History & Biography This Cagliari-based band was formed in 1994 (under another name, which persisted for three years and was changed in 1997) and issued demos with names like Demo 1998, Demo 2001 and Hatred And Warlust in 2002 in the subsequent years. 'Holy Martyr' was the title for an Omen song. A concept MCD called Hail To Hellas was issued in 2003. The demo was based on the myth of the battle of Thermopylae, which was fought by 300 Spartans. The group climbed the stage at the second edition of Keep It True. The Vis Et Honor demo appeared, in turn, in 2005. The band signed with Dragonheart Records for its official debut which appeared in 2007. This was a surprise as the band had declared it would disband in the booklet of Vis Et Honor. In any case, the debut album compiled most of the demo material.
Former bassist Roberto Frau played as session member at the Keep It True II festival in 2004 because Andrea Mucelli's was drafted into the military. By the middle of 2005 Andrea Muccelli had permanently left the band in order to enter the Italian air force and Roberto Frau officially re-joined the band. Holy Martyr contributed cover versions to Cirith Ungol and Manilla Road tribute CDs. The Hatred And Warlust demo had one version include the Cirith Ungol song Frost And Fire as well.
The group was working on a new album in 2007 as well. It moved its base of operations to Milan to coincide with the release of Hellenic Warrior Spirit in 2008. Bassist Roberto Frau did not make the move and was replaced by Nicola Pirroni. The group travelled to Greece for Summer Camp 2008. Then it was off to Germany to open for Omen, among others, at Swordbrothers Festival VII.
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The next two albums witnessed growing gaps between release dates. Still, Hellenic Warrior Spirit carried the Spartan storytelling forward. Invincible, however, focused on Japan, its fable and history. Guitarist Eros Melis left in 2013 and was replaced by Paolo Roberto Simoni later. Eros Melis was newly in Irreverence and continued with it. The other guitarist carried the 'Muad Dib' nickname, which was inspired by the Dune books. Stefano Lepidi became the drummer in 2013. The Darkness Shall Prevail album turned its gaze unto Tolkien and his wwork. The band played at Metalitalia (which it had done in 2012) and Metalcova Fest X (opening for Tokyo Blade and Ram) in 2017 and went on hiatus. Ivano reappeared with a Lovecraftian project called Astral Fortress in 2024.
Reviews HOLY MARTYR - STILL AT WAR - DRAGONHEART 
I recently read on Metallian that '80s band At War has reformed. Italy’s Holy Martyr must have stolen the perfect album title right before the Americans could use it. Having never heard At War I cannot provide a comparison, but this album is directly comparable to the music of bands like Manowar and Virgin Steele with touches of Iron Maiden in the guitar rhythms and melodies. Songs about the glory of ancient Rome (or Roma) and Hellenic battles last almost as long as the battles themselves and give a new literal meaning to the word 'epic.' There are several good songs on Still At War, which is all the more impressive since these songs last forever, but sadly the slower songs move at a plodding pace that brings the average down. The Italians best moments are during the up-tempo tracks. Holy Martyr’s album is recommended for fans of simple and epic battle metal and history buffs. - Anna Tergel
Interviews
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