Since their formation back in October 1999, black metal act Martyrium has grown into one of the leading bands in its genre, quickly establishing a firm foothold on the local metal scene with the release of debut album Withering in Voluptuous Embrace in 2001.

Showcasing the band’s mesh of morbid ambience and vitriolic outbursts draped in symphonic black metal, the album attracted the attention of various foreign labels, and Martyrium eventually signed with Mexican label American Line Productions, who re-released the first album internationally, helping to boost the band’s profile.

In 2004, Martyrium got their first taste of the foreign live circuit, touring in Belgium and France and sharing the stage with international acts such as Earaction, Morrigu, Der Kaiser Der Narren, Positiv Hate and Kryzees.

The experience suited them well, and the band has performed abroad several times since then, clocking up appearances alongside international acts such as Barritus, Black Messiah, Eluveitie, Cruachan and German veterans Daargesin.

In 2006, the band supported Death metal act Purgatory on tour. That same year, the band realigned its musical vision to incorporate heavier guitar-work and darker atmospheric layers into their music.

It is in this vein that the band’s third and latest album Awakening the Ancient was written and is now ready to be unleashed.

The album will be released on Friday during a live gig by the band at Remedy Rock Bar in Paceville.

Doors open at 9 p.m. For further information, log on to www.myspace.com/martyriummlt.