Martyr Music Group Acquires Hammerheart America

It's a little late, but better than never...

On October 1st, an agreement was made between Martyr Music Group (USA) and Hammerheart Records (Netherlands) to merge Hammerheart America into MMG completely. The two companies have existed separately, yet side by side, since Martyr Music Group owner, Maria Abril, opened Hammerheart America in the summer of 2000. Commenting on the merger Abril said, "While it was easy enough to run two labels separately from one location, it started to become apparent to both myself and the owners of Hammerheart in Holland that there was a better path for us to take while still ensuring the proper coverage for our artists throughout North America. This way there is less red tape and Martyr Music will continue to grow the way I had planned in 2002. Now artists like Sinister, Dismember and Control Denied will be licensed directly to Martyr Music Group, instead of simply utilizing it's distribution. That, to me, is a very special honor and when I look back on the 3.5 years of history already behind MMG, I can hardly believe this is all real."

The first release from Hammerheart to be issued on Martyr comes from Death Metal veterans and former Nuclear Blast recording artists, Sinister. The album, "Creative Killings" will be available on November 6th, the same day as "Monument of Death" from Blood Red Throne (Tchort, x-Emperor/Satyricon) and "Alpha and Omega" from Martyr Music recording artists, Penance. 2002 already looks to be a very busy year with scheduled releases from Dismember, Satariel (with Messiah/Candlemass on guest vocals), Necrophobic and many more coming from Hammerheart BV. In addition, Martyr Music's latest signing; Council of the Fallen will release their debut CD, "Revealing Damnation" in late January.

"We are very happy to see our artists being licensed to Martyr Music Group, so we know they will get the attention and treatment they deserve. The future for Hammerheart Records looks great, and the contribution from Martyr's side only makes it better...we wish Maria and her Headbanger-staff all the success for 2002!" (Guido Heijnens - Hammerheart)

"The people at Hammerheart are all really great people. They're honest and they've always treated my staff and I with the utmost respect. I am extremely positive over the idea of continuing on with them and watching something that I gave birth to over three years ago, thrive and make a serious dent in the industry." (Abril)

Source: Eternal Frost