Biters sign with Earache Records

• Biters

UK-based Earache Records recently signed local rock’n’roll purists Biters to a worldwide record deal, including the July 13 release of the band’s Electric Blood LP, featuring freshly unveiled single “Restless Hearts.” Biters’ big break follows years of touring with the likes of Social Distortion, KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, Calabrese, and the Ataris. Along the way, the band’s meshing of time-tested punk, glam, and classic hard rock aesthetics has earned the praise of actor Woody Harrelson, radio show host and E Street Band guitarist Little Steven Van Zandt, and Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong.

This relentless chasing of the rock ‘n’ roll dream also won over Earache’s Dan Tobin. “Biters have lit a fire under us here at Earache,” he said in a press release. “Their brand of rock forces you to take part — it’s so immediate, accessible and exciting that the label had to get involved. Most of all, it’s completely believable — it makes you want to fight for this kind of music to be heard. There’s a gang mentality with Biters that is very strong, and we are pleased to join forces with them.”

Earache is a Nottingham-based label, first known in the ’80s as extreme metal tastemakers, helping introduce Morbid Angel and Napalm Death to the world. Now, after nearly 30 years as a label, Earache is celebrating other rock offshoots, handling UK distribution for country-rock leaning Atlantans Blackberry Smoke.

On the local front, Video Rahim and Ashley Simpson (Visualuxury and Echo Tree Media) have spent the last two weekends shooting footage of the group for what’s been described as a “rockumentary,” adding to the Biters-related media on tap for later this year.

As for the band’s immediate plans, its ongoing Southeastern tour with the Ataris is in Florida this weekend and passes through town Thurs., April 2 at the Masquerade.

The Ataris play ‘Blue Skies, Broken Hearts’ in its entirety, with Biters and wWAYLon at the Masquerade (Purgatory). $12. 7 p.m. 695 Northern Ave. www.masq.com