Persuader was formed in Umeå, Sweden in 1997. The direction of the music was, and still is, Heavy Metal. In 1998 the band recorded the 'Visions and Dreams' demo, which got some really good reviews from different magazines and webzines. An article about the band in Close-up magazine led to the band signing to Loud 'N' Proud Records, after some negotiating. In early 2000 the debut album 'The Hunter' was recorded, and following the release in July the same year, the response was overwhelming. Things were looking very bright for the band. However, before the album saw a proper release, Loud ´N´ Proud Records was shutdown caused by economic difficulties. The album was only properly released in France through Nothing To Say, leaving the band with a highly acclaimed record that was virtually impossible to get hold of. In 2001, due to personal differences, the band decided to move on without guitarist Pekka Kiviaho. However, Jens knew Emil Norberg from school, and convinced him to audition. After attending the Young Metal Gods competition, sponsored by Noise Records, and voted number one in Europe, they won the finals in Bochum/Germany in May 2003. This resulted in the album 'Evolution Purgatory', released in February, 2004, and a reissue of the debut album.

EVOLUTION PURGATORY (2004) NOISE/SANCTUARY RECORDS GROUP LTD

'Evolution Purgatory' was Persuader's second album, and the first one to receive world wide distribution. The band signed to Noise Records, now owned by Sanctuary Music Group.

Persuader were initially given a Blind Guardian copycat-band tag, much thanks to Jens' voice, uncannily reminiscent of one Hansi Kürsch. And in a time when Blind Guardian themselves were heavily occupied with over-the-top metal symphonies, trying to obtain the world record in multiple tracks used in one recording, Persuader became the band that filled a musical void. Still, it is rather unfair to label Persuader a clone band. Sure, they play power metal, the European kind, and the voices of the aforementioned singers are at times scarily alike. But Persuader has a more defined power metal style. That means they have a heavy thrash metal leaning, and not at all keyboard laced and fluffy. They also stay clear from the fantasy/dungeons and dragons type lyrics. This means that they have more in common with the original definition of the term power metal.

'Evolution Purgatory' is a very strong album, recorded by a hungry band out for world domination. The dual leads are blistering, and the riffs are churned out with precision. The tempo is almost never let down, still there is enough variation within each song to keep things from getting stale. This is much due to the vocal lines, that are venomously spat out with equal amounts of aggression and melody. Under the hammering double bass veil, you'll find some nuanced drumming few bands in this category can boast! 'Evolution Purgatory' was released in a time when the metal scene was flooded with 3rd rate power metal acts. Unfortunately it seems that this excellent album drowned a bit in the masses. That is really a shame, as this album has a lot to offer to a metal fan out to hear some real powerful music.

Rock trivia: The song "Fire At Will" also appeared on the bands debut album, "The Hunter". It was re-recorded for this album.

Killer tracks: Sanity Soiled, Godfather, Turn To Dust, Raise Hell, To The End, Fire At Will

WHEN EDEN BURNS (2006) DOCKYARD 1

2 years after their critically acclaimed second album, Persuader are back with their 3rd. This time they've added a second guitar-player, creating more space for Jens to concentrate on the vocals.

'When Eden Burns' is more of the same from Persuader. The production is clearer, and creates more punch, but the music is the same powerful metal as on the last records. They might have toned down the more obvious speed metal-leanings, and created more variety throughout the album. But the changes are very subtle. What I like about 'When Eden Burns' is how it grabs my attention from the first riff, and the intensity never lets me put my guard down. The downside is that once the album is over, I have forgotten most of what I just heard. But during the 50 minutes or so the CD lasts, I am loving every second of it! So, even during a time when I was totally burned out on the whole Euro-power metal scene, these Swedes never disappoint me. Sure, the music is cliché-ridden, and they don't exactly bring anything new to the table (heck, they have even been called a copy-band). But that doesn't matter, as long as they continue to write powerful metal as catchy as this, I am a lifelong fan! 'When Eden Burns' is a blueprint album for real power metal, released this side of the millennium. Forget the dungeons and dragons, the fluffy keyboards and dreamy prog-flirtations. Here we get galloping rhythms, meaty thrash-like riffs, bombastic drums, gut wrenching, soaring vocals and melodies, all mixed together for that bone crushing power metal feel.

'When Eden Burns' might be Persuader's finest album to date. My only hope is for more music from Sweden's premier power metal act.

Killer tracks: Twisted Eyes, Slaves Of Labour, R.S. - Knights, When Eden Burns, Judas Immortal

Jens Carlsson guest appearances:

Nocturnal Rites - 'New World Messiah'

Nocturnal Rites - 'Grand Illusion'

Related artists:

Savage Circus