The search for a new vocalist was not that easy and Martyr recruited after a couple of auditions Adrian Quinten. In the meantime, the band also had the offer to be the support act for former Runaways guitarist Lita Ford in Paradiso, Amsterdam (07-06-84). So, this gig was an excellent opportunity to present their new lead singer/frontman to the public. That evening the band played better than their performance in Luttenberg, but unfortunately mainly suffered from the bad acoustics that prevailed in the famous Amsterdam pop temple. Musical progression was definite noticeable in the presented setlist, and Martyr had a good blueprint in their hands to record these songs. And recorded the first version of the “For the universe” demo.
After a while Adrian left the band and former vocalist Robert van Haren returned on board. With him, Martyr recorded a brand-new version of the former “For the Universe” demo. This remix version was intended as a promo/demo for record labels, who showed some interest in the band. Robert jumped off the ship again and a new replacement was found in Gerard Vergouw. With this new addition the band recorded a new track called "En Masse (Stand or Die)" for the “Metal Massacre V” compilation album, which only got released in the US and which was only available through the import channels in the EU. Megaton, a sub-record label of Boudisque, sees potential in the band and offers them a record deal. In the beginning of November 1984, the recording phase of “For the Universe” was started at the Trinity Studios in Utrecht with Faas van der Pol as producer. The “Metal Torture” demo and the bands participation on the compilation album “Dutch Steel” had aroused, in addition to the much press attention, also a lot of interest from German bookers and promoters. Rick told me at the Bon Jovi/Kiss concert that a possible tour through Germany is in the pipeline. And I offered to come along for a tour report. We will keep in touch about this….
Marko van Haren