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Martyr - Planet Metalhead - Reviewed By Metal Digest! Wednesday June 8 2022, 5:17 PM

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Martyr - Planet Metalhead - Reviewed By Metal Digest ! Check it out here at this link: https://metal-digest.com/2022/06/03/martyr-planet-metalhead/

Every metal fan worth their salt has heard of ‘British Steel’, but across the from mainland Britain and onto the continent there is ‘Dutch Steel’ with Martyr who since reforming in 2005 are back with their dose of heavy/power metal ‘Planet Metalhead’.

It is true, if you are going to make a power metal album then there needs to be a large dose of cheese added to it and Martyr know this because ‘Planet Metalhead’ fits that bill perfectly. This is an album which incorporates large elements of both heavy and power metal with just enough of a hint of speed metal to bring some added flavour to the party. ‘Planet Metalhead’ has everything the listener needs for a bloody good time, singalong anthemic songs, melodies with hooks so large it could land a whale shark with tracks such as ‘Raise Your Horns, Unite!’, ‘Children of the Night’ and ‘Metal Overdrive’ showing a band with all the enjoyability of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Satan, whilst taking nods at Heavy Load, Metal Church and Cloven Hoof. With this album, Martyr may have been going from the early 80’s, but they’re not afraid to show their love for newer acts either as nods to Trial, White Wizzard and Striker throw the net out wide to catch audience members from the burgeoning trad metal scene into thrall of ‘Planet Metalhead’ and to what Martyr have to offer.

‘Planet Metalhead’ is thoroughly enjoyable, it is hard to stop playing as the album just easily lends itself to living on repeat and if you’re looking for something thoroughly enjoyable then this album is a really good shout. - Metal Digest

Release Date: February 24, 2022

FFO: Judas Preist, Iron Maiden, Helloween

Location: The Netherlands

WELCOME TO MARTYR - METAL TORTURE SINCE 1982!

Martyr is a heavy / speed / power metal band from Utrecht / The Netherlands that exists since 1982. During their career, a few demo cassettes were released as well as a number of long players. The general public first became acquainted with Martyr in 1984 when Roadrunner Records released the ' Dutch Steel ' compilation album.

Martyr's contribution to this release entitled ' Snow And Fire ' is still a highlight on the band's setlist today. In 1985 their song ' En Masse (Stand Or Die) ' appeared on the notorious ' Metal Massacre VI ' album from the legendary U.S.A. based ' Metal Blade ' record label. Both releases gained interest from metalheads from all over the world.

The debut mini album ' For The Universe ', which was released the same year, nowadays is considered a genuine heavy metal classic. The well-known website ' Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives ' states: "Martyr's songwriting is vastly superior to most of its competitors".

Its successor ' Darkness At Time's Edge ' (1986) made Martyr's fanbase grow larger and larger and the band gigged and performed all over Europe. Martyr even was aired on MTV's 'Headbangers Ball' show.

After a few years however the band members decided to go separate ways and explore other musical directions in acts such as Medallion, Mindscape, Syrenade, Vangouw, Hot Legs and Wild Ride .

Needless to say, Martyr went on hiatus for a while... The flame however never flickered out and reignited around 2005 when they were asked to reunite to play old school metal festivals such as Heavy Maniacs Fest , Keep It True and Headbangers Open Air .

After the very successful reunion shows Martyr was back on track which resulted in the ' Fear The Universe ' compilation (2009, Rusty Cage Records ) and their highly anticipated comeback album ' Circle Of 8 ' on Metal Blade Records in 2011.

In 2014, Martyr was featured on the ' Dutch Steel (80's Metal From The Netherlands) ' compilation and their sophomore " after reunion " studio album ' You Are Next ' was released in 2016 by Into The Limelight Records .

The group frequently performs home and abroad, as a headliner or as a support act such as Manilla Road , Lizzy Borden, Saxon, Iced Earth and Trivium . The absolute highlights in Martyr's career so far have been three tours in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Their performance at the sold out 2019 edition of the legendary True Thrash Fest in Osaka was recorded and released on their most recent output ' Live In Japan ' which was released worldwide through Pt78 Records (The Netherlands) in co-operation with Rock Stakk Records (Japan). The album contains songs from their career-spanning back catalogue.

Martyr is releasing their new full-length on 24 February 2022. The 3 previously released songs ' No Time For Goodbyes', 'Fire Of Rebellions' and ' Raise Your Horns, Unite !' already showed an excellent performance beforehand. With 2 online listening sessions in December 2021 the band got confirmation that this material was the best thing Martyr has ever produced and it will be the next step forward. All songs are written by MARTYR, produced, mixed and mastered by drummer Rick Valcon at RA Recordings and are of excellent production quality. The new artwork is created by Wasi Kendedes .

"Planet Metalhead" will prove Martyr is still a force to be reckoned with.

Check out this video!