REVIEW: Martyr – Face Yourself

​Face Yourself's latest EP, Martyr, is a relentless exploration of mental health struggles, blending ferocious deathcore instrumentation with emotionally charged themes. The five-track offering, released via Sumerian Records, showcases the band's ability to intertwine sheer aggression with lyrical vulnerability.​

Opening with 'Primal', the EP sets an intense tone. The track begins with a distorted phone recording of a label representative describing the band's music as "a little more primal." As the word "primal" is uttered, the song plunges into a barrage of guttural vocals and relentless drumming, immediately immersing the listener in the band's raw energy.​

What stands out immediately about Martyr is Face Yourself's ability to speak through their instruments as much as through lyrics. Every blast beat, every tremolo riff, and every unrelenting growl tells a story that words alone couldn't convey.

The lead single, 'Predatory', delves into themes of trust and betrayal. According to the band, the song narrates a modern story with metaphoric imagery, depicting a dance with a stranger that quickly turns dangerous. The track's brutal instrumentation mirrors the dark undercurrents of vulnerability and self-preservation. ​

'The Poet' continues the onslaught with intricate guitar work and dynamic tempo shifts. The track's composition reflects the tumultuous journey of confronting one's inner demons, seamlessly blending melodic interludes with crushing breakdowns.​ The song’s frantic pacing feels like a panic attack in musical form; urgent and claustrophobic. Through the chaos, there’s a strange sense of clarity, as if the music itself is helping process the pain it’s expressing.

'Saboteur' stands out with its unexpected introduction, incorporating airhorn sounds that catch the listener off guard. This creative choice transitions into a powerful display of vocal interplay between lead vocalist Yasmine Liverneaux and backing vocalists Corey Doremus and Kyle Muenzner, exemplifying the band's innovative approach to the genre. The instrumentation isn’t just a backdrop to Face Yourself, it’s confrontational. The chugging riffs and screamed refrains almost feel like an argument with oneself, a back-and-forth between hope and despair.

Closing the EP, 'Sideration' encapsulates the essence of Martyr. The track features electronic elements that add a modern twist to the band's deathcore roots. The atmospheric intro builds into a heavy, layered composition, symbolizing the cyclical nature of mental health battles and the balance between empowerment and self-doubt.​

There’s something beautifully tragic about how the melodies float above the chaos—fragile yet defiant. It’s as if the band is holding a mirror up to the listener’s darkest thoughts and saying, “You’re not alone.” That emotional resonance, delivered not just by lyrics but through the music’s weight and shape, is what makes Martyr stand out.

Produced by Joey Sturgis, known for his work with Asking Alexandria and Of Mice & Men, Martyr achieves a polished yet raw sound that captures the band's emotional intensity. The EP reflects the non-linear journey of healing, acknowledging that confronting one's demons often involves revisiting dark places before finding light.

In summary, Martyr is a compelling addition to Face Yourself's discography, offering listeners a visceral experience that resonates both musically and emotionally. The band's fusion of aggressive deathcore elements with poignant themes sets them apart in the modern metal scene.​

Score: 7/10

Martyr will be released on April 18th 2025 via Sumerian Records.

Words: Jason De Mendonca

Photos: Face Yourself