Michael Andreas (of Martyrd) - September 2009

The thrash is back, and Queens, New York-based melodic thrashers Martyrd are bringing it to ya! Their tight and energetic performances have won over many metalheads in the Big Apple, and with slots opening for bands such as Children of Bodom and Primal Fear as we go to press, they will surely convert many more! They are currently gigging in support of their awesome debut long player Maniac.

The band consists of vocalist Aaron Pollard, bassist Kevin Nielsen, drummer Adam Birula, and guitarists Michael Andreas and Dan Agapitos. Recently, we caught up with guitarist Michael Andreas to get his thoughts on all that is going down in the world of Martyrd. Enjoy!

Martyrd rocking the house at Stathakion Center in Astoria (Queens), New York. From left to right: Michael Andreas (guitar), Adam Birula (drums), Aaron Pollard (vocals), Kevin Nielsen (bass), and Dan Agapitos (guitar). The young thrashers have carved out a reputation as an intense and energetic live act.

Matthew Bankes (MB): Hello! Thanks for agreeing to do this interview with us! How are you doing?

Michael Andreas (MA): Hey Matt, we’re doin’ good man! Tired, but content. (laughs)

MB: I always start these interviews by asking how it all began. How did you first get interested in music?

MA: Well, there’s always been music around my house, my mom used to play folk guitar, and when I was about 15 my parents got me a guitar for Christmas. I was just starting to get into heavy music at the time, I loved playing, and it all just kinda took off from there.

MB: What was the first metal band or metal album to really capture your imagination?

MA: The first band I really got devoted to was Metallica, it started off with the Black Album and from there moved on to their earlier stuff. From them I jumped into Megadeth, and then my friends in Viscid turned me on to Testament, and those three probably summed up the foundation for all my influences as a young guitarist.

MB: How and when did Martyrd get started?

MA: In high school I pulled some friends together to play in the talent show, we played two songs, “Motorbreath” by Metallica and “Tornado of Souls” by Megadeth. It was incredible, I loved being on stage, and we all had a blast. So after that we started getting more serious, writing original songs and playing shows at whatever bars or clubs would let us…which was not many since we were maybe 17 at the time (laughs).

Bassist Kevin Nielsen and guitarist Dan Agapitos

MB: When was your very first show and how well did it go? Was it memorable or embarrassing?

MA: Our very first show was actually at a high school none of us went to, we didn’t really know anyone there, but we just got up stage and played. It was definitely memorable, almost had that deer in the headlights kinda quality (laughs) but as soon as the curtain came up we started playing and that was it. The only embarrassing thing was afterwards, when I realized I had played the show with a huge rip over the crotch of my pants (laughs) but if anyone knew, I never found out about it!

MB: How would you describe Martyrd's style of metal to someone who hasn't heard your music yet?

MA: Well, we’re definitely influenced by the West Coast thrash movement, there’s a lot of Testament and Exodus in us, but there’s way more than that involved. We have a lot of classic metal in us too, we like to do big things, songs that are well thought out and organized, kind of epic, almost progressive at times. And the new material we’ve been working on has been a lot more in that direction, less straightforward, still very heavy and fast, but with more of a musical direction for the structure.

MB: You have just released your first full-length album Maniac. Can you tell us about the recording process...how well did it go, and how long did it take to finish the album?

MA: The recording process had its hiccups, but we went in with a pretty clear picture of what we wanted. That helped to keep us focused when we had a problem pop up. We started recording the album in February of 2008. We had early versions printed around June or July, and then we had the final mix and master finished just this past April, so it took a little over a year. A lot of that was due to funds, these things can get pretty expensive, and for now its all coming out of our own pockets.

MB: What are your favorite songs on the new album?

MA: Oh man, it’s tough to pick (laughs) I love how “Six” came out, and “Trapped Within” sounds really great too. “Blue and Black” came out really heavy, I really love them all (laughs) it’s like being asked to choose which one of your kids is your favorite!

MB: What songs are your favorite ones to play live?

MA: Ahh…anything that the crowd goes nuts for! “Blue and Black,” “Seeds of Vengeance,” “Maniac,” people are really into “Harvest,” and we’ve also started playing one of the new songs we’ve got for the next album, “Never Wake,” and people have been really diggin’ that one too!

Guitarist Michael Andreas and vocalist Aaron Pollard

MB: When I saw you guys play the first time, I was amazed at how tight your musicianship is live! I have to ask, how often do you guys practice?

MA: Thanks so much man! We practice as much as we can, right now work schedules are tough, we’re lucky if we get in a practice once a week. But everybody’s playing on their own, and we can usually pull ourselves into shape pretty quick (laughs).

MB: How would you describe the underground metal scene in NYC? I'd have to say it seems pretty vibrant with all the great acts I have come to know from up there.

MA: There are plenty of great bands here in NYC, unfortunately the scene itself is really weak. People just don’t wanna come out to shows. Its really sad, cause there’s so much great talent around here, we’ve played with some incredible bands. What really kills it out here is that everywhere is 21+, it’s the kids that are 16 and 18 who are dying to go hear some music and have a good time, and there’s just nowhere for them to go.

MB: What other bands in the NYC metal scene do you admire?

MA: Oh there are so many, Phoenix Reign, Turrigenous, Zandelle, Castrofate, And You And I, Stoned Fire, Doomsday Mourning, I could go on for ages. There are so many talented bands we’ve had the honor of playing with.

MB: What are your future plans?

MA: Well right now we’re doing all we can to promote the album, which is basically playing out as much as we can. We’ve got shows coming up with Primal Fear and Children of Bodom; we’ve got discount tickets, email us, Martyrd13@yahoo.com

MB: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us! Do you have any closing thoughts for our readers?

MA: Just keep it heavy, and catch us on the road, we’ll be all around in the next few months! Thanks a lot, Matt!

Drummer Adam Birula

And thank you, Mike! I truly feel that Martyrd is bringin’ back the old school thrash sound the way the metal gods have intended it to be, no bull…no compromise!

Be sure to check out Martyrd at www.myspace.com/martyrd and pick up their brand new debut album Maniac. It will blow you and your speakers away!