Martyrdöd

Martyrdöd are a crust punk group from Gothenburg, Sweden, active since 2001. Their sound sits within Swedish hardcore and metal, with strong black metal influence, d-beat rhythms and a melodic, melancholic guitar style.

Style and sound

The band is known for raw, heavy riffing and a dark atmosphere built from vocals and guitar work rather than blast beats. Their songs are driven by d-beat patterns and use tremolo-picked melodies, heavy metal-style lead guitar and a harsh hardcore vocal approach. Their music is often described as intense, sorrowful and epic, and their riffing draws on the style associated with His Hero Is Gone and Tragedy.

Background and name

The name Martyrdöd translates as “martyr’s death”, “martyrdom and death” or “dead martyr”. They are among the earliest blackened crust bands to emerge from the hardcore scene.

Members

The lineup includes Mikael Kjellman on guitars and vocals, Jens Bäckelin on d-beat and vocals, Tim Rosenqvist on bass and later guitar, and Daniel “Danne” Ekeroth on bass. Former members include Dawa, Axel, Pontus Redig, Per Nilsson, Anton Grönholm and Fredrik Reinedahl. Pontus Redig leaves the band in 2018 and also plays in Agrimonia. Mikael Kjellman also has a background in Skitsystem.