Layton & Martin is a 2-piece instrumental Metal band comprised of guitarist-Nick Layton(FireWölfe, Q5) from Washington state and bassist-Roger Dale Martin(Vengeance Rising, Die Happy) from Tennessee. Layton & Martin formed back in 2020 when a mutual friend from 'Sanctuary International' shared contact info with Martin about a guitarist named Nick Layton. Not long after receiving the information, Martin reached out to Nick and the two came together to form the band in August of 2020.
Normally, this reviewer can't be found writing reviews of instrumental bands unless their arrangements portray a message of Truth. With that said, Layton & Martin's work presents a message that is unconventionally achieved through the voice of Layton's electric guitar. This concept only works if the album's songs & lyrics are well known by the audience such as traditional church hymns of old. A few bands that have successfully managed to accomplish this concept include Trans Siberian Orchestra, Abraham Amador(Sacrifice), and Neil Zaza(A Night At The Palace).
Normally, this reviewer can't be found writing reviews of instrumental bands unless their arrangements portray a message of Truth. With that said, Layton & Martin's work presents a message that is unconventionally achieved through the voice of Layton's electric guitar. This concept only works if the album's songs & lyrics are well known by the audience such as traditional church hymns of old. A few bands that have successfully managed to accomplish this concept include Trans Siberian Orchestra, Abraham Amador(Sacrifice), and Neil Zaza(A Night At The Palace).
Over the years, some bands which have influenced both Layton & Martin include Mel Schacher of Grand Funk Railroad, Dee Dee Ramone of the Ramones, Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Gary Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Vinnie Moore, and John Sykes just to mention a few.
In 2021 Layton & Martin released their debut instrumental album titled 'Roxology-Unearthing Majestic Hymns from The Catacombs' on Roxx Records. This project is a collection of well known hymns that probably are not going to appeal to your grandparents taste of music. Layton & Martin's musical concept is better understood in the visual imagery of the band taking front and center by storm and kicking the Hammond Orgon off the stage and replacing it with Electric Guitars along with Peavey speakers stacked to the ceiling...Hahaha!!
With this release, Layton & Martin have taken each hymn and carefully dusted them off. They then took a long look at each hymn through their Metal forged lenses in order to reimagine and breathe new life into these timeless classics. Without question, both Layton and Martin's efforts have not returned unfruitful and what the band has presented is a sizzling hot slab of pure molten Metal!
On this 'Roxology' release, both Layton & Martin recorded and arranged all of the album's music. Nick Layton produced & mixed the recording and Rob Perez mastered it. Don Waite, Chris Dorman and Scott Herrin of 'Sanctuary International', all helped in selecting the hymns for this project. The album's cover art & inserts were all done by Don Waite who is a friend of the band. I must say, the cover art fits well with the album's story and seems to depict what might be seen as one enters into the dark catacombs to find a certain treasure...
In addition, the lyrics for each instrumental track are included within the album. They are provided so the listener can spend time meditating on the great Biblical truths declared by the original hymn writers. This music will enrich you in your pursuit of a deeper and richer worship of our Majestic God. The track list for 'Roxology' includes such classic hymns as "A Mighty Fortress", "How Great Thou Art", "Old Rugged Cross", and "I'll Fly Away" just to mention a few. If you grew up singing these kinds of traditional songs in your church, then it's very likely that you will find yourself humming or singing along as Layton's electrifying guitars & Martin's thunderous bass lines bring each hymn to life.
With this release, Layton & Martin have taken each hymn and carefully dusted them off. They then took a long look at each hymn through their Metal forged lenses in order to reimagine and breathe new life into these timeless classics. Without question, both Layton and Martin's efforts have not returned unfruitful and what the band has presented is a sizzling hot slab of pure molten Metal!
On this 'Roxology' release, both Layton & Martin recorded and arranged all of the album's music. Nick Layton produced & mixed the recording and Rob Perez mastered it. Don Waite, Chris Dorman and Scott Herrin of 'Sanctuary International', all helped in selecting the hymns for this project. The album's cover art & inserts were all done by Don Waite who is a friend of the band. I must say, the cover art fits well with the album's story and seems to depict what might be seen as one enters into the dark catacombs to find a certain treasure...
In addition, the lyrics for each instrumental track are included within the album. They are provided so the listener can spend time meditating on the great Biblical truths declared by the original hymn writers. This music will enrich you in your pursuit of a deeper and richer worship of our Majestic God. The track list for 'Roxology' includes such classic hymns as "A Mighty Fortress", "How Great Thou Art", "Old Rugged Cross", and "I'll Fly Away" just to mention a few. If you grew up singing these kinds of traditional songs in your church, then it's very likely that you will find yourself humming or singing along as Layton's electrifying guitars & Martin's thunderous bass lines bring each hymn to life.
“Good hymns are an immense blessing to the Church.
They train people for heaven, where praise is one of the principal occupations.”
They train people for heaven, where praise is one of the principal occupations.”
"A Mighty Fortress"
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same
And He must win the battle
"O Holy Night"
And in His name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us Praise His Holy name
Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim
"Nothing But The Blood"
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
"They'll Know We Are Christians"
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land...
...All praise to the Father, from whom all things come
And all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son
And all praise to the Spirit who makes us one
"I'll Fly Away"
Just a few more weary days and then
I'll fly away
To a land where joy shall never end
I'll fly away
I'll fly…
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same
And He must win the battle
"O Holy Night"
And in His name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us Praise His Holy name
Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim
"Nothing But The Blood"
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
"They'll Know We Are Christians"
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land...
...All praise to the Father, from whom all things come
And all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son
And all praise to the Spirit who makes us one
"I'll Fly Away"
Just a few more weary days and then
I'll fly away
To a land where joy shall never end
I'll fly away
I'll fly…
If you are into bands like Ken Tamplin, Jeff Scheetz, Abraham Amador, Neil Zaza, or Trans Siberian Orchestra then you are going to love what Layton & Martin have offered up with their 2021 Roxology release. Help support the band and Christian based Metal by picking up your copy of this incredible recording today! Also, don't forget to check out the interview I had with the band.
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Nick Layton(FireWölfe, Q5) - Guitars, Keyboards, & Programmed Drums
Roger Dale Martin(Vengeance Rising, Die Happy) - Bass
Nick Layton(FireWölfe, Q5) - Guitars, Keyboards, & Programmed Drums
Roger Dale Martin(Vengeance Rising, Die Happy) - Bass