Martyrs Release Protest Song He Breaks Horses Inspired by 1831 Merthyr Rising
On 15 April 2026, Welsh duo Martyrs released the track “He Breaks Horses,” a protest song that draws directly from the 1831 Merthyr Rising. The song appears on the band’s Church Street EP, which is themed around the town of Merthyr Tydfil. According to the band’s own statements, the track was written to honour the workers who rose against ironmasters and the Court of Requests, and to remind contemporary listeners of the cost of industrial exploitation.
Martyrs, composed of Jon and Michael, first met in high school while rehearsing in the grounds of Cyfarthfa Castle, the former home of ironmaster William Crawshay II. The duo has long described their music as DIY and genre‑diverse, releasing earlier albums Un Diavolo In Casa (2022) and Luminism (2024). Their choice of the name Martyrs reflects a nod to their hometown and its history of resistance, a theme that resurfaces in the new EP’s title track.
The lyrics of “He Breaks Horses” cite Gwyn A Williams’ 1989 book The Merthyr Rising and Joe England’s Merthyr: The Crucible of Modern Wales. The song’s narrative follows the rise of ironworkers who, under the Court of Requests, faced wage cuts, rising prices and the threat of eviction. The 1831 uprising is noted for the first use of the red flag as a symbol of working‑class rebellion in the United Kingdom. The event ended with the execution of Richard Lewis, known as Dic Penderyn, and the deaths of up to 24 protesters at the hands of soldiers.
According to the band’s own description, the track is a modern folk protest that channels the anger and determination of the 1831 workers. The music combines “juddering guitar and baggy beats” with a lyrical style that evokes the atmosphere of a historical uprising. The EP also contains songs about teenage life on Church Street, addiction in the valleys, and nostalgic memories of Welsh summers, all woven into a narrative that places personal experience alongside collective history. The band’s intent, as stated in their press release, is to use music as a vehicle for political reflection rather than to push a single agenda.
“He Breaks Horses” is available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp. The track’s release was accompanied by a lyric video posted on the band’s YouTube channel. The band’s social media posts emphasize that the song is a tribute to the Merthyr Rising and its legacy of labor rights. While the band acknowledges that protest music has a long tradition—from Bob Marley to Green Day—their focus remains on the specific historical context of Merthyr Tydfil.
The release underscores how historical events continue to inspire contemporary music. By linking the 1831 uprising to modern themes of exploitation and resistance, Martyrs adds a new chapter to the narrative of Welsh industrial heritage. The track’s availability on streaming services ensures that the story of Merthyr’s workers reaches a global audience of listeners and creators.
