Martyr Defiled

Martyr Defiled

Martyr Defiled is a deathcore and death metal group from Lincoln, England, formed in 2007. The band builds its sound from the intensity and anger of early-2000s hardcore, alongside blackened death metal influences associated with bands such as Dark Funeral and Behemoth. It also draws on metalcore, grindcore and progressive deathcore elements.

Early releases and activity

The band is signed first to the Leeds-based Thirty Days Of Night Records, which releases its debut EP in February 2009. That limited pressing of 1,000 copies sells out within six months. Martyr Defiled then tours extensively across the UK, supporting All Shall Perish, Annotations Of An Autopsy and The Red Chord, and plays many shows that help build its underground following.

Albums and style

Martyr Defiled’s debut album, Collusion, is issued through Siege Of Amida Records after several years of activity and a series of line-up changes, including 15 consecutive member changes mentioned by vocalist Matthew Jones. The album reflects a sound built around anger and aggression, but it also includes atmosphere, clean sections, dynamic breaks and a progressive, almost post-rock-like ending in the track “Archae”.

Later profile

The band continues to tour in the UK and mainland Europe and gains wider visibility through an appearance on the Channel 4 programme Hollyoaks. It is also covered in UK national music press, including Metal Hammer.