ‘Zine was distributed nationally and was one of the first releases featuring then unsigned bands Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Armored Saint.

A regular contributor to music magazines about California’s burgeoning metal scene, he then turned that into advertising and promotion for Roadrunner Records, where he strove to support Sepultura and Type O Negative. From there he moved to Bizarre/Straight Records, distributed by Rhino/WEA.

Nalbandian became the manager of the Orange County, California metal band Eden, which landed them a worldwide deal with Enigma/Restless Records. He was also credited with recruiting Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman to perform with that band.

With his outgoing personality and networking skills, Nalbandian has also signed licensing agreements with major international companies such as Century Media (USA and Europe), Roadrunner Japan, Cherry Red/Hear No Evil/Universal Music (Europe), JVC/Victor (Japan). , Music For Nations (UK), Bandai/Apollon (Japan), Polystar (Japan) and High Vaultage/Metal 4 Muthas (Germany).

He was an early online editor and podcaster at Hardradio.com and later the owner and producer of The Shockwaves Skull Sessions podcast.

Nalbandian has written, co-produced and directed a number of documentaries about the heavy metal scene Inside metal Series. The first video came out in 2014 and chronicled the pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal from LA. Nalbandian directed eight videos in the series, which have been critically acclaimed for their precision in capturing a moment in music history.

News of Nalbandian’s death spread quickly throughout the music and metal community.

Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine called Nalbandian “a music legend”.

“We’re going to miss you terribly, Bob. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson also paid tribute. “It is with deep sorrow and sadness that we extend our condolences to our friend Bob Nalbandian who passed away today. Bob was one of the first metal historian journalists I met when I moved to LA in 1983. He is a true friend, fan, supporter and lover of all things heavy metal. He did so much for our community and we will miss him very much.”

No information about survivors or memorial plans was initially available.