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It’s in a somewhat contrite manner that I write this postmortem review, as I had ample time to cover this sucker before the band went the way of the dodo, only to procrastinate time and again and eventually suffer quite the tongue-lashing at the hand – er, tongue – of ex-guitarist Rob Adams. Deservedly so, because this one should’ve been written up long ago for both practical and exigent reasons. Persevere is, quite simply, a great meat-and-potatoes metal album, a mix of thrash, keyboard-free prog and ‘80s power metal. Without emphasizing any one of the three over the other, it exudes a circa-1991 integrity that can appeal to Vicious Rumors, Metal Church and Nevermore fans one and all. Riffs and rhythms spiral and bludgeon in equal measure, brought to the fore by a mix as potent as those of Alex Perialas or Terry Date at their best. Vocals sidestep any notion of fancypants, sounding like a fine amalgam of Chuck Billy and John Bush’s growls and reaching-up-there highs on The New Order and Delirious Nomad, respectively. My language and comparatives are too measured thus far, though. Bottom line: there are some fantastic songs here worth seeking out regardless of the band’s status, and if this is indeed the swan song, well, ain’t no shame in their game.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Persevere |
| 2. The Hand of Righteous Hate |
| 3. Split The Enemy |
| 4. Eye For An Eye |
| 5. Follow |
| 6. Pathogenesis |
| 7. Subconscious Evil |
| 8. Useless |
| 9. Trust Betrayed |
| 10. Of Roses And Ruin |
: 42:57
| Buy other Obsidian Reign albums |
