PERSONA - Animal

10 songs
40:17 minutes
***** ****
(self-released)

Bandpage

Persona started as a symphonic metal band consisting of four Tunisian musicians and the Serbian singer Jelena Dobric. In 2016 and 2017, they released their first two records, but the band became frustrated about the insufficient possibilities to play and record in Northern Africa. In 2019, three of the five members decided to leave the country and restart the band in Hannover (Northern Germany). A bass player and a drummer were quickly found, allowing Persona to work on their third album titled Animal.

These personal and logistic changes also had an impact of the band’s sound. Persona have always been one of the more exciting symphonic metal bands, and this element is still reflected in a couple of songs (Oracle, Alpha) on the new record. And yet the band has taken a step into a new direction by being open towards groove and alternative metal. Already the opener Ghost surprises with massive riffs and great melodies. Jelena Dobric is a powerful singer who manages very different styles like clean vocals, opera, theatrical passages and spoken word. The new rhythm section does a stunning job and the two guitar players who have been with the band since its beginning know how to play shredding djent riffs.

The exceptional opener is not the only highlight on the album. Beyond is a dynamic and modern sounding track that will stay right with you. Persona have become rather eager to try out new things. Hurricane starts quite solemnly before brutal blast moments take over. You Can’t Stop Me, another favourite of mine, begins like a James Bond movie soundtrack, but soon gets more aggressive than anticipated. The only disappointing moment comes with the ballad Shadows. It is surely well meant, but it disturbs the flow on a largely aggressive album.

Otherwise, Animal amazed me from the first to the last note. I have followed Persona with interest, and such a huge improvement between two albums is hard to deliver. I saw the band live in 2018 when they hinted already at a groovier and more modern direction. Persona still self-release their music, but with such a strong statement they should soon find a record label.