THE BEAST

[photo: Marvin Wassink]

Utrecht, Netherlands – Dutch metal institution MARTYR has just premiered the official music video for their powerful new single “Legions Of The Cross,” the closing track from their upcoming studio album Dark Believer , set for release on August 15th, 2025 via Rock Of Angels Records (ROAR) .

Watch the video now on YouTube: Watch Here

Stream the single on all platforms: Legions Of The Cross
Pre-order Dark Believer in CD, Vinyl, or Digital format: Pre-order Here

A Rallying Cry of Heavy Metal Faith

Described by the band as “a rallying cry for all who follow their beliefs with unwavering conviction,” “Legions Of The Cross” is a thunderous tribute to the faithful, the fearless, and the fans who’ve supported MARTYR’s decades-long metal crusade. As the band declares:

“For MARTYR, that belief is our music — our heavy metal — pure, loud, and true.”

A Legacy Forged in Steel

Formed in 1982 , MARTYR first exploded onto the global metal scene with their inclusion on the legendary Metal Massacre VI compilation from Metal Blade Records , alongside names like Possessed and Dark Angel . Their debut LP For The Universe (1985) became an underground classic and helped define the sound of Dutch heavy metal in the ‘80s.

Their legacy was further honored on the 2014 compilation Dutch Steel (80's Metal From The Netherlands) and with official recognition from the Mayor of Utrecht in 2018 for representing their hometown worldwide. Over the years, MARTYR has performed across Europe, Japan, and India , sharing stages with heavyweights such as Iron Maiden’s Paul Di’Anno and Blaze Bayley , Trivium , Iced Earth , Raven , and Saxon .

In 2022, the band’s previous album Planet Metalhead earned widespread praise, including “Album of the Year” from Metalfan.nl, leading to a global re-release via ROAR in 2023.

The New Chapter: Dark Believer

Scheduled for release on August 15, 2025 , Dark Believer marks MARTYR’s seventh studio album and continues their crusade of delivering uncompromising traditional heavy metal. From the thunderous opener “Darkness Before Dawn” to the anthemic “Wrath of the Fallen” and brooding closer “Legions Of The Cross,” the album is a testament to the band’s unwavering commitment to metal’s true spirit.

MARTYR is:
Rop van Haren – Vocals

Rick Bouwman – Guitars

Justin Schut – Guitars 

Vinnie Wassink – Bass

Ed van Wijngaarden – Drums 

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