Martyr AD - On Earth As It Is In Hell
Martyr AD has definitely taken it to the next level on this album. Their first record was solid but this one catapults them into the upper echelons of American metal. What clearly sets this record
apart is their complex take on domestic metal. It's a style that builds on the strengths of that sound while incorporating the best elements of some of the biggest names in foreign metal.
The core of their sound is masterfully executed tempo changes that sound crushing at all the varying speeds these guys utilize. Here they manage to weave from big, brutal breakdowns, many tinged with tasteful Sepultura "Arise"/"Chaos AD" era lead guitar riffs, to straight out blazing attacks, not unlike a hardcore version of Carnal Forge, and back again. While this is the bulk of their approach they do mix in a little melodic death in a few areas, sounding somewhat like Darkest Hour at those times, and like their earlier incarnation, Disembodied, they continue to mine the rich vein of offbeat harmonics to great affect. These techniques, in conjunction with the unique take on breakdowns and pentient for all out hardcore blasts mentioned above, keeps the music fresh and interesting. All of this is delivered in an aggressive, take-no-prisoners approach that leaves you in a strange hold for the entire album.
Not being content with one Sepultura comparison, you can't help but hear that the vocals are absolutely dripping with Max Cavelera like venom. Put this package all together and it's easy to see why these guys are a force to be reckoned with.
The core of their sound is masterfully executed tempo changes that sound crushing at all the varying speeds these guys utilize. Here they manage to weave from big, brutal breakdowns, many tinged with tasteful Sepultura "Arise"/"Chaos AD" era lead guitar riffs, to straight out blazing attacks, not unlike a hardcore version of Carnal Forge, and back again. While this is the bulk of their approach they do mix in a little melodic death in a few areas, sounding somewhat like Darkest Hour at those times, and like their earlier incarnation, Disembodied, they continue to mine the rich vein of offbeat harmonics to great affect. These techniques, in conjunction with the unique take on breakdowns and pentient for all out hardcore blasts mentioned above, keeps the music fresh and interesting. All of this is delivered in an aggressive, take-no-prisoners approach that leaves you in a strange hold for the entire album.
Not being content with one Sepultura comparison, you can't help but hear that the vocals are absolutely dripping with Max Cavelera like venom. Put this package all together and it's easy to see why these guys are a force to be reckoned with.
