Martyrs take message on the road

Stourbridge grunge/metal four-piece Martyr de Mona are set for a busy summer, with a whole host of Midland gigs as they prepare to record their debut album.

The band, consisting of Louis Hale, Simon Blewitt, Stephen Williams and James Miles, draws its various influences from the likes of Nirvana, Alice In Chains, Dream Theater and Iron Maiden.

The band have gained a phenomenal reputation for their live shows and have received glowing reviews from fans and critics alike.

Fresh from winning the title Live Band of the Year last year at the Robin 2 in Bilston, they are hitting the stage again, with gigs including Wolverhampton Little Civic on June 22, Birmingham Barfly on June 27 and a home town gig at Stourbridge Rock Cafe 2000 on July 27.

Martyr de Mona say they offer "metal with melody to offer a varied set which includes both progressive and punchy slabs of rock meat, which are best consumed in the live arena where the mixture of cultured cracked vocals, heavy guitar riffage, pounding bass and Carey-inspired drumming truely comes to life".

Along with headlining numerous events over the last twelve months, Martyr de Mona have also supported bands such as Download Festival newcomers Hostile, UK Guns and Roses and the UK's number 1 Nirvana tribute act, Newvana.

The band will be supporting World on Fire at the Little Civic in Wolverhampton on June 22.

Martyr de Mona are also participating in this summer's Surface Unsigned Festival which will be taking place across various venues in Birmingham.

Full listings and updates can be found at www.myspace.com/martyrdemona