(1) Could you tell our readers about your band? – What kind of music do you perform, when was it established, etc.?
MARTYR is a Dutch heavy metal band that has been delivering powerful, high-energy metal since our formation in 1982. Our sound blends classic heavy metal with a modern, intense edge — packed with shredding riffs, melodic hooks, and raw power. Over the decades, we’ve released multiple albums, toured internationally, and shared stages with many legendary acts, all while staying true to our roots. MARTYR’s music is about passion, energy, and connection with the metal community — from our earliest days in the Dutch scene to our latest release, Dark Believer, we’ve always been driven by the same mission: to keep true heavy metal alive.
(2) Which bands do you idolize and where do you get your inspiration?
When we started it was mainly US metal bands f.e Queensryche, Warlord, but especially Japanese metal bands like Loudness, XRay, Anthem, Earthshaker. Later on more influences came of course NWOBHM was also here. Being on the road with bands like Vicious Rumors, Flotsam, Raven, Lizzy Borden, Saxon, Trivium also made the band strongerin the years, especially stage wise. But we all listen to different kinds of stuff over the years. Also thrash bands a lot, Testament, Exodus or bands like Lamb of God, the riffing for example also can be inspirational.
My (Rick , guitarplayer) personal idol is Randy Rhoads. I am very fond of the 2 early Ozzy albums
(3) Who came up with the album cover?.
We tried several artwork cover that didn’t work out for us the way we wanted it to be, but we did spent quite a bit of money on it. Then we came across this artist that made the artwork with the 2 monks. Since our beginning of the band we worked with 2 monks during the intro onstage so it fits the band well. It brings us back from where we came from , but also tot he present supporting the more darker feel on the album.
(4) Who wrote the lyrics for your album, how did they come to be?
Rop the singer wrote all the lyrics for Dark Believer. He wanted the words to match the intensity of the music, so the lyrics came together organically during the writing process but could easily be rearranged after the recordings. It took quite some effort.
(5) Who created the logo of the band, and who took care of the graphics and the website? What about you and social networks?
Our log is already from 1985 / 1985 or something. Designed by a famous guitar player in the Netherlands from a band totally not into metal (Nico Arzbach, de Dijk) through our 1st label. The website is done by Justin schut our guitar player and for the socials i (rick ) am responsible to update it with latest news and promotional stuff
(6) How many Shows have you played? Which type of gigs do you prefer, whether (Venues or festivals) and which of your performances would you consider as the best?
Too many to count , hundreds of shows throughout the years through Europe, India and Japan. We are very fond of festivals because then you can win over new crowds. But when i go watch a band personally i like clubs more because of the intimacy and sound. One of our favorite performance must be in Japan, but India , damn that was alo huge and great .What a stage , what a sounds and lights and the crowd was amazing..
(7) who came up with the name of the album?
We have a song called Dark Believer n the slabum and as Rop wrote all the lyrics the title also came from him. It fits the darker atmosphere really well that is on the album
(8) How and where can your fans contact you? Can you provide some contact information?
We love to hear from our fans through any kind of channel. Fans can contact us through email info@martyronline.nl or through messages on Facebook, messenger or Instagram chats. Please be in touch and thanks for all the support over the 40 years!!
