The Persevering Promise: An Illusion in Shambles review

\"AnAttention post hardcore music fans. There is a new band from Moscow, ID called The Persevering Promise that are rising up through the ranks, quickly making a name for themselves that merit your consideration. The band, consisting of Matt Hoos on guitar and clean vocals, Jesse Barton on guitar and scream vocals, Hampton Amos on bass, Chase Williams on drums and Phil Keon on guitar, are multi-dimensional and unencumbered by the restraints of the post hardcore label they\’ve been given, who write music that reflects the angst of today’s disenfranchised youth.

The band played their first official gig at a Hot Topic. It drew such a crowd that the local news media covered the event. Which lead to them being ranked #1 on ReverbNation. Their debut malevolent creation for Pavement Entertainment “An Illusion In Shambles” is teeming with dynamic anthems, vibrant hooks, searing gang vocals, pulverizing drumming and an abundance of complex musical structures. They have also surrounded themselves with a very impressive list of guest musicians, including Chad Ruhlig, Ronnie Winter and Shawn Spann.

The rhythmic violence begins with the monolithic riff of “It’s Only The Beginning,” which leads to one of the albums best tracks. The All That Remains influenced title track “An Illusion In Shambles.” “Crown The Victor” is sure to please the Trivium and As I Lay Dying faithful. While “A Reason To Believe” will satisfy the Bring Me The Horizon and A Day To Remember crowd. Lead single and video “Annabel Lee” raises the bar ever higher and features a massive breakdown that brings to mind Demon Hunter or Chimaira.

The brutality continues with the absurdly melodic, yet heavy as hell “And So Dies The Dreamer.” The gargantuan riff, combined with the back and forth vocal of “Etherality” is reminiscent of Killswitch Engage and Five Finger Death Punch. While “The Death Of All Things Pure” and “Colors” pairs the melody and choral harmonies of EvansBlue with the ferociousness of Throwdown and Parkway Drive. The final moments of “The Whistleblower” is the only place the album falls off, that’s Blessthefall and Shadows Fall.

Here’s the bottom line. There is enough brain mangling metal on here to captivate even the most hardened of metal fans. While never losing sight of what matters most, the melody.

Rating: 9 out of 10

-Eric Hunker