The deal also sees Earache - who are just about to celebrate their 25th anniversary - and EMI renew their existing partnerships in Benelux, France, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Greece, as well as adding the UK, Ireland and Spain.

The distribution agreement will take effect immediately and will include the new album from Rival Sons, titled Head Down, due on September 17.

Explaining the deal, Earache Label manager Dan Tobin said plans are to develop the label further in the ...