Enigma Records

Enigma Records

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Enigma, Greenworld and Restless label are related with each others.

Founded by William Hein & Wesley Hein in Torrance, CA. Enigma was initially part of an independent music importer/distributor Greenworld Distribution, but split off in 1985. It was distributed by JEM Records, Important, and Capitol Records until 1989 when Capitol/EMI acquired rights from the Heins.

In addition to releasing their own albums, Enigma acted as a marketer and distributor for other labels including Metal Blade Records and Mute Records. Enigma also maintained several sub-label imprints with Restless Records being the most active.

Allegedly bankrupted by the excesses of the band Poison, Enigma merged with its sub-label Restless Records in 1991.

Enigma Records (also known as Enigma Entertainment Corporation) was a popular rock and alternative American record label in the 1980s.

Enigma Records was initially a division of Greenworld Distribution, an independent music importer/distributor, which it split-off from in 1985 to become its own company. The label was initially located in Torrance, California, then El Segundo, California and finally Culver City, California.

Enigma was founded and run by brothers William and Wesley Hein. Jim Martone joined the company in 1984 and ultimately became a partner. Enigma focused on punk rock, alternative, and heavy metal music though it also released techno, jazz and classical music through subsidiary labels.

Enigma had two record divisions. The Enigma Retro division focused on re-issues of material licensed from other labels such as Straight Records, Bizarre Records, and DiscReet Records. The Restless Records division focused on acts not ready for major label distribution. Enigma also released film soundtracks including The Terminator and River’s Edge. Enigma released a compilation album, Enigma Variations, with various artists. Enigma also released some Mute Records titles in the United States. Sonic Youth’s landmark 1988 album Daydream Nation was originally released on Enigma Records, in association with Blast First Records.

Enigma Records was initially distributed through independent record importers/distributors such as JEM Records and Important Records. In 1984, Enigma entered into a joint venture with EMI America. Among the artists signed under the venture were the Red Hot Chili Peppers and SSQ (later renamed Stacey Q and signed to Atlantic Records). In 1986, Enigma moved its distribution to Capitol/EMI, a major record label, while leaving its Restless Records division with independent distributors. Enigma was acquired by Capitol/EMI in 1989 and finally merged with Restless in 1991, where its operations, catalogs and some of the artists moved to.

Enigma’s Canadian division was closed in 1992 and was reorganized into FRE Records. However, it filed for bankruptcy in 1996 and in 1999 its back catalogs were sold to DROG Records.

Greenworld Distribution / Enigma Records : A few years down the road… (FB fan)