Naarm/Melbourne-based metal band The Last Martyr have today revealed their zealous EP Requiem, produced and mixed by Chris Lalic (Windwaker, Days Like These).
Requiem is seven tracks of subversive, soul-stirring metal led by the versatile vocals of lead singer Monica Strut as she chronicles the EPs evolving narrative of apocalypse, destruction and disrespect of Mother Nature. Instrumentally, the EP bounces between soaring, spacious choruses and rhythmically dense, action-packed riffs, creating an ambitious and thematic body of work.
Monica explains the inspiration behind the EP: “The ‘Requiem’ EP is about the human species’ journey towards, throughout and after the apocalypse. It touches on themes of denial, destruction, control, fear, love and more. Each song stands alone with its own story but is brought together by this overarching theme. As the EP commences with ‘Xenox’, we’re in a state of denial, looking away and partying towards our impending doom. This leads into ‘Antidote’, where we begin to acknowledge the darkness of the world, leaning on love to get through. By the time we reach the title track, we’re confronted by a fierce battle between Mother Nature and humankind. Man loses and is forced to confront mortality. This is when ‘The Nihilist’ takes place, as we want something – anything bigger than ourselves to believe in. ‘Critical Mass’ is the crossroads before ‘Burn It Down’ marks the end of the world, reflecting our disregard for each other, especially women, which mirrors our disrespect for Mother Nature. Finally, we end with ‘Venus Retrograde’, the most painful song on the record about separation.”
The band will perform two headline shows at Naarm/Melbourne’s Workers Club and Eora/Sydney’s Burdekin Hotel to accompany the release. This continues on from sharing the stage with the likes of Black Veil Brides (USA), Dayseeker (USA), Story of the Year (USA), Hanabie. (JPN), Paledusk (JPN), The Getaway Plan and RedHook. They have also performed at festivals such as UNIFY Off The Record (2023), Froth & Fury (2022), BIGSOUND (2022), Halloween Hysteria (2022) and UNIFY Gathering (2022).
Order Vinyl / Merch Packages – HERE
