Dread Persephone – Release Outstanding EP 

EP – Depressurisation  

Release date – 15th of November 2024  

Review and additional photographs by Linda McDermott  

Scottish band, Dread Persephone, are ones to watch for their progressive metal rock songs, musical ability, and stage presence. Their music draws inspiration from heavyweights like Tool, System of a Down, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and Lamb of God, blending intricate melodies with hard-hitting riffs and powerful vocals. 

Their second single from the EP, ‘Troubled Waters’ has just been released, so go and check that out. 

With raw talent, creative songwriting, and undeniable passion, this group have the potential to rise to the next level and make a lasting mark on the rock and metal scene.  

The band: 

Jason Wakefield – Bass 

Harry Channon – Guitars 

Regan – Vocals 

Liam Roberts – Drums 

Depressurisation tracks 

1. Scapegoat 

2. The Tower 

3. KYLL 

4. Troubled Waters 

Dread Persephone’s song lyrics are intense and thought provoking, conveying meaning, emotion, and storytelling that shape the song’s overall impact. This review, I hope, will allow the listener to connect with the songs knowing what is at the heart of the music. 

Scapegoat 

‘Scapegoat’ delves into the intense experiences of anxiety, loneliness, and trauma, beginning with a serene, controlled introduction that sets the scene. This calm opening draws the listener in, offering a moment of quiet before the emotional storm. As the track progresses, it intensifies, building into a powerful song that mirrors the chaotic and overwhelming feelings that often go with anxiety and trauma. The rise and fall of the music reflect the unpredictability of these emotions, skilfully capturing the ebb and flow of inner turmoil. The band’s ability to transition between tranquil and turbulent moments highlights the song’s poignant exploration of mental and emotional struggle. 

The Tower – The song tells the haunting tale of a man trapped in a mausoleum, symbolising his existence in purgatory, where he is consumed by regret and shame. The lyrics reflect his torment as he confronts the mistakes of his past, struggling to find redemption. Inspired by the Tower of Babel, the song explores themes of pride and downfall. The music mirrors this journey, beginning with a slow, ominous beat before escalating into a fast-paced rhythm. Regan’s twisting and turning vocals heighten the emotional intensity, while the driving drumbeat and bass builds the tension, emphasising the emotional conflict and desperation for release.  

KYLL – This song is a shout of frustration and disgust at the rental system and the way landlords operate in this country. It speaks to the hypocrisy of these systems, expresses the anger and helplessness of those stuck in the loop. The song opens with a raw, minimalist guitar and spoken vocals, which are, “Our perception of land as a commodity to be bought, owned and sold instead of a right of the people leads to a cycle of poverty, hunger, petty crime and endless bloodshed. Your taxpayer money is being spent on arming foreign regimes and bombing children instead of funding education, sustainable agriculture and housing for all. It’s a mockery of our democracy and a spit in all our faces. Take a deep breath.”   

The song conveys a simmering frustration that builds throughout. As the anger intensifies, the song bursts into a full-throttle assault of a mixture of screams and deep vocals that is accompanied by musical aggressive undertones, mirroring the rage of those trapped in the cycle of rising rents and appalling conditions. It is a song that serves as a cathartic release, against a broken, profit-driven system. 

Troubled Waters  

The latest single from the upcoming EP is an emotionally charged and deeply poignant song, addressing difficult themes like depression, self-harm, and suicide. It delves into the painful experience of living with these dark thoughts and impulses, making it both raw and heartbreaking. The band approaches the subject with sensitivity and care, crafting a piece that is as beautiful as it is haunting. Musically, the track is rich with emotion, perfectly complementing the weight of the lyrics. The singer highlights a more vulnerable and powerful side to his voice, standing out from other tracks on the EP with its more melodic approach throughout. This song resonates with anyone who has struggled with these feelings, making it a standout track for me, with its message and its musical depth. 

All I can say is, keep an eye on Dread Persephone because they’re just getting started. 

You can catch them playing  

15^th November at MacArts, Galashiels EP Launch  

30^th November at Legends, Edinburgh as support at the Disposables album launch  

14^th Dec at The Star & Garter, Manchester  

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