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MARTIGAN

Neo-Prog • Germany


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Martigan biography
Founded in Cologne, Germany in 1994 - Disbanded in 2019

This Cologne-based foursome from the mid-90's plays some fine neo-prog in the best tradition of IQ, JADIS, PENDRAGON, early MARILLION and SAGA, but with a subtle and very pleasant flavour of their own. They went through quite a few line changes and now feature Alex Bisch on drums, brother Björn Bisch on guitars, Peter Kindler on bass, Oliver Strahl on keyboards and Kai Marckwordt on bass, guitar, sax, flute and lead vocals (a cross between Phil Collins and Dave Cousins, his vocals are truly outstanding).

Since the mid 90's, the band released two full-length albums and a maxi CD before the excellent "Man of the Moment" (2002); this one is the most mature of the lot and contains no weak tracks. Although no one really stands out, the musicianship is always sharp, the songwriting well crafted and the vocals sincere and powerful. If you wish, you can hear the entire album on their website; the files are highly compressed, however, and the sound quality is very poor.

If you're into neo prog and the words 'strongly melodic', 'accessible' and 'lush/full sound' appeal to you, you definitely ought to give their 2002 album a try. We are talking major-league neo-prog here.

: : : Lise (HIBOU), CANADA : : :

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MARTIGAN discography


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MARTIGAN top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

2.58 | 21 ratings
Stolzenbach
1995
3.29 | 28 ratings
Ciel Ouvert
1996
3.63 | 49 ratings
Man Of The Moment
2002
3.86 | 145 ratings
Vision
2009
3.86 | 76 ratings
Distant Monsters
2015

MARTIGAN Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

MARTIGAN Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

4.43 | 7 ratings
Live in Koln
2004

MARTIGAN Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

MARTIGAN Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

2.23 | 3 ratings
Simplicius (Maxi CD)
1997

MARTIGAN Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 Distant Monsters by MARTIGAN album cover Studio Album, 2015
3.86 | 76 ratings

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Distant Monsters
Martigan Neo-Prog

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

4 stars By the time of Martigan's fifth album in 2015 they had been releasing music for 20 years and given their incredibly solid neo-style of progressive rock one can certainly see where they had come from. If I had heard this back in the early Nineties, I would have said it fitted in incredibly well with the current scene, although these days the sub-genre is looked down upon and many bands have moved away. Kai Markwordt (lead & backing vocals, electric, Spanish & 12- string guitars), Björn Bisch (guitars, e-bow), Oliver Strahl (Rebhan) (keyboards, backing vocals), Mario Koch (bass, clarinet), and Alex Bisch (drums, percussion, backing vocals).

It took them six years to release this one, during which time there was only a slight change in personnel with a new bassist, and this was their final release, announcing their break-up in 2019 after 25 years together. That is a real shame, as this is a very enjoyable album, full of the styles I became so involved with 30 years ago in the underground. There are times when they are somewhat reminiscent of Citizen Cain, although not as overtly Genesis in nature, and I think that is probably down to the rich vocals of Markwordt who has a wonderful presence. The breadth and style, together with gruffness, is in direct contrast to the cleanliness of the arrangements which are both busy and simplistic. Take "Complicius" for example, we not only have a large number of drum rolls but hand percussion, a fretless bass taking melody, keyboards which can be both driving and supportive and a guitar which does the same, along with a perfectly formed solo.

Their Facebook page is still active, even though there have been no updates in a year, and it looks like this really was the end for Martigan, which based on this is a real shame as this is a thoroughly enjoyable album which all those into melodic Neo would certainly enjoy.

 Vision by MARTIGAN album cover Studio Album, 2009
3.86 | 145 ratings

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Vision
Martigan Neo-Prog

Review by friso
Prog Reviewer

5 stars Martigan is a German heavy neo-prog group in the vain of Arena, IQ and Pallas. This album, 'Vision', is their most well-known record and though not without its controversy, it is seen as a classic of the genre. Well, this is basically so deeply neo-prog that its probably impossible to get into for outsiders of the genre. The implied sophistication, the scif-fi atmospheres, the bombastic symphonic arrangements and vocal theatrics are all over the place here. Furthermore, the record runs for almost 80 minutes and has two tracks clocking over 20 minutes long. The heavy guitars by Bj'rn Bisch remind me of John Mitchell's style on Arena's 'Contagion' and his great solo's are among the best the genre has to offer. His leads on the opening track 'Boatmans Vision' are very exciting and cast that perfect neo-prog mystique. The songwriting reminds me a bit of Pallas. A great eye for what is really catchy and works, but also that slightly unfinished feel and lack of sense about how to keep things approachable - which as a fan of the genre I myself really like (after four spins anyway). When all is said and done Martigan has one major flaw; the German accent of vocalist Kai Markwordt is so bad you don't even recognize most English words. I simply don't understand why a band, a producer or a record company would even accept this, whereas such a problem can easily be fixed by taking lessons. The seemingly shameless attitude of Markwordt is however also his biggest attribute; his variety in using his voice in different ways and enthusiasm for the music is quite special. He is obviously inspired by early Fish. The album its first halve is perhaps the better halve (I would rate it five stars) and I would approach this album as a double record. The second halve doesn't have any weak moment as well, but it lacks the excellence and on point songwriting of a track like 'Boatmans Vision'. It does offer some variety in sound pallet with 'Red & Green' having a jungle vibe and 'The Contract' with its lighter and more contemplative atmosphere. 'Much More' is a nice up tempo rocker as well. Together they make up for this very worthwhile release that fans of neo-prog should listen to. I would love to be able to get a 2lp of Martigan's 'Vision', but I doubt there will ever be such a re-release.
 Distant Monsters by MARTIGAN album cover Studio Album, 2015
3.86 | 76 ratings

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Distant Monsters
Martigan Neo-Prog

Review by SilverLight59

4 stars Let's bring the distant monster a little closer so we can get a better look.

So, I was reading a review for another artist that I like quite a bit, and the reviewer said if you like this then you really need to check out Martigan's 'Distant Monsters'. That was great advice. As has often been the case here on the archives I discovered another great artist I had never heard of.

First glimpse of the album artwork, while amusing, didn't leave me overly optimistic of what would follow musically. But within a few notes of the first track it was apparent that this was going to be a grand adventure.

Theodor's Walls, a bit of a mini epic track starts with a haunting piano cycle and some slow guitar licks and then chunky base, and then followed by emotional vocals well suited to the musical journey to follow. The sound runs from kind of poppy happy to sinister, interwoven with vocal sound clips, from very relaxed to a rising intensity. And while not a real common thing in prog music there is a chorus hook that comes in intermittently that ties it all together, but trust me this is not hit music radio friendly ' they just wouldn't understand. A spectacular opening track that has been on my heavy rotation for some time. Amusingly to me, while the lyrics are in English, is that half the time I don't have a clue what the words are, and I don't even care as it all sounds so good! A definite 10/10

Lion starts with big beat drums and nice guitar, has a certain Genesis / Peter Gabriel feel to it. This one has a a number of tempo changes, some great keys, guitar runs, and an appealing tension that really drives it a long. Great lyrics ; one of my favorite tracks. 10/10

Simplicious is a lovely ballad with warm lyrics, and a nice guitar solo to wrap it up. Not an overly complicated piece but one that is immensely enjoyable. In a perfect world that accepts prog music maybe this would be a hit single? Probably not I suppose. 9/10

Complicious is also in a ballad mode, but an entirely different tempo and lyrical arrangement. It builds to a nice intensity towards the end and also features a guitar solo to close it up. While this and the previous track have a similar overall song structure, they don't sound much a like and both are a good listen. 8/10

The lake starts with a crunchy key board riff that runs through most of the song that sets the general tone in an up beat mid tempo pace with more urgent lyrics that suit the music well. About midway through the base starts becoming more prominent followed by a nice melodic guitar run that lasts several minutes. Eventually the base and keys come back and take over, and then finishes up with a restrained lead guitar solo. Closes out with almost singable lyrics. Very nice! 10/10

On Tiptoe starts just like the name indicates, with pensive slow piano notes, a low lyric. The singing here has a Peter Gabriel aura to it, which helps make it easily accessible. While I like this tract it never really lifts off but remains in the same tone all the way through. Maybe the weakest track, and yet not bad. It's just that the other tracks are so good! 7/10

Fire on the Pier comes out of the gate with some strong guitar and growling lyrics, as growling goes for Martigan. A nice contrast to the previous low key track. Like the lyrics on this, very melodic and memorable, again with some chorus type hooks here and there that nicely keep the song all tied together. This one features some nice drum work, guitar exercises, tempo changes, and the like. 8/10

Take Me or Leave Me starts once again with the pensive lone piano. A very vulnerable feeling song that lingers for about three minutes and then picks up in intensity and fades back. This is repeated two or three times and finally slowly fades out once and for all. While a nice track, seems a bit weak for the album closer. Might have been better placed earlier in the set. 7/10

Wow! Over all, a great find. This is melodic prog with good lyrics, well sung, and a nice array of musical highlights. While much is pretty mellow, there are moments that lift off musically, but always suitably restrained. Just the way I like it.

From what I have been able to ascertain, Martigan puts out a new album about every four to five years, so they should be about due. Let's hope!

And, oh yeah, I decided that I really like the album cover artwork a lot. Not sure how it ties in to the music, but guess it doesn't really matter when the music is this good.

Four plus distant monsters for this one!

 Ciel Ouvert by MARTIGAN album cover Studio Album, 1996
3.29 | 28 ratings

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Ciel Ouvert
Martigan Neo-Prog

Review by Harold Needle

4 stars Recently I've been doing my usual "search for the prog" ritual, and this album cought my attention, as I'm really sold on these obsolete 3D computer graphics, especially as prog-rock album covers.

So, Martigan is a german quintet, playing mild and dreamy neo-prog, very similar to the other neo-prog bands from the era, although with less of energy and darkness, and with more romantic feeling. The music is not very complex or original, but the atmosphere is definitely there. The vocalist really brings Peter Gabriel and Peter Nicholls to mind, which is not necessarily a bad thing: he may not have the most impressive voice in the world, but surely it works on this record very nicely. I really enjoy the guitar playing: it's colorful (both in sound and play) and has a lot of emocional feel in it (kinda similar to David Gilmour's style). The keys, unfortunately, are rather tame, and are used mostly to create an atmosphere with pads, however, they do get more complex and playful at times. I really like the sound of the keys as well - while other people generally dislike such "cheesy" and "cheap" 90's synths, I happen to enjoy them a lot. The rhythmic section is nice as well - nothing particularly breathtaking, but these guys surely know how to make good use of their instruments.

The problem I have with this record, is that it lacks energy and fury, and it's a bit repetitive as well, mostly in terms of mood. The atmosphere is very nice and plesant, but it doesn't change too much as the songs go by. Even if some songs get more energetic and rocking, the overall mood stays the same. Compositionally, it may use some more rememberable and essential moments, but overall it's definitely not bad.

I think most people would find this a rather mediocre record, and honestly, in some ways I find it mediocre as well. But, from the other hand, it somehow manages to please me with it's gorgeous romantic/synthetic neo-prog-from- the-90's feeling very well. Nothing really special or essential, but still a great, well put-together and enjoyable album. For the music itself, I think I'd rate it 3.75 stars, but it deserves some bonus points for the pleasant, dreamy atmoshpere and a superb cover art. It seems to me that this release will appeal mostly to those, who enjoy early Genesis, IQ, Gilmour-era Pink Floyd ("A Momentary Lapse of Reason" & "The Division Bell"), and even... some Phil Collins' solo works! Warmly recommended.

 Distant Monsters by MARTIGAN album cover Studio Album, 2015
3.86 | 76 ratings

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Distant Monsters
Martigan Neo-Prog

Review by Windhawk
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars German band MARTIGAN has been an ongoing venture for more than 20 years, and following a few initial albums released in quick succession early on, they now come out with a new album in a five to six year long cycles. "Distant Monsters" is their fifth studio recording, and was released by Progressive Promotion Records towards the tail end of 2015.

Elegant, accessible and melodic neo-progressive rock comes across as the rock-solid foundation upon which Martigan crafts their compositions. With a foot and a half well inside early '80s neo-progressive rock, with some careful flavors and details borrowed from the sound many such bands explored in the '90s to boot, Martigan's latest production comes across as a truly delightful album for anyone with an interest in early neo-progressive rock, and perhaps especially those with a passionate interest for bands exploring similar landscapes to what the Fish-era Marillion did back in the day.

 Distant Monsters by MARTIGAN album cover Studio Album, 2015
3.86 | 76 ratings

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Distant Monsters
Martigan Neo-Prog

Review by Rivertree
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator / Band Submissions

4 stars Try to pick up the spirit and create your own thing! Since they are active for more than two decades in the meanwhile, the MARTIGAN crew have the ability to make a lasting impression, at least when it comes to such a distant monster like this. The band is mainly, but not solely, underway in the neo prog tradition. Thus, from time to time you will detect hints pointing to the likes of IQ, Marillion, Saga, RPWL, Gate6. So much for a rough orientation music-wise. What matters in the end, no wonder, touches the quality of the compositions, and the characteristics the particular members are contributing.

Concerning the latter I'd like to mention Kai Markwordt first of all. His vocals are one of a kind really, very empathic, optimally integrated into the sound. Just starting with Theodor's Walls all the aforementioned attributes are blended here. I mean the unusual multi-variant song structure, rich guitar riffing in between, the quite simple but perfect piano loop which accompanies you over the course, and finally a singing voice which leaves me with no option but to be excited. This track appears to be outstanding, a real masterpiece!

The following songs are offering more diverse impressions, from a wonderfully relaxed and melodic appearance regarding Simplicius and TipToe to some extended instrumental parts to be found on The Lake or Fire On The Pier for example. Hell! It took some time to write my words, released in December last year the album ultimately obtained a place on my top twenty list for 2015 at least. Recommended, 'Distant Monsters' is an album of a high caliber. Don't miss that!

 Distant Monsters by MARTIGAN album cover Studio Album, 2015
3.86 | 76 ratings

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Distant Monsters
Martigan Neo-Prog

Review by tbstars1

4 stars Occasionally, just occasionally, in over fifty years of listening, a record turns up which I can simply enjoy from start to finish, without any need to seek out the fast forward button. Think of...Forever Changes (Love's tour-de-force and, arguably, still the greatest LP ever released), Trespass, Stand Up (totally overshadows the later, much-trumpeted Aqualung, in my opinion), CTTE, Pollen, Life is Beautiful (Holly Lerski) (a criminally overlooked and under-rated indie masterpiece), Script, In the Region of the Summer Stars, Hurry up, We're Dreaming (M83) (magnificent, synth-washed colossus), van Occupanther, Difference Machine, Road of Bones..... you get the picture. I wouldn't go so far as to elevate Distant Monsters to the giddy heights of the aforementioned, but this is an absolutely cracking, sumptuous-sounding CD, with all eight tracks bang on the nail, beautifully paced, with foot-tapping rhythms, swirling undercurrents, soaring guitar breaks and memorable chorus lines...all in all, neo-prog heaven. Overall sound is not far removed from that of Red Sand, but that's just fine as far as I'm concerned. All in all, for sheer pleasure and enjoyment, this takes some beating. Release date saw it squeezed into back end of 2015, long after "Best of Year" polls had closed, but I reckon this might otherwise have knocked much of the competition into a cocked hat. Absolutely loved it.
 Vision by MARTIGAN album cover Studio Album, 2009
3.86 | 145 ratings

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Vision
Martigan Neo-Prog

Review by mbzr48

5 stars This album is my favorite album of all times with Genesis's Gabriel years!!! Why did I never hear of German band Martigan before? I asked myself that question many times while listening to Vision. Let me first say something about the band's history. In 1994, keyboardist Oliver Rebhan founded Martigan. Besides Oliver, Alex Bisch (drums & vocals) and Kai Marckwordt (lead vocals & twelve-string acoustic guitar) are both band members from the very beginning. In 1998, Alex' brother and guitarist Björn Bisch joined the band. Their former bass player left in 2000; Peter Kindler replaced him. Kindler performed all the bass parts on Vision, but left at the end of 2008 for personal reasons. In the meantime, the band incorporated Oliver Baumann as their new bass player. Before their latest effort Vision, the band already released three full-length albums, a maxi CD with radio edits and a live DVD.

After this short introduction of Martigan, I would like to let you know why Vision in my opinion is a true masterpiece. First, the album does not contain any weak track. All songs reach a very high quality level with the best progressive rock music possible. You almost get eighty minutes of very enjoyable prog music without a moment of boredom. You can compare the band's musical style to Genesis, IQ, Pallas and early Marillion. It is mainly Kai Marckwordt's great voice, which is responsible for that musical style. His singing reminds me a lot of Fish, Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins. Without the fantastic instrumentation done by Oliver, Alex and Björn, however, Martigan would not have been able to make such a strong album. Oliver Rebhan is a real keyboard virtuoso. He plays very tastefully and with great skills on his synths. On a carpet of beautiful melodies, Björn Bisch lays down his lyrical guitar solos. Alex Bisch is a very talented drummer. Sometimes you think that he must have at least four arms instead of two. I think the bass parts are the weakest on the album, but still good enough and very functional. In fact, the music of Martigan is beyond words. I can rave on and on about this superb album, but superlatives fail to describe this outstanding album. Vision is a 'must have' for everybody who loves emotional music made by the above-mentioned bands. This album will certainly become one of my personal favorites of 2009. It is a true masterpiece and for that reason, I will give Vision the highest rating of five stars!!!

 Vision by MARTIGAN album cover Studio Album, 2009
3.86 | 145 ratings

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Vision
Martigan Neo-Prog

Review by Warthur
Prog Reviewer

3 stars Martigan's Vision might be shamelessly Genesis-mimicing neo-prog, but - as I always find myself saying about The Watch - at least they're interesting about it. With vocal performances drawing mainly on Peter Gabriel's style (with a touch of Dave Cousins and Phil Collins sprinkled in, as others have preserved) and a musical approach which takes an unusually forceful and strident approach to the classic 80s neo-prog sound, it's not anything prog veterans haven't heard before, but it's nice to hear bands doing it so well. Shave a star off if you really can't stand Genesis imitation, but otherwise I think most neo-prog fans will think this is a reasonably exciting and entertaining second tier effort.

For me, though, the vocals slightly spoil it; they're prominent enough to be hard to ignore, and it's a little too obvious that Kai Markwordt is trying to imitate Peter Gabriel and not quite pulling it off.

 Ciel Ouvert by MARTIGAN album cover Studio Album, 1996
3.29 | 28 ratings

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Ciel Ouvert
Martigan Neo-Prog

Review by apps79
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

3 stars Martigan met music-producer Rudolf Nepix from Cologne soon after the release of ''Stolzenbach'', who was actually the one who encouraged the band to work on a second album.With the same line-up Martigan entered the studio and the result was the ''Ciel Ouvert'' CD in 1996, again released on the Cologne-based label Floh Dur.

The album shows some noticable improvement over the very weak ''Stolzenbach'', as Martigan play some more interesting and focused musicianship on this album with memorable and demanding material, not meeting the high standards of other Neo Prog bands, but moving certainly on the right direction.The dull and cheesy moments of the debut are almost gone and the gifted vocalist named Kai Markwordt now performs under more dramatic and progressive arrangements.His slightly GABRIEL-esque tone meets series of melodic, groovy compositions with some fine guitar solos, passionate atmospheres, powerful rhythm section and balanced keyboard work.The vocal arrangements are also more interesting and expressive, a couple of more mellow ballad tracks are now more needed than ever to soften the heavier tracks and the inspired keyboard/guitar solos along with the fair amount of breaks are more than welcome.On the other hand the somewhat cheap digital keyboards, the clear but mechanical mixing and a few moments recalling the low quality of ''Stolzenbach'' are present as well, scribbling down a bit the new face of Martigan.

Finally Martigan can be considered a band with a brighter future and potential for something trully essential.For the moment ''Ciel Ouvert'' is a good Neo Prog album along the lines of FINAL CONFLICT, MAGRATHEA, COLLAGE and SATELLITE with enough interesting material to be regarded as a recommended release.

Thanks to ProgLucky for the artist addition. and to Quinino for the last updates

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