The Band: Martyr
Country: Netherlands
Answers by: Rick Bouwman (guitar)
Martyr is a cult from the 80s that has just released their
new album “You Are Next”, fusing speed metal, heavy metal and power
into one. They keep loyal to their classic legacy but they still sound fresh
and powerful as if they were born just a few months ago. So, we have had the
honor to talk to guitar and one of the founding members of the band, that has
told us many and very interesting things. Enjoy it.
Hello Rick, thanks
for this conversation and congratulations for your new work
Thank you very much and thanks for this interview.
Martyr was born in
1982, but you stopped your activity in 1989 until 2005. What happened in the
middle and what reason brought you to resume the band?
Yes we started as youngsters back in 1982. Releasing a few
demo tapes after which we got signed in 1985 to release “For The Universe” and
“Darkness At Time’s Edge” along with contributions on great samplers like
“Dutch Steel” and the famous “Metal Massacre VI”. After “DATE” was released
things were going really well , we were touring a lot and got major publicity
and some major record labels got interested , also due to help of our
management at that time. But, youngsters as we still were we listened too much
to that big label’s wishes which wanted
to force MARTYR into a more commercial direction. Wwe did some demo tapes for
them but in the end it didn’t work out. In 1987 MARTYR broke up to get back
together again in 2001 for a , what we thought, 1 time reunion for the Heavy
Metal Maniacs Festival (A Dutch Metal Fanclub) and did the same in 2005 for
KIT, Headbangers Open Air. After that the rereleases of the 2 cult classic
albums came out and we kept on going ever after with tours all over Europe and
new albums as well.
Old fans of the band
probably will remember great albums as “For the Universe” and “Darkness at
Time’s Edge”. But, what do you remember of that time?
I remember the fun mainly. I know these albums are seen as
cult classics. In the mean time already rereleased about 3 times or so . People
still do want to hear those songs, also when we play live. In that time we were a very young band, so
being in that band and playing every weekend onstage was our partytime during
those weekends instead of going to bars or clubs. We were and always have been
a hard working band. So it was so overwhelming to see that fans came along with
us while following our own path. As we wanted to be different then the already
established acts that were around those days.
Rick, do you miss
anything from the golden 80s?
Well, I think the
80’s when it comes to metal was the main era in the existence of heavy metal. I
mean it set the basics for all bands that came after that. It was a journey ,
discovering new bands through radio stations and not as overwhelming with all
the bands (good and bad) that are offering their albums right now. Everyone can
release a CD nowadays, back then I think it was still something really special
to have your own album in the stores physically.
Yes, I still recall
the magic of entering a music shop and leaving it with a vinyl under the arm. What
can you tell us about Martyr’s current line-up? I think you still keep some of
the key positions with no changes compared to the formation back in the 80s,
right?
You are totally
right. In fact 4 out of 5 were active in MARTYR in the 80’s. Myself being the
founder together with Rop (vocals) and Marcel (guitars) are from the very first
start of MARTYR. Wilfried joined a few years later. Because our original
bassplayer left 2,5 years ago we found an amazing replacement in Jeffrey Bryan
Rijnsburger.
You have just
released your fouth album “You are Next”, I think it improves a lot your effort
from 2001 and it sounds closer to your first releases...
You Are next is out
since March 31, and wow , we are really happy with everything that goes on.
Reviews , respons, feedback from the industry and most important (!) our fans
is simply AMAZING. The funny thing is we don’t think about keeping close to the
first releases. We just want to make the best album we can make. We us the new
technologies although we record traditionally , meaning we play everything live
in the studio!! I think we are 30 years further and yes you can hear that.The
new album is more raw, aggressive, heavier.
We are influenced along the way but we on the other hand never forget
where we came from.
How long did you work
on “You are Next” and how was the composition process?
It took us 2,5 years
to make this album. Rop and I mainly wrote the songs , somposing it in my small
home studio and did the arrangements by recording guitars with drumloops. That
set the basic for the songs , the arrangements and gave the feel as we wanted
it back to the band. The other then filled in their won parts mainly without
losing that feel , which we thought these songs needed. Early 2014 we did 2 pre
productions to judge the way of recording we wanted and judge and re-arrange
the material. After that we started recording till August 2015 , started mixing
and mastering til December 2015. Our producer Jack Nobelen gave us all the time
we needed and did an amazing job!!
We are going to find
a lot of strong riffs, songs with powerful rythms as Monster or In The End. We
can say this album is the most agressive of your whole career?
Yes, i agree, it is .
It is what we wanted. It needed to progress from Circle Of 8, more heavier. All
songs are more in line with each other i think as well.
Do you think your
Metal approach fits fans from all ages or it’s more oriented to the old
headbangers?
NO certainly this is
for all ages. And that is what we see live as well. We have our old fans in the
audience but also the youngsters. Sometimes they come together with their
parents haha. When we reunited it was already clear it was that way. When we
did KIT for example many young metal fans , who are really into the 80’s stuff,
knew about MARTYR.
Yes, you keep you
cult status, that’s clear. Netherlands is a country with a long tradition in
Metal, in your opinion, what is the position of Martyr on it?
MARTYR are THE Dutch Metal Legends. We are not the oldest
still running metal band maybe , but we are the most stubborn for sure haha. We
choose our own path, we do what we want to do and want to write and want to
hear. First we need to like the material and be behind it 200% ourselves, and
then of course we hope everybody likes it. MARTYR has a very well known in the
Netherlands also due to our live shows where we always interact with our fans
!
I couldn’t avoid to
see in your Facebook that in May you are going to play in Belgium with
underground legends Manilla Road. How do you feel about it?
Yes, looking forward
to that one. We already played with them before at the Ages Of Meal Fest I
think 3 years back or so. They are cool guys and also a legendary band. I hope the
venue will be packed and will be cool to see and meet them again.
Apart of that, do you
have other gigs scheduled for this 2016?
Mopst important is
our release party which is scheduled for April 20 in De Helling in our hometown
Utrecht. That will be a big party with a lot guests that also appear on the
album like Marloes Voskuil from Izegrim, John JayCee Cuypers from Praying
Mantis, Nick Holleman from Vicious Rumors, Gert Nijboer from Highway Chile to
name a few. After that we will have the festivals as well, planning shows for
Greece and other countries. So busy times ahead.
A true party, indeed!
As a classic band of Ducth Metal how do you see the Metal scene nowadays?
The Dutch metal scene
has some great bands, some big bands as well although they are mainly in the
female fronted gothic area. In general I think we have too many different
subcultures. For me that makes the recognition of a band too vague sometimes.
Also too many bands copying each other, why is that? I think always try to be
original, stand out. But again the metal scene over here is healthy when it
comes to quality but when it comes to gigs it is an overkill. We got the chance
to play quite a lot , but every day of the week there is too much that is
offered and soon those major festivals are starting again. Meaning fans get
tired to go to every show which is a decrease for the clubs when it comes to
visitors and clubs can’t offer proper fees or close.
Come to Spain and we
won’t miss your gigs hahaha. How can the fan get your new album?
That is easy , you
can simply get it everywhere. From the amazons and itunes, till the record
store on the corner and mailorders etcetera . But of course also through our
record companies Pure Steel Records (http://www.puresteel-shop.com/MARTYR-You-Are-Next_1
) and Into The Limelight Records (http://www.ittlr-shop.nl/c-3106245/martyr/
)
What are your plans
for the future?
Well, the album has
just been released for a week now, so first promoting it, changing our live set
(yes finally), shooting a second video for this new record for the song “Souls
Breathe” and then hit the road !
Yeah, that’s the way!
Rick, we wish you a great year of
success and thank you for your time. If you wish to add something...
Yes, thank you for the opportunity. I want to thank all
readers, listeners, fans for all the continuous support over all these years in
this band. Just check out the new album, it is really worth it. We do hope to
come to your country soon and give you the MARTYR eXperience. Meanwhile connect
with us on social media , we like to be in touch : http://www.facebook.com/MARTYRONLINE
or visit us on www.martyronline.nl
Cheers!
una de tus mejores entrevistas, eres el puto amo
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