MARTYR - RICK BOUWMAN-GUITARS

A brief biography of the band.

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During the five years that Martyr was alive and kicking (1982-1987), the band released two albums that are considered cult in the Metal scene today. ‘For The Universe’ (1985) and ‘Darkness At Time’s Edge’ (1986) are classic Metal, a delight for those who love strong melodies, speedy riffs and a high level of technicality.
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\r\nIn those years, Martyr appeared on compilation albums from Roadrunner and Metal Blade, was voted Holland’s best new Metal band in Aardschok magazine, has toured with several international acts and appeared on Sky Channel’s Monsters Of Rock.
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\r\nMartyr disbanded in 1987, but reunited in 2001 to play the Heavy Metal Maniacs festival. Four years later, the band revived almost the complete 1982 line up to play the Headbangers Open Air and Keep It True festivals. The flame has been burning again and the band continued to play live ever since. December 2008 MARTYR supported US Shock Rockers Lizzy Borden on their European tour. But also in 2009 and 2010 MARTYR hit the European stages supporting great acts like Flotsam &Jetsam , Vicious Rumors, Jaguar, Evergreya.o.

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In 2009 the first new Martyr record in almost 25 years has been released . That’s when the new EP ‘Fear’ was coupled with a re-release of the classic ‘For The Universe’ album as a double digipack entitled ‘Fear The Universe’ on Rusty Cage Records (RCR0017).

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In 2010 and 2011 Martyr re-entered the studio between the live shows,  by working on the successor for ‘Fear’.

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A complete new album called “Circle Of 8”, has been released by Metal Blade Records in November 2011 worldwide, and has proven to be a significant impulse in Martyr’s revival after it’s release. With 30 years of  MARTYR (with a big celebration in hometown Utrecht – Tivoli) ,and 30 years of Dutch Steel , by signing with Metal Blade again : “The Clan Is Back Home and stronger than ever”…….

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And the band proves it again in 2014 with new national and international tours and ……a heavy new album in the making !

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What led the band to disband in the end of the 80s’ and how you came with the decision to reactivate Μartyr.

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The split up was mainly because of the pressure of finding a new record company for a new release after  the Darkness At Time’s Edge album (released 1986) . And the way a big record  company forced us , ignorant as we were these days as youngsters (imagine that we were average not even 17 years of age when we started with MARTYR)  , to write into a new artistic but more commercial direction. We tried but just could not do that. We could not write in a different style just because someone else wanted us to do so.

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MARTYR has always been MARTYR, whether you liked it or not, but has always , as we do now, done what we wanted to do ourselves and what we wanted to sound like ourselves.

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So don’t ask us to write a hit single on command…..because that’s what happened. We were close in signing that  major deal, but were not even happy as a band……and  when the major deal did not happen as well……the curtain fell.

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We first came back together for (what we thought) a one time event for the Heavy metal maniacs fanclub in 2001. But when we were asked for Keep It True ,Headbangers Open Air and re released our 2 albums the train kept on rolling with tours and new albums since.

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Which was the reaction of the fans when you made your come back ?

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Great actually, our first reunion show at KIT was one I still remember very well. A venue packed with the old fans singing along and bringing old memorabilia to the show to get it signed , it was really awesome. When we decided to keep on going due to many demands to play everywhere and were again asked to re release our material we decided it would be great to write some new songs as well. Then our album “Fear”was born in 2009 and received a VERY warm welcome from our fans worldwide.

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 Are there any plans to reissue your old releases ?

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No, we have done that (twice actually) so now we are looking ahead and are planning to release even a new album with only new material in 2015 !

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Some comments comparing the scene in the 80’s and with today’s scene ?

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The 80’s scene was really exciting, a lot as happening in metal , great bands and great albums and great styles were developed that influenced many bands after that.  Of course there was not yet the possibilities as we have now regarding  recording, promotion and publicity of your work, bu tin the other hand when you had an album out you were special. These days every band , good or bad, can release a CD etc. So it is more difficult at the same time to get your work  known and sold (also due to the immense amount of bands and download possibilities)

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In the past few year the classic metal sound have made a strong  come-back what you think that led to this ?

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I love it, It is great to see the classic bands still perform. However for myself (and that is personal also of course) I also would like to see that bands that are known from the 80’s also try to develop.  Not necessarily that has to mean that they need to change their style but keep it interesting for fans and yourself as well. I see too many bands that keep stuck in what they know best. Of course that was why they were popular but as a musician you are also creative , right ?

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Which are your future plans ?

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While I am answering your questions we are in the middle of recording our new album to be released next year. In between we do some great shows all over Europe. MARTYR has always performed a lot because ethat is what we love! We will hit the road to go to Greece, Germany, Belgium, Holland, UK, Switzerland , Austria and more to promote our old and new songs . Also we will record a new video clip to come along with the album release (no title yet however)

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How you feel with your participation in rock you to hell festival ?

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That is just awesome, we are so happy to be back in Greece. The fans are amazing, and really love METAL !! So I expect a greta atmosphere there. Also I think the line up is amazing, and we get to see so many great bands and friends again !

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Any other scheduled appearances ?

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Yes of course as mentioned earlier. For all events please just check our website at

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www.martyronline.nl/shows or visit our Facebookpage at http://www.facebook.com/MARTYRONLINE

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The sites are always updated so you always know where to find us .

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What the fans should expect from your appearance ? Any message to your fans in Greece ?

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We will bring you the MARTYR experience. ! What that means you have to find out for your selves but what it comes up to is that the audience is more important than the band !! Hope to see you all at Rock You To Hell to have this eXperience and hang out !! And Thank you for the continuous support over all these years !!

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Cheers Rick

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Douros Gerasimos

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