Many remember the underground movement of the 1980’s aiding the cause to put heavy metal on the map from all regions of the globe. Dutch act Martyr released a series of demos during the early 80’s – leading to appearances on compilations like Dutch Steel plus Metal Massacre VI, eventually releasing an EP and full-length before disbanding in 1989. Heeding the call for festival appearances in 2005, the band has since released two more full-lengths, still moving forward strong for this fourth album Planet Metalhead. The question always remains – is the newest material capable of standing tall as the early classics, or has the spark faded into oblivion?
Listeners can expect a style that traverses a host of US/European influences across the power, speed, and traditional metal lines. The circular riffs and twin rhythms/lead breaks from guitarists Rick Bouwman and Geoffrey Mass possess the right fiery combinations, thick picking, and gallop-oriented passages to make “Children of the Night” and “Metal Overdrive” standouts, conveying elements of classic early Dio, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Annihilator, and Iced Earth. Laying into some solid mid-tempo work for “Diary of a Sinner”, most will appreciate the obvious multi-octave prowess and passionate screams Robert van Haren delivers – he has the Halford-esque meets King Diamond falsetto parts in his wheelhouse, along with the grit and charm in lower, more humanly-oriented ranges that metalheads can handle. Additional narrative accents, gang background vocals, atmospheric tribal sound effects – it’s all in there and more to prop up the strong songwriting and performances, especially evident on the Iron Maiden-esque “Church of Steel” which provides an energetic back half lift, drummer Rick Valcon throwing down serious chops with lightning quick hand/feet combinations of a progressive variety.
Keeping things in house for the recording/production duties for the band, Martyr executes in confidence while also considering the need for modern technology and tones that capture a vibrant, passionate love for the genre. If you haven’t checked out Martyr in the past, Planet Metalhead presents the best opportunity to join this parade – as this is prime-time heavy metal.