ArtistInfo

Martyr

Band,
Rock

During the five years that Martyr was alive and kicking (1982-1987) the band released two albums that are considered cult in the metal scene today. ‘For The Universe’ (1985) and ‘Darkness At Time’s Edge’ (1986) are classic metal, a delight for those who love strong melodies, speedy riffs and a high level of technicality. In those years Martyr appeared on compilation albums from Roadrunner and Metal Blade, was voted Holland’s best new metal band in Aardschok magazine, has toured with several international acts and appeared on Sky Channel’s Monsters Of Rock. Martyr disbanded in 1987 but reunited in 2001 to play the Heavy Metal Maniacs festival. Four years later the band revived almost the complete 1982 line up to play the Headbangers Open Air and Keep It True festivals. The flame started burning again and the band have continued to play live ever since. December 2008 MARTYR supported US Shock Rockers Lizzy Borden on their European tour. In 2009 and 2010 MARTYR hit the European stages supporting great acts like Flotsam & Jetsam , Vicious Rumors, Jaguar, Evergrey. In 2009 the first new Martyr record in almost 25 years was released . That’s when the new EP ‘Fear’ was coupled with a re-release of the classic ‘For The Universe’ album as a double digipack entitled ‘Fear The Universe’ on Rusty Cage Records (RCR0017). In 2010 and 2011 Martyr re-entered the studio between the live shows, working on the successor for ‘Fear’. A complete new album entitled “Circle Of 8” was released by Metal Blade Records in November 2011 worldwide and has proven to be a significant impulse in Martyr’s revival after it’s release. With 30 years of MARTYR (with a big celebration in their home town Utrecht – Tivoli) and 30 years of Dutch Steel signed with Metal Blade again : “The Clan Is Back Home and stronger than ever…..” And the band proves it again in 2015 and 2016 with new national and international tours and with the new and heavy album ‘You Are Next” released by Into The Limelight Records in cooperation with Pure Steel Prmotions and Soulfood distribution the band proves to be unstoppable. “an appealing and versatile heavy metal album” (Aardschok - Netherlands - 8 out of 10 points) “very good! Welcome back MARTYR “ (Heavy - Germany - 10 out of 12 points) “rarely heard such a positive surprise” (Medicine Metal - Germany – 11 out of 13 points) “rooted very firmly in the strong metallic traditions” (BCFM Sunday Rock Show- UK - 4 out of 5 points) “a true phoenix rising from the flames” (Planet Mosh - UK - 9 out of 10 points) “their best album so far” (Power Of Metal - Denmark - 81 out of 100 points) “a great return of MARTYR” (Queens Of Steel - Spain – 8,5 out of 10 points) “a damn fine thrasher with edgy yet progressive toned vocals that just works on a lot of levels” (Pitriff –UK -89 out of 100 points) “prescient and forward seeking, and not a lame cocaine-memory nostalgia grab. Good job” (Slutmag – USA) “pure retro thrash metal awesomeness and one hell of a fun record” (Canadian Audiophile – Canada)

Members

	Marcel Heesakkers g, voc
	Rick Bouwman g
	Gerard Vergouw voc
	Elias Papadopoulos dr, voc
	Antoine van de Linden b
	Wilfried Broekman dr
	Rop van Haren voc