Persecutory – The Glorious Persecution [EP]

So, not to come across as a fanboy, but I look forward to listening to any release from Persecutory. Yes, I may have a more personal investment, but that doesn’t change the fact that I do enjoy all their output. They encompass a broad spectrum of genres in their overall sound. Be it Black Metal, War Metal, Death Metal, and also to an extent, the more melodic material, similar to say Sacramentum or Lord Belial.

In my previous review of the prior EP, ‘Summoning The Lawless Legions’, I generalized a bit. So, I know my avid followers here, who hang on my every word with bated breath, may like me to delve into the specifics with this, their third EP released through Godz ov War. So, sit back, and let’s delve a bit deeper into this, shall we?

Now granted, it’s only 3 songs, total runtime is a bit over 20 minutes, a respectable foray into their brand of darkness. Something that quickly ensnares, to pummel you, and begging for more. ‘Infernal Gateways’ kicks things off with the snap of the snare drum, and it immediately sets a tone of what to expect. With the sound of buzzsaw riffing at the beginning, you could almost be forgiven for thinking you are listening to a Dark Funeral album. But when the vocals kick in and the mid-paced time change at the 1:40 mark, then you will know and understand you are in for a much more varied and perhaps dynamic listening experience. There are some interesting time changes as well. There is a bass and guitar interlude of a sort of strumming, pace that takes shape mid-mark, where you may be thinking the song is ending, but no, it leads back to that earlier mid-paced riffing and continues then to the end with a more melodic style outro. With all the songs being over the 7-minute mark, it allows the band to play with tempos and variation of songwriting to a great effect.

The next song throws you right back into the mix once again. Granted ‘Ecstatic Demonlords’ in the overall is a more mid-paced affair there is still some interesting moments contained within it bowels of sound. It does once again have that sort prominent bass run again mid-point, but this time much more in your face with it the bass having that subdued growl to it. It then leads to a slight keyboard enhancement to the riffing, and it lends a more grandiose feel to the song. I’ve noticed that with this release, the ambient keyboard accents are used a bit less with this release.

The title track and last song of the EP I find to be the best of the bunch. The speed element is back to the forefront, but the guitars and the riffing have much more melodic presence. A gripe I have with (most) Metal in general is that I wish the bass were more prominent in the mix. You can hear it here if you pay attention, and it lends a great counter dynamic to the trebly tone of the guitars. There are some great runs within the songs, I just wish it had been given a more active role. The vocalist has that dynamic roar, growl that permeates your brain and gives voice to the overall tone of the album. You can truly feel what he is presenting.

With much of their material, I enjoy the varied moods and dynamics in the songwriting. They have so much to offer, and the band is not just a one-dimensional noise machine. I feel with this release, they have further honed and refined their sound to a razor-sharp blade of attack. They have the obvious musical skills, and also the production helps immensely with this. While a touch modern and punchy, there is a grittiness to it all. I said it in my other review, but I made mention of the stunning cover art. ‘The Glorious Persecution’ can stand proud as well. The art is very indicative of the content and tone of the band and album. So there you go, another worthy addition to the Persecutory repertoire, and it wouldn’t hurt for you to add it to your playlist.