Martyr Art-Distorted Interpretations

Last Updated on Sunday, 11 May 2014 20:10 Written by Pagan Hel

Artist: Martyr Art

Album Title: Distorted Interpretations

Released: October 31st 2013

From: Saugerties, New York

Genre: Metal, Funk, Punk, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Classical, Synth, Pop, Horror, R & B, Industrial, Orchestral, Rock, Pop, Progressive, Tribal, Country, Goth, Techno, World, Avant-Garde and Noise.

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Yes for the eclectic souls among us!

Biography:

If your hunger for eclectic and eccentric music hasn’t been satisfied recently, you’re probably well overdue for the transcendent and intangible sounds of Martyr Art. Compiling and influenced by just about every imaginable genre in music, Martyr Art seeks to satisfy the want, need, and desire of every true fan of music; and refuses to stop composing an extreme array of blissful beats and hellacious harmonies until every listener has something to enjoy, and their hunger’s been satisfied to the fullest.

Martyr Art was formed in 2004 by Joe Gagliardi III in New Windsor, NY. The band was formed due to the disbanding of Joe’s previous group, Dislocate (a band that was also founded by Joe in Saugerties, NY in 1998). Under the grand leadership of Joe Gagliardi III, Dislocate created a much needed music scene for the small town of Saugerties, NY; and needless to say left the citizens in awe. Dislocates intense and remarkable live performances not just made them “the band to listen to”, but also set the bar for future acts to follow in the coming years. The release of their album “Corrosive” is still one of the rarest and sought out albums in the local area. Influences of Dislocate can still be seen and heard throughout areas local to Saugerties, NY; and their legacy they left behind will graciously haunt the town for many years to follow. Dislocate shared the stage with acts such as Fear Factory, Immolation, Machine Head, and Crowbar; among many others.

The sound of Martyr Art is profoundly odd, unique and palatable to a wide range of listeners. Martyr Art inter-weaves the spectrum of sound with the styles of Metal, Funk, Punk, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Classical, Synth, Pop, Horror, R & B, Industrial, Orchestral, Rock, Pop, Progressive, Tribal, Country, Goth, Techno, World, Avant-Garde and Noise. This acclimation has not only formed the genesis of Martyr Art, but has also forged new concepts and new sounds. The expanding universe of Martyr Art takes you on a journey through the colours and textures of sound. On every album, in every song, within every movement, is another step through the journey of Martyr Art.

Album Review

I find it a bit of a shock that the band class themselves as ‘just’ a rock band, when there is clearly ‘more’ than just rock in their delightful and unusual tones, and although there are some ‘rock’ orientated connotations in their work it really is not of the conventional kind.

The tribal influences are very noticeable on Faith No More’s, “Paths of Glory” along with about every other genre you can think of and yes there is indeed something for everyone on this album, which makes me think, what must a live gig be like? And what are their audience’s preferred taste?

Track two “Entranced” is a real wild card but is cut short before you know what’s happening and very experimental, Avant-Garde and Noise.

The punk influences are abundant in track three “Escaping Oblivion” sounds like Johnny Rotten is back with a vengeance!!

“Bliss” is a gothic endorsed track that looms dark and sinister with superb keyboards.

Even packing in a bit of Dub Step on the track “Vertigo” it then magically transforms into progressive with precision guitar – highly addictive track.

“Go Away” sneaks in some devious metal vocals and is metal at the start albeit for the keyboards, and then turning into more experimental of sorts, but none the less a cleverly produced little track and thoroughly immense.

“This will appeal to a lot of people up and down the scale who may then in turn want to find out more about this band or indeed the talents of Joe Gagliardi III and Brad Lane who have really smashed away any boundaries that once were and produced a very obscure and encapsulating piece of art”

“In Utero” finally hits on the bass and musters itself into a fiery explosion of rhythmic barrages with horror synth and everything else combined – another superb track.

“Heaven” is eerie dramatic and classical. A beautiful piece of writing with a soft vocal entourage.

I was very keen to see if this track was a cover from Kansas/Scorpions “Dust in the Wind” and it is, but this is the raw and colourful version and this is rock with a difference, the keyboards keep it focused and a superb track none the less despite being a cover – it has Martyr Art stamped all over it.

“Taking a Deep Breath” is without a doubt a heavenly track that breathes deeply as its title suggests, classically influenced and beautifully executed.

To Sum up:

This album has been a little gem to sample. Indeed there may be bits in it that are not to everyone’s taste, and it may have you guessing at times at what genre it wants to be, but this is one quirky album that is not only addictive but haunting and unusual.

What other album could boast to holding Metal, Funk, Punk, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Classical, Synth, Pop, Horror, R & B, Industrial, Orchestral, Rock, Pop, Progressive, Tribal, Country, Goth, Techno, World, Avant-Garde and Noise in its structure? Not many at all, and although it may be confusing at times it keeps the listener on the edge of their seat as they are not sure what to expect.

This will appeal to a lot of people up and down the scale who may then in turn want to find out more about this band or indeed the talents of Joe Gagliardi III and Brad Lane who have really smashed away any boundaries that once were and produced a very obscure and encapsulating piece of art.

The title of the album couldn’t be more fitting to their wonderful sounds that are woven together and unrestrained in all their glory.

Check out their earlier stuff – it is guaranteed to get the juices flowing.

Listen a listen: Escaping Oblivion