Artist description Four dudes from northern part of Sweden banging their heads till they drop.

Music Style Thrash/power metal

Musical Influences Life!

Similar Artists Blind guardian, Iced earth, Slayer.

Artist History The band later to be known as Persuader saw its first light in august 1997. Pekka and a friend named David recorded some songs just for fun on Pekka´s computer. They decided to start a band and recruited Efraim on drums and Jens on vocals/bass. A new bass player was later found in Fredrik, who had played with Pekka in a band called Shallow. In january -98 David left the band due to musical differences. Jens picked up the guitar since that was his main instrument, and it worked out just fine. During the following months new songs were written and some self financed recording activities took place, but they never turned out to be anything serious. Finally, in november -98, three songs were recorded at Garageland studios. The result, a demo-cd called "Visions and dreams", was distributed through various channels. The response was great, and encouraged the band to produce new songs and rehearse their asses off. The band has now signed to a swedish Metal label, named Loud N' Proud records. A full-length album will be recorded in january- february in the year 2000. The album will be released in mars-april the same year if everything works out as planned.

Group Members Jens Carlsson - Vocals and guitar, Pekka Kiviaho - Guitar, Fredrik Hedström - Bas, Efraim Juntunen - Drums

Instruments Guitar, bas, drums

Albums demo, "Visions and dreams". "The hunter" released on Loud N' Proud records

Press Reviews Metal And Hard Rock Area Review by Keith Langerman I'm beginning to think that there's something in the water causing the sudden appearance of so many promising new metal bands from Sweden recently! Continuing the string of fine demo offerings is the debut effort by the very promising young power metal band Persuader, whose 3 song cd demo "Visions and Dreams" is an impressive sampler of traditional power metal combining influences from Manowar, Judas Priest and Blind Guardian. Hailing from Umea, Sweden(home of the increasingly popular power metal band Nocturnal Rites) Persuader appear ready to take their place among the best bands of the power metal genre alongside Blind Guardian, Hammerfall and Stratovarious. The demo starts off great with "Escape", a frenetic power/speed metal song that's reminscent of Blind Guardian, especially the Hansi Kursch styled vocals from Jenz Karlsson. Heavy, yet melodic at the same time, this track rocks hard while at the same time being extremely memorable. Guitarist Pekka Kiviaho, a very talented player who is capable of great speed, but also creating some great melodies as well! And it only gets better! The second song "Cursed"is awesome power metal which is slightly slower, but rocks even harder! This track features guitar melodies that recall vintage Iron Maiden and a frenzied guitar solo by guest guitarist Magnus Lindblom. The demo comes to a great end with "Heart and steel", a Manowar influenced(particularly on the song's rousing chorus, which also brings to mind Hammerfall) absolutely kick ass slice of classic metal. The song is based around a killer guitar riff which will have you banging your head immediately! Then there's the excellent solo courtesy of Lindbloom that is most impressive indeed, a wonderful example of finesse and fury that will have even the most jaded guitar afficianados smiling appreciably! My only complaint about the demo is that it's too damn short! Clocking in at a little under 15 minutes, it left me craving much more! Someone sign this band now, so they can put out a full length release! The three songs on this demo are just a slight taste of a band which has the talent and great songwriting ability to become one of the top bands of the burgeoning european power metal scene. If you're into power metal chock full with excellent playing and memorable songs with choruses that stick in your head for days, do yourself a favor and pick this one up!

Additional Info "Born to walk against the wind vol.2" compilation. "Swedish Metal Triumphators Vol. 1" split cd.

Location Umea, Västerbotten - Sweden

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