Divine Martyr

Divine Martyr began in 2016 as collaboration between Woody, Mark, and (then guitarist) Daniel Klingler (prior to departure in mid-spring 2016). Later in the year, the band selected vocalist Darlene Parson and Jason Hyde as permanent guitarist. This lineup released the single "Martyr's Hymn" in December of 2016, which was inspired by stories of martyrdom worldwide. In the summer of 2017, the band released the EP, "Trials", which includes the songs 'Lament', 'Fear', and 'Temptation.' Deciding on a change of direction, the band parted ways with Darlene in 2018 and auditioned for both tenor and soprano voices (pursuing the idea of dual lead vocals). Shortly thereafter, the band announced two new members, Natalie Lafevra and Luke Mellinger.
Divine Martyr fills the gap between the powerful, symphonic grandeur of 19th and 20th century orchestral composition and high energy power/progressive metal, with lyrics drawing the broken listener toward hope... namely our Messiah. Divine Martyr's music differs from the 'praise' centered formats of the CCM genres and moves lyrically toward a 'topic-centered' approach. We too have faced many of the struggles that the world faces. In those struggles, we were shown the way towards Jesus. In turn, we hope to show that path to the many who struggle with these very issues: addiction, depression, rage, rejection, abuse, emptiness, hunger, poverty, bankruptcy, and disease. We are at war, and this is the battlefield. It is our hope that our music fills, uplifts, and strengthens the listener to not only to "be at peace", but to join us in the ongoing battle against evil.
The music of Divine Martyr reflects life. A life of struggle, and yet one of hope. One of importance, bringing forth the message of our Messiah through trial and tribulation, and remembering those who have given all for their faith. For life is not without struggle, and yet through struggle we persevere. So we run but do not grow weary, playing to an audience of One...
We seek not to tickle the ears of the saved, but to reach the broken, the lost, the rejected, the 'others'. (see Matthew 9:12)