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Martyr - Planet Metalhead - Reviewed At keep-on-rocking! Wednesday March 9 2022, 2:41 PM

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Martyr - Planet Metalhead - Reviewed At keep-on-rocking ! check it out here at this link: https://keep-on-rocking.com/2022/03/08/martyr-planet-metalhead/

The Dutch power/speed metal band Martyr has been on the boards that mean the world since 1982. This makes it all the more surprising that they are obviously little known except in their homeland. Although many great rock and metal acts come from our western neighbor. During this time, only four studio albums have been released. But countless demos. And in recent years some single. Between 1989 and 2005, the band probably also took a creative break. Now, however, they are attacking again. And they have their latest work "Planet Metalhead" in their luggage.

BandAfter a short introduction with piano and an anxious-sounding children's voice, "Raise You Horns, Unite!" is first transferred into an epic part. Manowar send their regards. But then it's over with funny. The song really picks up speed. High Metal Screams by Rop van Haren let us go on a journey through time in the 80s. And with high-speed metal it continues with "Demon Hammer" and "Children Of The Night". But this is not a wild bolt like some speed thrash bands. Melodies play a major role. "Fire Of Rebellions" starts with spoken words, but later becomes anthemic, but without making big compromises in speed. The singer keeps reminding me of Rob Halford in his prime. Only with "No Time For Goodbyes" do the musicians give themselves and the listener a breather. A great power ballad with a huge guitar solo. With "Metal Overdrive" and "La Diabla!" the Dutch swing back into melodic speed metal realms. "Diary Of A Sinner" shows another side of versatility. Thrash elements are built in here. One is reminded a little of Metallica or Sacred Kingdom. However, here too the melodies are in the foreground, accompanied by high screams. But "Church Of Steel" begins quieter, with rhythmic drums, clean guitars and technically alienated voice. But after just under a minute and a half, this contemplation is over and it is switched back to high-speed mode. What I should think of the kick-out "Wings In A Darkened Soul", I do not know exactly. It is the second ballad of the album. The partly falsetto-like vocals are accompanied by acoustic guitars. Later, sentence singing is added. That doesn't really fit in with the other songs.

After listening to "Planet Metalhead" several times, I wonder why I haven't heard of the band before. This is probably also due to the fact that the two records were released six and twelve years ago respectively. I really loved this album. You don't notice that the band (with interruptions) has been around for forty years, the sound sounds so fresh. Top class. - keep-on-rocking

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!