MARTYR
Planet Metalhead
Pt78 Records
With the advent of the interweb and the ability to look up band names one would think that using a hallowed name from the past (like BEHEMOTH from Sweden who released a monster single in 1982 "Deathwings", or NWOBHM titans WEAPON who released the killer "It's A Mad, Mad World" single in 1980) would be a thing of the past, but my two examples shows it still happens unfortunately. So when the chance to do a review of a band called MARTYR came across my desk, I just naturally assumed it was another case of mistaken identity. There was a MARTYR on one of the legendary Metal Massacre series albums, with their song "En Masse (Stand Or Die)" off of M.M. #VI (1985) from Metal Blade Records, but surely this wasn't the same band? A little due diligence in the way of some research showed it was indeed the same band, and they had been putting out new music since 2011! Since I obviously had dropped the ball on their reemergence on the scene I figured I could rectify this problem and see what MARTYR 2022 had to offer.
MARTYR's origins start way back in 1982 and by 1983 two demos had been unleashed ("If It's Too Loud, You're Too Old" in April, and "Metal Torture" in August). By 1984 they had another demo and made it to Vinyl, with their track "Snow and Fire" on the now very sought after Dutch Steel compilation on Roadrunner Records along with VORTEX, SEDUCER and others. I already mentioned their inclusion on the Metal Massacre, also in 1985 their debut album For The Universe on Megaton Records was unleashed.
This album includes one of my fave 80's tracks called "Speed of Samurai", a smokin' track with pummeling riffage and vocals by then singer Gerard Vergouw reminiscent of early KING DIAMOND, just an amazing track! The Darkness At Time's Edge full length followed in 1986 on Metalloid Records. Four more demos followed in the ensuing years and by late 1989 the band had called it a day. Fast forward to 2005 and the band was asked to reform to play some European Metal fests like the legendary Keep It True in Lauda-Königshofen Germany and Headbangers Open Air in Brande-Hörnerkirchen Germany! That renewed interest brought forth a compilation of their early music, Fear The Universe on Rusty Cage Records which in turn brought the band full circle in 2011 with their Circle Of 8 CD released on Metal Blade Records. A sold-out performance in 2019 at the famed True Thrash Fest in Osaka Japan put on by Mikki of Rock Stakk Records resulted in the release of, naturally, Live In Japan available on CD AND Vinyl and contains songs from their whole catalog.
Fast forward to 2022 and the imminent release of Planet Metalhead on 24th of February. And as I've mentioned on numerous occasions, bands several decades old always have a captain or two forging ahead with their vision of the band and its music. In this instance it's guitarist Rick Bauwman, there since the beginning and continuing to forge the path ahead, but oddly enough, also singer Rob Van Haren. I say oddly enough because Rob actually sang on the 3 early demos but left before the albums had come out (sans the track on Dutch Steel). Joining these two gentlemen are second guitarist Geoffrey Maas (with MARTYR since 2018), bassist Vinnie Wassink (with the band since 2017), and drummer and album producer Rick Valcon (a member since 2018). So what will MARTYR 2022 have to offer? Let's delve in, shall we?
A lone piano with a child singing welcomes the first few moments of opening track, "Raise Your Horns, Unite" before the band kicks into a full blown arse kicking metallic pounder. Not sounding old or outdated, this is a double kick-drum feast with a smidgen of Thrash beats to boot. I predict this to be the MARTYR's concert opener going forward! "Demon Hammer" follows with a slower yet no less intense attack, even with a balladesque break mid-song. Not to worry as it just adds color to the picture. I will say for fans of legendary singers like Dio, Halford & Dickinson, you will be pleasantly surprised at the pipes of Rob Van Haren. Since I was unfamiliar with MARTYR with him leading the band, he's got unbelievable power & range. I can't wait for Metalheads to give him a listen. "Children of the Night" gallops out of your speakers with that familiar riff and drummer Rick just wearing out those kick drums. Plenty of tempo changes to boot. Solid track. A spoken intro leads into "Fire of Rebellions", a mid-paced pounder with some tasty duel leads from Rick and Geoffrey. "No Time for Goodbyes" is a straight up ballad where Rob really shows off his versatility. It's also the album's longest track at almost 7 minutes, but plenty of twists and turns ensures that it keeps your interest piqued. "Metal Overdrive" brings the metal back with an early DIO vibe that all will appreciate which leads into "La Diabla!", an uptempo sonic brainbuster that will see heads banging and air riffing throughout with double bass pounding, twin leads and Rob vocally holding it all down. A standout track! "Diary of A Sinner" keeps the intensity flowing with back-to-back crushers and even brings a certain JUDAS PRIEST song to mind when Rob wails SINNER!! Not a ripoff to be sure but just as memorable. "Church of Steel" keeps the congregation happy as it's another riff charged belter that pulls no punches as it pummels what's left of your senses. Another quality track. Album closer "Wings In A Darkened Soul" is a rather odd track, sounding like 90's era QUEENSRYCHE after they ditched Metal for MTV fame. After a straight up Metal album, it just doesn't really fit to these ears. But again, different colors for the palate of music. Nothing wrong with that.
All-in-all a welcome addition to the MARTYR brand or if you're unfamiliar with them, a great opening salvo into this classic band. Like other 80's stalwarts like ARTILLERY, OSTROGOTH and OZ, these band are keeping their legacies alive while fanning the flames for future generations to see how the Old Skool still kicks it! So bow your heads and enter The Church Of Steel and pay your respects!!
And for my Vinyl familia, there will be a Vinyl release of P.M. so keep those eyes peeled.
4.0 Out Of 5.0 Skulls
