Review by JD on January 30, 2010.

The Netherlands group Persistense has been on the metallic march since 2000, and they have had a lot of acclaim by what I have read. Calling their own style of metal at one time ‘Swingthrash’, the band was known for original yet very heavy music... now with the release of full album number one, the band is poised to take over the metal landscape.

Powered by a need to be making seismically heavy but well written metal, Persistense has come forth with a album that can be only described as almost unbridled chaos with this overtone of pure technical havoc. Everything from Thrash, Extreme, Power Metal to even having the Classic Metal elements all come together within this extraordinary five piece - and develops into what could be called illustrious in both form and raw explosiveness

Nine songs populate their first full length offering, called "In Blood And Heart" to make you assured that there are people out in the world making sure metal in no ways has become dull and predictable. Unyielding and relentless, Persistense takes what they know musically and makes sure that is equally heavy and ass kicking brutal in it attack, all the while making sure that the intelligence they have as a group is never compromised.

This band really does have all of the makings and talent to be a amazing force in metal, or even in music in general. Truly Persistense is a indomitable band that has stepped out of the shadows and is in the forefront, truly orchestrating a new genesis in what metal can be.

Categorical Rating Breakdown　

Musicianship: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.5
Production: 9
Originality: 9.5
Overall: 9.5

Rating: 9.4 out of 10

Review by Anna on April 1, 2012.

At first glance it might seem like just another folksy-bluesy acoustic "singer-songwriter"-type album... It's a sad thing if one "hears" that, but doesn't truly hear it.

Though it won't go unnoticed that "Heavy Kingdom" is a "hybrid" of Sir Wino And Conny Ochs's genius, one should listen only to the source- the truth, from whence this album was born. "Heavy Kingdom" carries the essence of each, spiritually and musically, yet blends seamlessly like paints into a familiar yet hitherto unborn shade. The strong structural foundation of the songs lends momentum and lift to a collection of messages, emotions, and truths, manifested through the enlightened arrangement and layering of melody, rhythm, texture, and words. Tradition, style, earthly symbolism, and the exposed sounds of a physical atmosphere keep you cocooned in what would otherwise feel like a full immersion in uncontained and intense raw energies, allowing for easier absorption and perhaps comprehension.

This album is highly pleasurable, though one should make certain to release any existing expectations, judgments, associations, or predispositions beforehand. Reception in a stripped, fully sensitive state is ideal and will yield the most rewarding experience both spiritually and physiologically.

In layman's terms... there is some fucking brilliant, almost understated guitar-work on here. This album is full of heart-swelling melodies, the nearly breathtaking timbre of Mr. Ochs's voice dueting with the idiosyncratic and highly charismatic style of Sir Wino, rustic melancholy, exquisite choke-up moments, muscles, possible homoeroticism, and so much more. It may not exactly blow your mind when you first put it on but somehow I cannot stop grooving to this record- like a fine Wein it just seems to get better all the time. "Heavy Kingdom" is a solid album, and that's the truth.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 10
Originality: 9
Overall: 9.7

Rating: 9.7 out of 10