Martyr (band)

HISTORY & ACTUAL LINEUP Martyr is based in Quebec, Canada. Their music is often seen as technical progressive death metal.

Martyr's intricate and aggressive Technical Metal style is built on complex structures which allies a multitude of emotions from many different musical approaches. The music is not limited to the conventions of traditional metal music, the band striving to push those limits to create a more open-minded concept.

Martyr's concept was officially created in 1994 by François and Daniel Mongrain.

In September 1995, Martyr released a promotional demo, OSTROGOTH.

In May 1997, Martyr began the production of their debut album, HOPELESS HOPES.

In September 1997, a very talented drummer, Patrice Hamelin joined the band after François Richard's departure. HOPELESS HOPES was then released in November (independent release).

In the Winter of 2002, Martin Carbonneau joined the band as a replacement for Pier-Luc Lampron on the guitar. In the past, Martin happened to play with Patrice's debut band.

ACTUAL LINEUP

François Mongrain Bass, vocals Martin Carbonneau Rhythm & lead guitar Daniel Mongrain Lead & rhythm guitars, vocals Patrice Hamelin Drums

FORMER MEMBERS Pier-Luc Lampron Rhythm & lead guitar (1992-2001) François Richard Drums (1995-1997) Stéphane Bélanger Drums (1990-1995) Éric Beauchemin Guitar (1989-1992)

In 1999, Martyr recorded the WARP ZONE album at Victor Studio with producer Pierre Rémillard (Anvil, Gorguts, Cryptopsy, Quo Vadis). Guest vocalist Luc Lemay from Gorguts made a narration on the last track of the album.

In the Summer of 2001, Martyr recorded a live concert in Rouyn (QC, Canada) for the production of a live album, EXTRACTING THE CORE, which was released in September 2001 through Skycraper Music.

In 2003 and 2005, Martyr did two pre-productions of their album FEEDING THE ABSCESS.

In October 2006, Galy Records released the reissues of HOPELESS HOPES and WARP ZONE, along with the third album FEEDING THE ABSCESS, recorded at the Wild Studio with Pierre Rémillard and Yannick St-Amand, and mastered by Alan Douches.

In April 2008, Galy Records released a 187 minutes DVD entitled HAVOC IN QUEBEC CITY. The concert was recorded with eight cameras at the Imperial of Quebec City.

MAIN CONCERTS Since 1998, a lot of great things happened for Martyr, as the Milwaukee Metalfest XII and important opening acts as for Cryptopsy, Overkill, Brutal Truth, Napalm Death, Kataklysm, Macabre, Internal Bleeding, Punchdrunk, Despised Icon... Martyr also played at the 2003 New-Jersey March Metal Meltdown, 2007 Chicago Powerfest with Atheist, and the 2008 Maryland Deathfest.

MARTYR CONCEPT Themes like affliction, oppression, and agony had to be conveyed by a single word. With this concept in mind, the name "Martyr" was decided upon.

Martyr’s music is reflected through lyrics which express emotions such as anguish, outrage, revolt and indignation towards humanity, and the need to improve oneself within this harsh environment. But all in all, the best way to understand this is to listen to the music... and let it drown into your soul.