Martyr reunites to release remastered ‘Death is Dead’
In the history of underground tape trading circles, titles like “No Life Till Leather” and “Last Rites” are synonymous with the word legendary and it’s no different in the Christian metal market with titles such as “Take Up Your Cross” and one of the biggest ever, “Death is Dead” by Porterville based 3-member band Martyr.
Since its release 33 years ago “Death is Dead” has earned the title of legendary status among metal fans and in the three decades since its release it has become one of the most soughtafter finds among collectors. Now, the three original members, Mark Johnson (Guitar), Ladislao Prado (Bass and Vocals) and Dave Mowry (Drums) have joined together to re-release a remastered “Death is Dead” plus an unreleased demo featuring a never before heard track “Fall on Your Face.”
“I’m pleased to be able to finally master the tracks properly and have distribution channels that can get the tunes out there to a larger audience,” stated Mark Johnson. “When we were kids, we had no idea what we were doing and only a few local stores stocked the demos, so the release was incredibly limited.”
While details are still being worked out, what’s known at this time is remastering duties have been handed to Matt Lynch at Mysterious Mammal in Los Angeles, who has a lengthy resume of mixing and mastering underground rock releases. The first release planned is the previously unheard 1986 song “Fall on Your Face” followed by “Death is Dead” — both in digital formats, then possibly followed by, for the first and only time ever, a vinyl remastered version of “Death is Dead.”
Prado carried the Martyr flag forward many years following the breakup of the original three- member band. “These releases are immeasurably important to me because it illustrates the fact that snakes still do eat orange peels in the snow,” stated Prado in his own humorous way.
Collectively, the band is happy original fans as well as new ones will finally get to hear for themselves what’s so special about these releases. “The day I met Prado in 1987 he handed me a copy of ‘Death is Dead’ and during my first listen I knew there was something almost magical about what I was hearing and it started me on an incredible journey of my own,” said former Martyr roadie and Betrayel vocalist Chris Ackerman.
what in 1987 he handed me a copy of Death is Dead and during my first listen I knew there was something almost magical about what I was hearing, and it started me said former Martyr roadie and Betrayal vocalist Chris Ackerman.
Only time will tell what journey these releases will take Mark, Ladislao, and Dave on in 2020 and beyond, but fans will be excited to enjoy the ride.
For digital pre-orders visit https://martyrdeathisdead.bandcamp.com/