Turkish Black Death Metal four-piece Persecutory have gone from strength to strength since their debut EP Perversion Feeds Our Force. They would deliver two impressive full lengths via Godz Ov War Productions, Towards The Ultimate Extinction in 2017 and then 2022’s Summoning The Lawless Legions. Determined not to let the momentum slow, they are back with their latest EP, The Glorious Persecution.
Persecutory – The Glorious Persecution (Godz Ov War Productions)
Release Date: 18 October 2024
Words: Jools Green
The Glorious Persecution is three tracks spanning over twenty-two minutes, so once again, there are some generous-sized tracks. This is something that has become the norm since the first of their two full-lengths, which is great because those huge time expanses are well-filled with an all-encompassing barrage of sound.
Lyrically the EP explores occult and mythology themes very knowledgeably. These are delivered by vocalist Tyrannic Profanator as powerfully protected, often snarling, occasionally acidic vocals which spew forth with malice. Musically Persecutory unleash a blistering blend of Black and Death Metal delivered as a crushing assault. Even in their more reflective moments, a brutal force is still present.
The opening piece, Infernal Gateways To Watchers, grabs your attention from the start with its insane-paced riffing, snarling vocal delivery and impactful screams. I love the wave of tremolo picking that courses through parts of the track, which actually adds a subtle melodic element without affecting the brutality. The direction shift midway is stark, sharp and executed with alarmingly good precision.
Maintaining the brutal edge, Ecstatic Demonlords unleashes a sinister mood from the offset, rapidly upping the pace to frantic and crushing. Intensified with a scathing vocal delivery, when it ebbs back to a slightly slower pace, the mood becomes unnerving but no less brutal. The tortuous screams midway are devastatingly impactful. I love the haunting backing choral element courtesy of band members Emre Bingöl and Infectious Torment towards the end. This is followed by an intense swathe of tremolo picking, which is then reflected sublimely in the closing reflective repeat melody.
The final piece, The Glorious Persecution, has a classic style Black Metal repeat, which Persecutory use as a foundation stone to build a brutal driver of a track. It briefly drops midway very dramatically into a doomy dirge, crawling back out with menacing intent. It does this again later in the second half, but a little less dramatically so.
The Glorious Persecution EP was recorded, mixed and mastered by Emre Bingöl and Can Gelgeç (ex:Horrocious) as with the two previous full-lengths. The artwork, which reflects the occult themes, is by Alex Shadrin (Nether Temple Design).
The Glorious Persecution will be available as either a CD or a digital download. It is a great EP that will thrill your ears and assault your senses.
