A few weeks ago I had the pleasure to go and see the mighty legends that are JAG PANZER. It was an amazing day, due to the good quality of the bands that were playing there that day. One of them was MARTYR, a band that I had seen a number of times and whose latest studio album before "Planet Metalhead", which was "You Are Next" I also reviewed and quite liked. But that is almost seven years ago, and I haven't kept up with these Dutch guys since then. Maybe I should have, because for me they were the best band on that day. Yes, even more impressive than JAG PANZER.

At least musically, because to come out better vocally than the master Harry Conklin is just about impossible. Singer Rop van Haren did his best, and certainly got the audience participating in full force. good thing is that he also does that throughout "Planet Metalhead". MARTYR actually played the first two songs of this album that day, and that's why I requested to review this album. Just to put your mind at ease; MARTYR haven't disappointed. This is a pure and unadulterated Heavy Metal album with some Speed and Thrash Metal influences thrown in left, right and centre.

The fact that they have a vocalist that can bring a bit of theatrics through his voice, that he can express himself in many a manner, does help. I do feel he is overdoing it once in a while, but overall he is a very welcome addition to the music. Talking about the musical side there is only one conclusion to be made; it seems that MARTYR is getting harder, heavier and just a tad more extreme as times go by. They were originally formed in 1982, and disbanded in 1989. In 2005 they decided to get back together again, and they have been going on continually since then. And it shows, because the quality of the songs, the intensity of them, plus the flawless renditions that have made in onto "Planet Metalhead" have made this into one of the best Dutch heavy metal releases of the last couple of years.

It might be that once you start listening, you have your doubts about my words. Do yourself a favour, and listen to it again some time later, and later again. The variation and diversity of the material should sway you into submission. Take your time. Let it sink into your brain and the only thing you will be able to conclude is that this is top shelf stuff. High quality from the Low Lands.