I have been waiting for this for a while, and just as I start to write the tape arrives from the band themselves with the original artwork. The release under review here from Gates of Hell Records has a different, less topical depiction. The 5 tracks in total are what you come to expect in the modern field of traditional metal. This German band play their hearts out of their influences, although it does sometimes become a game to spot which bit sounds like and comes from where.

Opener ‘Lightning Strikes’ will sit well with fans of Traveler, Riot City and Skyryder. Soaring vocals and momentous timing, it’s an adrenaline rush from the start. Some of the duel guitar work is very much in the Maiden camp, a little ‘Somewhere in Time’ in the melody, but the other aspects are varied from many time periods. ‘Fists of Iron’ is Judas Priest and Armored Saint inspired for me. Again, the band are using the duel lead guitar with great skill. ‘Thunder’ is an instrumental track, again, taking the influences of whom I’ve mentioned earlier, it’s no surprise its written well and makes you give a great level of feedback in appreciation. ‘Protectors of Metal’ sounds more American, the vocals have changed again. Loving the tune, in fact there’s some Saxon and Raven here for me too. The solo sounds a touch neo-classical in the delivery, prior to getting back to the meat a potatoes metallic axe assault. The closer ‘Nothin But Metal’ is a slower stomper, kind of like Saxon, Accept and Manowar, I am even singing ‘Denim & Leather’ as I listen, for me there is a clear distinction of the influence. Perhaps the vocals are a touch too high here in places, but hey, that’s just me.

Overall, if you know Martyr, you will know what to expect. This sounds a bit rushed to me, it was to a certain extent hampered a touch by lockdown, but as we emerge, we can raise our fists and glorify our love for metal with Germany’s Martyr. There’s a clear progression to ‘Highway Warriors’ and no doubt we will see some further studio work in the future.

(7.5/10 Paul Maddison)

https://www.facebook.com/MartyrNWOTHM

https://martyrmetal.bandcamp.com/album/fists-of-iron-ep