The Persuaded ‘Dawn of Destruction’ Review

The Persuaded
Dawn of Destruction
(RockFest Records)

Since forming in 2012, The Persuaded has toured on the strength of two indie EPs before eventually inking a deal with RockFest Records for a full-length debut produced by Dathon Conner (Spoken, Icon For Hire). Comprised of vocalist/guitarist Josh Honea, vocalist/bassist Joseph Vargas, guitarist Cody Phillips and drummer Trent Russell, the Nashville-based metalcore band splits its adrenaline-infused sound between straightforward singing and screaming atop a scalding rhythm section.

Even so, the group’s intentions never get lost within the intensity, whether it be the forgiveness-focused “Wolves,” the brokenness-themed “Forced Silence” or the faith proclamation “Unashamed” (featuring Disciple’s Kevin Young) when The Persuaded promises “even through the darkest night/ your light will shine in all our hearts/ no matter what life throws our way/ we’ll shout your name/ we are the unashamed.” Redemption is also a key aspect throughout the aggressive onslaught, adding additional purpose and power to the foursome’s ambitious musical pursuits.

–Andy Argyrakis