Face Yourself – Martyr EP: A Relentless Dive into the Beautifully Brutal Abyss

Out Friday, April 18 via Sumerian Records

Review By Ian Walker

Vulnerability Meets Violence in This Fierce Five-Track Offering

When brutality and vulnerability collide, the result is often either chaos or catharsis — Martyr, the brand-new EP from transcontinental deathcore juggernauts Face Yourself, is both. Released via Sumerian Records and produced by none other than Joey Sturgis (known for shaping the sound of Asking Alexandria and The Devil Wears Prada), this five-track gut-punch is equal parts emotional reckoning and sonic annihilation.

With band members hailing from New York, New Jersey, Colorado, and France, Face Yourself harness a rare blend of cultural perspectives and hardcore precision. Leading the charge is Yasmine Liverneaux, whose vocal intensity and lyrical depth cut deeper than your average growl-and-breakdown affair. Martyr isn’t just heavy — it’s meaningful, and that’s what sets it apart.

Track-by-Track Breakdown: Short, Sharp & Unforgettable

“Primal” (
Serving as the perfect intro, Primal is raw and unrelenting — a furious declaration of intent. Blast beats thunder beneath guttural vocals that border on inhuman, while ominous synth textures set the tone for the carnage to follow. It’s not just an opener — it’s a warning shot.

“Predatory”
This track lurches forward like a beast in full pursuit. Liverneaux’s screams are visceral, layering themes of exploitation and survival over slamming riffs and tight tempo shifts. Sturgis’ production adds a polished chaos, keeping every snare hit sharp and every drop-tuned chug absolutely seismic.

“Saboteur” (3:01)
Perhaps the most lyrically vulnerable moment of the EP, Saboteur explores the internal battles of self-destruction. The balance between eerie clean guitar interludes and blast-heavy aggression is perfectly executed here. The band plays with contrast — dissonance meets melody, power meets despair — and it’s spine-tingling.

“The Poet” (3:12)
A standout for both its sonic experimentation and poetic lyricism. This track could sit proudly next to Lorna Shore or Make Them Suffer with its sweeping orchestral elements and layered screams. Liverneaux delivers a mix of growls and almost spoken-word fury that elevates this to an artistic level rarely seen in deathcore.

“Sideration” (3:30)
Ending the EP with apocalyptic grandeur, Sideration is a blackened-core juggernaut that leaves no emotion untouched. Named after the state of paralysis brought on by shock or fear, this song nails that theme. The breakdown? Earth-shattering. The melody? Haunting. The message? Crystal clear — pain can be power.

A New Standard in Modern Deathcore

The Martyr EP is more than just a collection of breakdowns and screams. It’s a concept — a sonic exploration of mental health, self-reflection, and the long shadow of trauma. Every track feels like it was written with a purpose, not just to mosh, but to move you — emotionally and physically.

What makes Face Yourself stand out in an increasingly saturated scene is their command of dynamics. They know exactly when to pull back and let melody creep in, and when to punch you straight in the chest with a riff that drops like a guillotine. There’s no filler here. Every note serves a purpose. Every scream is earned.

Thoughts: Deathcore with Depth

Martyr is both punishing and poetic — a rare balance that few bands pull off with such conviction. Face Yourself are redefining what modern deathcore can be: intelligent, inclusive, and emotionally charged. With Yasmine Liverneaux at the helm and Joey Sturgis behind the boards, this EP doesn’t just hit hard — it resonates.

Face Yourself may have just five tracks here, but they say more in 15 minutes than some bands do in a full-length. There’s no doubt about it — this is one of the most exciting, purposeful deathcore releases of the year.

Track Listing:

1. Primal – 1:48
2. Predatory – 2:56
3. Saboteur – 3:01
4. The Poet – 3:12
5. Sideration – 3:30

9/10 – Martyr is short, sharp, and unapologetically intense. A flawless fusion of emotional weight and extreme heaviness. Face Yourself are not your average deathcore band — they’re the future of it.