Protomartyr is an American post-punk band formed in Detroit, Michigan in 2010. The band is composed of vocalist Joe Casey, guitarist Greg Ahee, bassist Scott Davidson, and drummer Alex Leonard. Protomartyr's sound is characterized by a dark and brooding intensity, blending together elements of punk, rock, and post-punk while often reflecting on themes of existential despair, political anxiety, and the decay of urban life. Their lyrics are known for being both poignantly narrative and abstract, delving into the complexities of the human condition with a literary flair reflective of Casey's keen interest in literature and philosophy.

The band gained significant attention with the release of their third studio album, "The Agent Intellect," in 2015, but they reached a new creative peak with their 2017 album "Relatives In Descent." This was followed by the "Consolation E.P." in 2018, which featured guest musicians like Kelley Deal from The Breeders. Protomartyr continued to earn critical acclaim with their fifth album, "Ultimate Success Today," released in 2020. The album's foreboding tone and raw energy, encapsulated in tracks such as “Processed By The Boys” and “Michigan Hammers,” further cemented their reputation as one of the most compelling and distinctive bands in the contemporary post-punk scene. With each new release, including their most recent work like "Formal Growth In The Desert" and "Polacrilex Kid," Protomartyr continuously pushes the boundaries of their sound while maintaining the sharp edge and intellectual depth that have become their hallmarks.

Genres

American Post-punk

Crank Wave

Detroit Rock

Indie Punk

Noise Pop

Noise Rock

Related Artists

Fontaines D.C.

The Fall

Interpol

IDLES

Wire

Parquet Courts

Preoccupations

The Smiths

Metz

The Clash

New Order

Joy Division

Latest Release

Lilac Chaser (D33 aka Danny Daze Remix)

Protomartyr•

Danny Daze

Single - Released June 26, 2024