Martyrium was formed by Count Mortem in October 1999 who decided to call upon four members to get together because of their desire to play black metal. Rehearsals began immediately and the band rapidly began writing material, in which various influences which the band hadn't counted .. began seeping in, rapidly transforming their material into highly intelligent and creative music.
The first live show was thereby played a year from the formation of the band, exposing them to a considerable audience who at once appreciated this highly original form of extreme black metal. Recording for the first album soon started at Temple Studios in Malta. This album has a very high-quality recording and a professional production. In November 2001 the debut CD 'Withering in Voluptuous Embrace' was unleashed. The release consisted of highly dense and multilayered symphonic black metal, moving from delicate, morbid ambiences to vitriolic, violent atmospheres. In early 2002 the band released 500 original copies by themselves. After sending copies to different labels the band received very good responses. After taking many considerations Martyrium decided to sign with the Mexican label American Line Productions. The label decided to re-release their first album in the same year. This album is still in demand around the globe.
In the autumn of 2004, the band toured for the first time. The tour started in Belgium and then in the Northern part of France playing critically acclaimed shows with Morrigu and Earaction, Der Kaiser Der Narren, Kryzees and Positiv Hate respectively. There the band was welcomed with enthusiasm by the foreign metal heads. Five months later Martyrium together with Slit supported the Greek legends - Rotting Christ - at their gig in Malta which was very successful. By summer end of the year 2005 the band experienced another tour in central Europe where the band were also welcomed with even more enthusiasim than the previous year, celebrating a great launch for the second studio album.The second assault by the band, entitled 'The Carnage Lit By Darkness', continues to explore the stylistic alleyways heralded by their debut album, however, as can always be expected, a more progressive and deft instrumental touch makes its presence obvious from the start.
The album was released in Mid 2005 under American Line Productions and soon to follow was the band’s second tour. This time the Martyrium Legion invaded Germany, France, Switzerland and Italy and were headliners for several gigs and played with bands such as Cruachan, Eluveitie, Black Messiah, Barritus, Ivenberg and German Veterans Daargesin.
In The First quarter of 2006, Martyrium supported German Death Metal Band – PURGATORY during their tour. 2006 also saw Martyrium in a yet another change of style. This time focusing more on heavy guitar work and creating more dark atmospheres to the songs, and tracks like Awakening The Ancient, and Into The Labyrinths Of The Absu went down really well with the band’s fans.
Whats up! Just wanted to let you know that we are having an event on June 26th. For all my friends that would like to purchase tickets before hand, I can give you VIP enterance and a discount. Come before 12am for your chance to meet Heather Chadwell and an opportunity to win the raffle of Tony's Smoke Shop package.
PS: Sorry if you've already received this... with over 20,000 friends, its kinda hard to keep track!!! Nevertheless we'll do our best to keep our friends informed :D
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Next Saturday, 13th June X-Vandals shall be hitting the stage at Remedy for the release of their 2nd CD entitled "Breach The Silence". It will also be the nite who shall feature our new entry, Mark Zlayer as our second guitarist.
Guest bands for the gig are Victims of Creation and Thy Legion. Entrance for the gig is for only 7 Euros and includes 3 live band shows by X-Vandals, Victims of Creation and Thy Legion + FREE CD of Breach The Silence + Free shooter. Yeah you're reading well all of this for only 7 Euros.
Mark that calendar and leave the 13th June free so you'll join us for this particular nite. Spread out the word and bring along your friends too!
Around 4 years ago Knockturn Alley were playing their first shows in the local metal scene and trying to find a way to get more known within the Maltese metal scene. In the past 4 years the band has gone through several line-up changes leaving the current line-up with only 2 original members. However, this has never stopped the band from focusing on their goals and the past 3 years has seen the band releasing a 3-track EP, continuous gigging and even 2 headlining dates in Greece.
The time was right for Knockturn Alley to get their music on disc again, and the band returns with Medusa, the debut full length album. Named after the female monster in Greek mythology, Medusa is a collection of 10 tracks of solid aggressive riffing and catchy melodies.
Coming from Athens as Knockturn Alley's special guests, Greek thrashers The Source will kick off the night. Fresh from releasing their self-titled album on I for an I Media, The Source will perform tracks from their new album which will also be on sale on the night.
![Knockturn Alley [Tour Dates Up!]](http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/96/s_714fd48769ab41cc8ad5290ece61b8c2.jpg)
