Futhark Records: Toronto’s Destination for Metal Vinyl

In East York, Toronto, Futhark Records is the city's only dedicated Metal record shop.

Claus Nader, the store’s owner and the founder of a budding record label, has built a space dedicated to the overlooked and underappreciated sounds of the global underground metal scene.

Nader has always wanted a record shop. His fascination with record stores began in his late teens, where he spent time immersed in music culture but never had the chance to work in one. Years later, after extensive research and exploration of Toronto’s record store landscape, he realized something was missing. While a handful of stores carried Metal sections, none dedicated themselves exclusively to the genre. Given Toronto’s status as North America’s fifth-largest city, Nader saw an opportunity and took the leap.

For Nader, opening a record shop was never just a business decision, it was the natural extension of a lifelong passion. The shop also extends to Zines, Tapes and CD. Physical media has always been important in his life as a means of bonding and finding community. Claus still remembers his first record he bought, a Bay City Rollers Album and attributes his growth to his sister, who introduced him to Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. Since then, Claus continues to share this part of his life with his loyal customers and casual lookers of Futhark Records.

The store’s name, Futhark, is inspired by the ancient runic alphabet, used by North Germanic and Scandinavian peoples in the early Middle Ages. Nader wanted a name that pays homage to Metal roots that also remained neutral and versatile. While the genre is often associated with horror-themed or aggressive monikers, he wanted a brand identity that allowed for flexibility and growth.

With Futhark Records, Nader aims to break down misconceptions about Metal music. He believes it's simply another way to express complex emotions, describing it as “a way to present the unpleasant.” His shop isn't just for Metalheads, it is a community space where anyone can explore the genre without intimidation.

Nader is a strong advocate for analog music formats, particularly vinyl. To him, records are more than just a way to listen to music, they’re pieces of art meant to be held, studied, and cherished. That philosophy extends to how he runs the store. Unlike many modern record shops that embrace online sales, Futhark Records remains strictly brick-and-mortar.

Beyond selling records, Futhark Records plays an active role in Toronto’s Metal scene. Nader has partnered with venues like the Linsmore Tavern, helping establish it as a hub for local and touring bands. Recognizing the importance of supporting artists directly, he also launched Futhark Records as an independent label, pressing limited-edition releases to give underground bands more exposure. One of his first collaborations was with a Colombian label to release The Scum, a Death Metal album pressed at Precision Record Pressing in Ontario.

Nader has managed to forge strong relationships with underground labels worldwide. From Canada and the US to Asia, South America, and Europe, he has cultivated a diverse catalog of releases. “I reached out to labels directly, and the response was overwhelmingly positive,” he says.

Despite the pressures of an increasingly digital world, Nader remains committed to creating a vibrant music community. Yet independent businesses like Futhark Records face constant challenges, from rising rent costs to shifting consumer habits. When asked what advice he would give to aspiring record shop owners, he stresses the importance of financial caution:

Futhark Records truly thrives on the power of music as a shared experience, proving that even in the streaming era and small business challenges, there’s still a place for the analog, the underground, and the truly independent.

To Learn more about Futhark Records, please visit futharkrecords.com.