MARTYR – Dark Believer (2025) *HQ*
MARTYR‘s history began in Utrecht, NL, in 1982, the band released two albums before disbanding in 1989. Sixteen years later, in 2005, Rick Bouwman and Robert van Haren reactivated the group, and these two men have been the driving force behind Martyr ever since. Since their return, the five-piece has released three long players, and now they will drop “Dark Believer” in August 2025.
MARTYR paly classic ’80s heavy metal, but now there is a duality within “Dark Believer”. On the one hand you have rather fast and often metallic songs that will remind you of bands like JUDAS PRIEST. Just listen to the track “Insidious” this is Martyr’s own version of ‘Painkiller’ type of song. On the other hand we find more epic songs that are slower, with some QUEENSRŸCHE atmosphere at times. Let me put it this way; “Cemetery Symphony” is the MARTYR way of showing respect and honoring “Operation Mindcrime”.
Opener “Darkness Before Dawn” begins acoustically with Robert van Haren singing clean, before building up slowly to a typical headbanger. Traditional heavy metal and power metal elements come together to create this uptempo start to the album, which is followed by the title track.
“Dark Believer” is a pulsating metal song, in contrast, “Wrath of the Fallen” unveils its metallic shine quickly. This stomping metal tune is characterized by a well-forged melody line and an anthemic chorus, bringing you to the acoustic beginning of “Cemetery Symphony”. At seven minutes long, the latter is the longest track on the album and shows that Martyr is more than just speed. Listening to this song is like taking a journey back to the ’80s.
“The Weight of Words” is another song with an above-average running time. A chiming bell kicks off this atmospheric metal track, creating a haunting and evocative feel. It is a calmer yet heavy moment on the album, before the aggressive “Venom’s Scent” shifts the focus back to the tempo.
There’s a really good closer called “Legions of the Cross”. It is a strong, powerful finale with screaming guitars, blistering tempo and full commitment.
“Dark Believer” is a traditional heavy metal album comprising nine songs rooted in the sound of the ’80s. Not following any current trends, Martyr follow their musical passion, delivering an album with a denim-and-leather appeal.
Highly Recommended
01 – Darkness Before Dawn
02 – Dark Believer
03 – Wrath of the Fallen
04 – Cemetery Symphony
05 – Insidious
06 – The Weight of Words
07 – Venoms Scent
08 – Harvest of Souls
09 – Legions Of The Cross
Rop van Haren – Vocals
Rick Bouwman – Guitars
Justin Schut – Guitars & Synths
Vinnie Wassink – Bass
Elwin Molenaar – Drums
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