Book of Martyrs

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Book of Martyrs, photo from Nexus, 11 July 1991: Francis, Armstrong, Deare and Jagger

Book of Martyrs was initially formed in Rotorua by Jonathon Armstrong (drums, vocals), Alan Deare (bass, guitar) - both formerly of Number Thieves - and Sarah Knight (cello, bass) in 1988. In 1989 they released the cassette Catharsis (BOMB01) on their own label BOMB Records, featuring a fourth member known simply as Will, credited with "feedback - poetry" and with creating the cassette's cover.

Will and Sarah were later replaced by Stan Jagger (guitars), formerly of Mudpeople, and Justine Francis (violin, cello, vocals) when the band moved to Hamilton in 1990. From here they released their second cassette Purified 7X (BOMB02) in 1991, with Alan now sharing vocal duties with Jonny. The release party for Purified 7X at Ward Lane Tavern famously featured support acts The Haunting and Sangiacomo's Eastern Jaunt performing covers of Book of Martyrs songs.

In 1991 the Martyrs played support to the Able Tasmans and Bailter Space, and the song Will Shiver was released on the second Flying Nun/Student Radio Network Freak the Sheep 2 compilation in 1992. Prior to breaking up that same year, Paul Oakley briefly replaced Stan Jagger.

Book of Martyrs - featuring Jonathon, Alan and Justine only - contributed the track The Man That Said to the 1993 compilation Discordia Concors. The band briefly made a much celebrated return to the stage at this time to play at the album release party.

In 1992 Oakley and Armstrong teamed up with Paul T and Wheels of the recently disbanded Haunting to form Hapukalypse Now, whom Stan Jagger also joined in about '93. Alan Deare subsequently went on to form Gas in 1995 with Paul T and former Cygnet Committee guitarist Dave Whitehead, while Justine Francis has remained active in a diverse range of music, theatre and performance projects.

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