From the EPK: PERSECUTOR was formed in Horsens, Denmark in 2018 with the aim of playing Thrash Metal with both Melody and Aggression. The band delivers nine hard-hitting songs in their characteristic style, where riffing, melodic sensibility, and aggression come together in a higher unity with lyrics about death, war, cruelty, and other of the world's afflictions. Well, not a word in that statement is wrong. This is a true Thrash Metal album from start to finish, and what is much more important is that every note I hear is brought to us with confidence, conviction and allure. This certainly is a band that is trying to impress us with "Casualties Of Violence". And yes, they do succeed.

The thing is, they had me roped in easily from second 37 of "Born in Blood", as the EXODUS riff that really starts off the song is beautiful. And that is exactly where you need to look for the Thrash Metal of PERSECUTOR; the Bay Area. This not only has EXODUS written all over it, some of the build ups and arrangements will remind you of SLAYER during the second half of the eighties. but there also are pieces of DEATH ANGEL, DARK ANGEL and even D.R.I. mixed in there as well. What I find interesting is how these Danes have ben able to get all of this, add their own stamp to the mix and make it sound as their own brand on "Casualties Of Violence".

I find that in the current times so many bands are able to translate their musical interests and influences into something people can identify as their own. As far as I'm concerned PERSECUTOR have achieved just that. It does make "Casualties of Violence" into a very pleasant listening experience. The variety is there, the music is diverse and contemporary enough to keep you on your toes, whilst the early influences never are ignored. You only have to listen to the last part of "Iron Tide Of Nassau" to acknowledge that the riff used could have come directly from SLAYER.

I really have enjoyed listening to "Casualties Of Violence". I had never heard of PERSECUTOR before this, but I have to admit that these Danes have something going for them. They have musicianship, a well-fitting voice to front them all and above all, the album is full of songs that are way above average. Like I mentioned in the first paragraph, I'm impressed.