The Martyrs
Portland, Oregon
Indie/Blues/Rock
“Hollow Mystery” by The Martyrs
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“Die a King” by The Martyrs
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Mick Arrell – Vocals/Guitar/Bass
Corey Distler – Vocals/Guitar/Bass/Keyboards
Sarah Howell – Keyboards/Bass/Backing Vocals
Michael Wood – Drums/Percussion
The Martyrs were formed in July, 2007 by Mick Arrell and Jonny Roe. Both musicians finding themselves bandless after their respective projects disbanded, the two old friends decided to start working together on a blues/rock oriented project. Many beers and low quality basement recordings later, they recruited fellow Portland musicians Corey Distler and Michael Wood. The 4 Portland, Oregon natives melded their influences together, including such varied artists as Led Zeppelin, The Black Keys, Elvis Costello and Soundgarden to create a style that the Portland Tribune calls “Raw and powerful. Rough around the edges but pure at heart”.
After about a year and a half of gigging in the local bar scene, tensions between Roe and the rest of the band lead to his departure in the middle of a set in January, 2009. Tragically, he died less than 1 month later at the age of 22.
Roe was immediately replaced by guitarist Noah Kite, who is featured on their debut self released album “Redemption Hall”, which received positive reviews from local music magazines and online blogs. Kite was dismissed from the group in September 2009 due to creative differences, and was replaced by Keyboardist/Bassist Sarah Howell. This line up brought a more modern, indie style to their blues/classic rock sound, exemplified on their latest self titled album.
The Martyrs have traversed many rough patches in their 4 years as a band, and their soulful sound and style is a testament to what they’ve been through and their ability to use the power of music to persevere.
