Man Must Die

Man Must Die is a death metal and technical death metal group from Glasgow, United Kingdom, formed in 2002 and active to the present day. The band also works within deathcore and metal, and has become associated with a sound that combines melodic and brutal elements.

Formation and early activity

The group forms in October 2002 in Glasgow. After the first rehearsal, the band quickly begins writing material, and four songs are written and recorded in May 2003. It then plays shows across the United Kingdom and builds an early reputation through live work.

One of the early tracks appears on MP3.com and reaches number one on the worldwide death metal chart within two weeks. That demo also leads to an invitation to play Maryland Deathfest 2004. The band sends the demo to a small number of labels and signs to Retribute Records in August 2003.

Recordings and releases

Man Must Die records its first full-length album, …Start Killing, with producer JF Dagenais in Glasgow during December 2003. The album is released in May 2004 and is promoted in the UK and abroad. The band also makes its first US appearance at Maryland Deathfest 2004, then continues playing weekend shows and week-long runs.

After a period of reassessment, the band returns to writing with renewed energy and records new material that attracts Relapse. It describes the label as a strong fit for its extreme metal and grind-oriented approach, and the group says it becomes the first UK band to sign to Relapse.

In November 2006, Man Must Die travels to Montreal and works again with JF Dagenais at Studio Victor on its second full-length and Relapse debut, The Human Condition. The release is described as combining the band’s melodic and brutal sides with a more considered approach to songwriting. The performance on the record is led by vocalist Joe McGlynn.

Line-up

The band’s line-up includes Joe McGlynn on vocals, Alan McFarland on guitars, Danny McNab on bass and Matt Holland on drums. Todd Hansen is also a member of the group.