Zion’s Gate Records

Zions Gate carries all of the artists that I can never find at any other local record shop. If you’re seeking out anything underground, punk, metal, noise, reggae, or electronica, you will likely find it here. Although there is a little bit of everything sprinkled throughout their inventory, their selection of metal (and the bajillion subgenres thereof) is particularly impressive.
They also have an impressive collection of rare/​OOP records, singles, splits, etc. None of this, however, comes cheap. Even if it’s a used CD, you’re likely going to be looking at a $ 10+ price tag. So for the casual music shopper, the prices may be off putting. But for somebody who is actively seeking out the niche that this store specializes in, this is a completely reasonable price to pay.

Definitely cool inventory– including original Cocteau Twins, a used K+D sessions 4LP set, so I asked if it was the original pressing and literally had my hand slapped saying «No, and you are never gonna find it dude». Well I just found an original 1998 press for about 80 dollars more than your used reissue. I am glad I put down my merch and walked out. Why support small business in pike/​pine when you are treated like shit?

Great selection, if a bit intimidating. Lots of obscure stuff, but plenty of main stream bands. Staff is very helpful, although the rasta dude can be standoffish. Overall, my experience with Zion Records has been excellent!

I found some great rare records, but completely over-​priced with a ton of scratches. Everything I picked up and put back just because of the quality with the price.

First, let me preface this by saying this is a VERY long overdue review! My boyfriend and I visited Seattle back in May, and at that time we had just recently started collecting vinyl. With that, we decided to take to the streets to visit some of the best record shops Seattle had to offer. My boyfriend is a huge metal fan, so Zion’s Gate came with high recommendation (surprisingly, from other local businesses). To be honest, I’m not sure why this place has such mediocre reviews below. Our experience was nothing short of fantastic.
First, if you are a metal fan you MUST visit this place. We are originally from NYC and have visited a some of the best record stores in the tristate area, and not a single store by us comes close to offering what Zion’s Gate does in terms of selection, most notably rare records. Even as a non-​metal fan myself I was able to find tons of records that interested me. For instance, this store has an amazing Nirvana section that surpasses any of the other Seattle record shops we visited. So if you are a metal fan, you MUST go here. If you aren’t, you’ll still have a lot of interesting stuff to comb through.
Second, the people. We spent a lot of time talking to the owner, Steven. He usually sat in the front and minded his own, which was more than fine with us. But he was super friendly when we had questions about any of his records, and at no point did we feel like we were bothering or annoying him. And man, does he know A LOT about his inventory. We were really impressed, both with his knowledge and how chill he was.
We actually wound up buying so many records, we had to have them shipped back to NYC! Again, Steven was super cool about this. He offered to house our records overnight and offered for us to bring all of the other records we purchased during our trip to his store so we could include them in the package. Although he ultimately did not ship our records, he was extremely helpful in helpings us properly package our records so they didn’t get damaged in transit. He did not have to do this, and we felt it was a reflection of his awesome business ethic.
Overall, great, great experience. I’m kinda scratching my head after reading some of the reviews below, because at no point did we feel rushed, or like we were being hawked over. Everyone at Zion’s Gate was very nice, helpful, and overall good company. We have already decided a trip to this store every time we are in Seattle is a must. You should too!

The selection of records this shop has is insane, in store and online. I’ve found awesome shirts and super rare pressings. I’m a local and I visit the shop often and my words of advice are — don’t pay attention to the owner. once you get into an actual real conversation you realize that he knows his stuff but has also been in the business probably too long. Recently my experiences have been really great. There is new staff and they are a lot more customer conscious, friendly and actually want to help. If you are a vinyl lover, this shop is a treasure.

Two words: this place kicks ass ! Sell your soul and drain your account and when you’re done counting the change that adds up to 4.65 go in your moms purse so you can buy records from here. Best selection I’ve seen in awhile…

In retrospect, after many returns to this spot I’m compelled to change my review. Not only for the selection but also because I can imagine a good deal of people walking in here are looking to steal some shit, spurning the perceived attitudes of the staff. Take the time to establish a rapport with these guys, they’ll remember you and point you toward some stuff you might dig.

Dude that works there acts inconvenienced when asked questions. In addition to this. The product is over priced.

This store isn’t geared towards the casual listener or someone just getting started with building a vinyl collection, like Sonic Boom Records, but for serious collectors of rare, hard to find albums, people who are willing to part with good money. I’ve come here twice and been impressed with its stock of metal, punk, reggae, and rock. Last year, I found an excellent 1981 German repress of Can’s «Ege Bamyasi» for less than a copy in similar condition on Discogs. Just a few days ago, I got a near mint RSD repress of «Black One» by Sunn O))) on gray vinyl that even Discogs doesn’t have.
The dreadlocked guy, presumably the owner, can come across as a bit standoffish, but he did ask if he could help me find something both times I visited on my latest trip. It’s a small quibble for what is the best record store in the city.

I don’t know why this place doesn’t have more stars. Zion’s gate rocks! Ok it’s Lina pricey, BUT the best part about this place is their absolutely awesome selection of punk, rock, and metal. They have all the good stuff– unlike most record stores that are filled with a million crappy albums of artists you’ve never heard of. I legitimately knew most of not all the artists featured here. My boyfriend bought 3 records and a cassette tape and was super happy. We will definitely be back.

I found so much rare black metal here I was blown away! I just found everything and more than I was looking for! The staff was fun and helpful. I find the low reviews on here strange. I love this place! Picked up some sweet t-​shirts also! It is a bit pricey but it’s worth it if you want it! Have fun!

I am a huge metal fan and record collector, but I was nervous going into this place because of the negative reviews. I walked in and the clerk was quiet, but not unpleasant. I immediately noticed the selection of metal was MASSIVE, and I really enjoyed digging through the rows. I saw the clerk helping a young kid and happily chatting to him about a new CD release. Good sign. A song I like started playing over the speakers, so I banged my fist in the air and sang along. I guess this is the ticket to getting the owner to like you, because he immediately started talking to me about music and asking ME for recommendations. We talked and laughed and shared stories for a while. I bought a big stack of vinyl, got some cool freebies, and left a smiling, happy metalhead. I’m not sure what would have caused other reviewers to have a bad experience here, but if you go in with a good attitude and you know your shit, you should have nothing but an awesome time. I will gladly return every time I visit Seattle.

Here’s the link to their discogs shop:
Honestly, Zion’s Gate has an AMAZING metal/​punk/​electronic collection. When I was in the store with my bf, the staff didnt pay attention to us at all. If you dont want to deal with the staff, I would suggest just coming in to check the conditions of their vinyls and then order them online in the future. The prices here may not be the cheapest, but a lot of records they have are only available internationally on discogs. After accounting for intl shipping, the prices here are mostly reasonable.

Came in a few months ago, and haven’ gotten around to the review. I bought Steel Pulse «earth crisis» and «true democracy» as well as Gojira «The Way of All Flesh» And Bolt Thrower «Mercenary».
Where can you get those in one fell swoop.
COMPLETELY AWESOME!!!

Meh. I don’t need a guy hovering over me while I browse for music and of course that would be annoying as fuck… but clearly ready to buy some overpriced records (2 stars for having some mega rare dub albums tho I couldn’t find anywhere else…) and they’re just in the back bullshiting.
Asks for my card without giving me a total, I mean I can do math but there is just something about these guys that’s straight retarded. Last time I checked customers are probably your source of revenue…
Go across the street to wall of sound.

Incredibly overpriced, rude staff, overall bad experience.
I’ve been collecting records for years and have always found it odd that record stores sometimes get a reputation for having really condescending staff because in at least the past 5 years or so, I’ve never experienced it myself. Well, that finally changed. If you notice that all of the 5 star reviews come from people with no other reviews and the 1 and 2 star reviews come from people with lots of experience in record stores, that should be your clue. If you want an example, just pull up the record you want to buy on Discogs, look for the highest price for sale, assume that is what they will quote you here.
If you’re prepared to spend 3x what something is worth, just buy it on Discogs because at least that way you won’t have some jerk talk down to you or hawkeye you around the store while you browse. In a city full of amazing music and record stores, you’ve got way better options. It’s a damned shame, too, because there are legitimately really good records in this store.

Seriously great selection of punk, metal, and reggae. However, I am really questioning the owners respect for fellow record collectors.
1. This place does not participate in local record store events.
2. The people who work here are condescending when you ask questions.
3. The prices are off the charts. Seriously 50−75% more than anywhere else.
Some of the records, while out of print, are priced way above their grade (records with obvious scratches, stained and torn covers priced like they were one-​of-​a-​kind, kissed by god and then signed by the band, first pressings in mint condition). Get real.

I’ve been here a couple times over the years and last week’s experience wasn’t much different than the previous trips. Thinking they might have changed their ways and priced records realistically — I stopped by for a few minutes. Nope. Nothing has changed.
I picked out two ($ 4 – 6) records that I could probably find in the dollar bin somewhere else in the city but figured I’d give them some business. However I was still on the fence to buy them so I asked if I could use the listening station they had set up, which happened to be missing the stylus (needle). I kid you not, the dude behind the counter in the dookie dreads looks at me and says, «Do you reeeeeeally have to listen to those??»
I thought to myself: No I don’t, but then again I don’t have to buy them either.
If I had anything better to do that day I might have chucked the two overpriced frisbees across the store and bounced, but unfortunately he found a stylus for me to use… I listened to the two slightly warped pieces of wax, was too lazy to put them back so I paid, and left.
Forever.

Used Records inventory is a laugh… Most of the records are in very poor condition and way overpriced… It’s very compact and cramped for a quality shopping experience.
I’m sure people will ague my review but I’ve been to quality used records store all over the country and this does not measure up to them.