Persistence: In Blood and Heart

Persistence were first formed in 2000 and released a self titled EP full of what the band described as "swingthrash" in 2004, however one year later that line up fell apart and it appeared that would be the end of the band. However vocalist Stefan van Vugt had other ideas and he immediately set about forming a new line up his vision, 2008 saw the emergence of a three track promo CD and now comes the band's first full length release In Blood and Heart.

Thankfully the idea of "swingthrash" has been binned and what we have instead is nine tracks of straight ahead, good old fashioned thrash metal with a few modern twists thrown in for good measure. Whilst Stefan's growling vocals are strong and in your face, it's the twin guitar pairing of Jacques Maas and Ralf van der Horst that take immediate control of Persistence and with tracks like the tight and well constructed "Infinite Madness" and slow building "Progress" both are allowed to strut their stuff to great effect. Bludgeoning riffs and sharp guitar breaks abound and with the solid backing of bassist Mark de Haas this is a force to be reckoned with.

Drummer Bram Trommelen has a nice range of light and dark in his playing and this ability to lull one minute and rampage the next helps raise Persistence above some of the more run of the mill bands currently ploughing this furrow.

The title track "In Blood and Heart" is one of the strongest on show and really finds the band in full manic flow. It's sparkling guitars and drums complement another strong vocal from Vugt and along with the slightly less frenetic "Further" show the band at their best.

Considering that In Blood and Heart is the band's debut proper there is much to commend here. It may not set the world alight with innovation or originality, however they do what they do to great effect and prove that their own persistence was well worth the effort.

Track Listing
1. Intro
2. Further
3. The Reality
4. Infinite Madness
5. Overcome
6. Progress
7. Doomsday
8. In Blood and Heart
9. Sick World

Added: November 23rd 2009
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Band's MySpace Page
Hits: 3415
Language: english

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