Being the metal nerd that I am, I love using this platform to explore and analyze the various European metal scenes of the 1980s. The continent was a breeding ground of metal that defined the genre for decades to follow, starting most famously with the NWOBHM. From there, Sweden, Germany, and Belgium would take charge, each offering their own unique spin on metal. However, one country that was equally important in these halcyon days seems to have slipped between the cracks: The Netherlands. When was the last time you heard someone championing the likes of Vandenberg, Picture, Bodine, Vengenace, and the subject of of today’s review, Martyr? It’s time to correct such long standing mistakes, starting now.
For those unaware, Martyr was formed 40 years ago by guitarist Rick Bouwman and singer Robert van Haren. The band released a string of demos before generating enough buzz to record their debut full length, the cult classic For the Universe (1985). A sophomore release, Darkness at Time’s Edge, would arrive a year later, followed by another string of demos before the band ultimately disbanded in 1989. One can hypothesize that the band didn’t last due to their heavy duty brand of straightforward traditional metal being unwelcomed in the age of thrash, and that very well could be. Yet in the past decade, this sound has been reembraced by the masses, resulting in the perfect storm for a Martyr reunion.
Planet Metalhead is the third album from the post-reunion Martyr. Bouwman and van Haren remain at the helm. Joining them are bassist Vinnie Wassink, drummer Rick Valcon, and guitarist Geoffrey Maas. They may be newcomers, but they sure capture the classic 80s sound. It also helps that Bouwman and van Haren can still perform with the same intensity as when they were kids some 40 years ago! Together, Martyr remains a force to be reckoned with, as heard on the breakneck opener to Planet Metalhead, “Raise Your Horns, Unite!”. If you’re looking for blistering solos, powerhouse vocals, and an all out retro attitude, you’ve come to the right place.
Many of the songs on here (i.e. “Demon Hammer”, “Fire of Rebellions”) demonstrate the “old school meets new school” approach made famous on Judas Priest’s Firepower (2018) and Accept’s Blood of the Nations (2010), which is fine by me so long as they don’t go too far off the new school deep end. Others (“Children of the Night”, “Metal Overdrive”, “Diary of a Sinner”) showcase a thrashy spin on traditional metal, reminiscent of Metal Church and Flotsam and Jetsam. In fact, the second half of the album could potentially be labelled thrash, especially with an audio assault as vicious as “La Diabla”. But for as much as Planet Metalhead thrashes like a bull in a china shop, it never sacrifices its sense of melody and nuance, maintaining its traditional metal appeal.
Those who have been following Martyr from day one will be pleased to know the band hasn’t lost a bit of their vim and vigor. Those who’ve never heard of them will be pleased to boast a new discovery to their fellow traditional metal trendies. It’s a win-win scenario! Considering the current strife facing this planet, I wouldn’t mind taking a trip to Planet Metalhead sometime in the near future. Neither will you.
7 out of 10
Label: Pt78 Records
Genre: Heavy Metal
For fans of: Judas Priest, Accept, Metal Church