Protomartyr

Protomartyr is an American post‑hardcore band formed in Brooklyn, New York, in 2013. The original lineup consisted of vocalist and guitarist Jim Greer, drummer Barnaby Greenwald, bassist John McGuire, and guitarist Mark Downey (who left the band in 2018). The group developed a reputation for dense, politically inclined lyrics and music that blends angular guitar work with a raw, almost spoken‑word vocal delivery.

The band released its debut EP, Hail! In 2014 on Neurotic Records, followed by a self‑titled full‑length album in 2015 that garnered critical acclaim for its punk sensibility and lyrical depth. After signing with Joyful Noise Recordings, Protomartyr issued the single “When the Iron Ship Comes,” which was later included on the soundtrack for the 2016 film *The Red Queen*.

Their second studio album, Modern Primitive (2016), further refined their sound and was praised for its conceptually cohesive narrative, exploring themes of political disengagement and personal alienation. The band's third album, The Agent That Shifts The Balance of Power (2019), earned additional recognition and solidified their status within the indie and alternative scenes.

Protomartyr has toured extensively across the United States, Canada, and Europe, often sharing stages with bands such as Angel Olsen, Glass Animals, and YOB. They have maintained a relatively low‑profile public image, preferring their music and live performances to act as the primary means of artistic expression. Over the years, their work has been cited by critics as influential in the contemporary post‑punk revival, noted for its intellectual rigor and uncompromising musicality.