Martyr (9)

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. The band tours in Japan and Europe doing festivals, clubshows and also supports many great bands like Saxon , Trivium, Jaguar, Vicious Rumors and many more . From their tour in 2019 a live album has been recorded and released May 2019 in Europe on Pt78 records and July 2019 in Japan on Rock Stakk Records simply called "Live In Japan". During the pandemic MARTYR recorded a new killer 10 track album called "Planet Metalhead" which is released on Feb 24 2022 by Pt78 records (on vinyl August 2022) and also licensed bu mutliple record labels worldwide. After signing a new label deal with Rock Of Angels Records Planet Metalhead was rereleased due to great succes on Feb 24 , 2024 on green transparant vinyl. New shows are planned to tour with the album with overwhelming positive feedback and response from fans and press worldwide. Welcome To Planet Metalhead, Raise Your Horns, Unite!