The Pitch: Persecutory from Godz ov War Production. "An impious trio decided to play morbid & malignant black thrash metal by keeping the perversion, death, chaos and satanism without compromise" FFO: Destroyer 666, Inquisition, Ravencult
What I Like: I really enjoy how Persecutory have put so many elements from different walks of extreme metal into this release. There is certainly a general air of blackened thrash, but it's more than that. Towards The Ultimate Extinction doesn't sound much like many typical bands in the genre like Immortal. Rather, there are plentiful crusty, old school DM influences coursing through these riffs as well as some of the vocal deliveries. But amidst these 80's-sounding chord progressions are also clear black metal hooks and raw blasts straight out of an Inquisition album and prophetic vocals akin to groups like Outre. These elements particularly come out during the 10+ minute title track, which despite my complaints below is one of my favorite songs on the album.
Critiques: I don't understand the band's overall inclination towards longer songs. This style has always worked better in small doses unless there is a progressive element (which often there isn't). I encourage Persecutory to either accept a less-is-more philosophy in the future or work towards building more complex compositions like Vektor and Absu. That or just really harness whatever magic worked on the title track.
The Verdict: A delightfully heavy album that grabs many of the best elements from death, thrash, and black metal. There are some issues in terms of trimming the fat, but the performances are enjoyable and strong. Get it this Saturday.
Flight's Fav's: Towards The Ultimate Extinction, Till Relentless Salvation Comes, Awakening The Depraved Era