18u / thrash metal / heavy metal / pres. by MMM / € 15,- (vvk) / € 17,50 (door)

Martyr 

Martyr is a powermetal band from Utrecht that has existed since 1982. During its existence a set of demo cassettes were released, as well as a number of long players. The general public first became acquainted with Martyr in 1985, when the song “En Masse a(Stand Or Die)” appeared on the collective album “Metal Massacre VI” of the legendary American label Metal Blade. Other greats on this record included Possessed, Hallow’s Eve, Dark Angel, The Obsessed, Hirax, Hades and Nasty Savage.

The debut album “For The Universe” from the same year is still considered a classic in heavy metal circles. For example, the leading website “Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives” wrote the following about this album: “Martyr’s songwriting is vastly superior to most of its competitors”. In 2014, the group was honored by the “Dutch Steel (80’s Metal From The Netherlands)” collector for Martyr’s contribution to Dutch heavy metal history. E.e.a. the then mayor of Utrecht, Jan van Zanen, did not miss either, he sent the group a personal letter in early 2018 to thank Martyr for their ambassadorship for the city.

The group frequently performs at home and abroad, as a headliner or as a support act for a better-known act within the heavy metal spectrum (for example as support of ex-Iron Maiden singers Paul Di’Anno and Blaze Bayley, Trivium, Iced Earth, Manilla Road , Lizzy Borden, Raven and Saxon). The absolute highlights of Martyr’s career so far have been their 3 tours in Japan, which featured frenzied crowds. The feedback Martyr receives based on their performances is purely positive (see reviews below).

Martyr will release their new full length album “Planet Metalhead” on 24 February 2022 and has already released three singles “No Time For Goodbyes” (1 June 2020) and “Fire Of Rebellions” (17 July 2020) and “Raise Your Horns, Unite!” (15 November 2020).

Deadhead 

The once promising band that never became famous has turned into the veteran thrash band that is still pounding out loud, blistering extreme music. Formed in 1989, Dead Head are still playing with 3/4 of their original lineup. An accomplishment and testament to their determination.

While their music displays some influences of legendary bands that have long faded or changed beyond recognition, Dead Head’s intense thrash variant is unrivaled in today’s metal landscape. The band has been working closely with Hammerheart Records for several years now, bringing luxury versions of older albums, along with the very succesfull 2017 album Swine Plague and the brandnew 2022 LP/CD ‘Slave Driver’.

2022 will be an exciting year for Dead Head, with the return of vocalist Ralph de Boer (also in Bodyfarm), the release of the brandnew CD ‘Slave Driver’ (April), the recording of a new EP and releasing a reworked and extended version of ‘Depression Tank’.

Ralph de Boer – vocals, bass
Ronnie van der Wey – guitar left
Robbie Woning – guitar right
Hans Spijker – drums

 

After All 

After All are best known for their original take on speed metal song writing. Killer riffs lay the foundation for songs with hooks and big choruses, lavishly garnished with guitar leads and harmonies. More than 30 years and 10 albums into their career, After All present their best ever line-up. The new album ‘Eos’ introduces vocalist Mike Slembrouck and drummer Bert Guillemont, who add an impressive dose of melody and intensity to the band’s sound. With ‘Eos’, founders Dries Van Damme (guitar) and Christophe Depree (guitar), along with long-time bass player Frederik Vanmassenhove, once again confirm their position as one of Belgium’s finest metal bands.

On ‘Eos’, After All showcase what sets them apart: mastering the fine art of writing challenging songs, with melodies that are equally haunting as they are memorable, not just some endless stack of riffs. Even more than on previous records, the band’s love for different styles of metal shines through. It only adds to the dynamics of ‘Eos’, ranging from furious thrash metal to classic heavy metal twin guitars and even some progressive touches – all topped off with heart-felt vocal harmonies. Mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö, and featuring a stunning piece of art by Travis Smith, ‘Eos’ is setting a new standard – and not just in After All’s own discography.

Over the years, After All cemented its reputation as an exceptional live band, touring all over Europe – from Norway to Greece – supporting well-known acts such as Judas Priest, Anthrax, King Diamond, Stone Sour, Sacred Reich, Fear Factory, Overkill, Testament, Queensryche, Exodus, Sepultura, Candlemass, Armored Saint, Destruction, Life Of Agony, Voivod, Paradise Lost, Saxon and many, many more. After All played high-profile festivals such as Graspop Metal Meeting (with Iron Maiden), Alcatraz Festival, Keep It True, Metal Dayz, Dynamo Metal Fest, and more. It’s safe to say the campaign for ‘Eos’ will only make this list longer.

Nephylim

Melodic Death Metal hailing from The Netherlands 
Winner W.O.A. Metal Battle NL 2022