Jesusfreakhideout.com: Relentless Pursuit, "Apocalypsis" Review

JFH Indie Review

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Relentless Pursuit
Apocalypsis

Artist Info: Discography
Street Date: August 15, 2025
Style: Metalcore
Official Site: RelentlessPursuitMetal.Weebly.com
Buy It: Bandcamp

Relentless Pursuit is back yet again with his latest full-length album, Apocalypsis. This is the artist's first full record since ditching his AI usage*, and the result is a batch of songs that sound more raw and maybe a little underproduced (though not painfully so). Apocalypsis is also likely his heaviest release to date, with ferocious deathcore vocals and crushing guitar riffs to spare. For example, "Denied" is absolutely filthy at times, even bordering on pure death metal in some spots. "His Wrath" is another highlight that hits hard and urges the listener to headbang a little. Interestingly, "Regrets" and "Earth As It Is In Heaven" both incorporate some industrial into the mix. Unfortunately, though, the drum beat on each track sounds nearly identical, which detracts a little from an otherwise enjoyable experience. Furthermore, Matthew Konradt's prolific output has nearly reached a saturation point. He's come a long way from just a few years ago (it's day and night, really), but his recent content hasn't really proven its necessity. At this rate, each new album feels obsolete within a few months, and it ends up feeling more like a product that's inevitably bumped by its successor rather than a valuable work of art. At this point, my biggest recommendation would be to slow it down, let an album breathe, and then focus on making the next album an even bigger leap forward in substance and production. In the meantime, though, Apocalypsis is still solid, and I'd definitely be interested in hearing Relentless Pursuit dive further into this heavier territory.

*Note: this album is not completely void of AI usage, however, the artist has informed us that it is limited to a spoken word piece, and everything else was written and created by the artist without AI.

- Review date: 7/10/25, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com

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Record Label: None

Album length: 10 tracks

Street Date: August 15, 2025

Buy It: Bandcamp

The Onslaught (4:12)
Beyond Myself
Denied
Fire From The Mouth
Redemption (2:36)
Ludicrum
Earth As It Is In Heaven
His Wrath
Regrets
The Merciful
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Jesus Freak Hideout (Scott Fryberger): What is the meaning behind naming your new album, Apocalypsis?

Matthew Konradt: Well, I felt like it needed a title that captured the essence of the concept of the album, so I figured the Latin word for apocalypse seemed appropriate. I also thought "Apocalypsis" had a catchy vibe to it.

JFH (Scott): Is there any current metal that you've been enjoying that has influenced your new music?

Matthew: Most definitely. I've really been enjoying a lot of Fit For A King lately. I feel like they have a lot of talent and I am stoked for their new record.

JFH (Scott): The album contains some of the heaviest sounds you've created yet. What led to exploring deathcore for this album?

Matthew: That's an excellent question. I suppose I wanted "Apocalypsis" to have a sound heavy enough to match the lyrical content. This album is technically part two in the Revelation concept story line for Relentless Pursuit. It mentions a lot of personal struggles, whether in a mental or spiritual context, and they're struggles I feel everyone goes through at one time or another in their lives. The fear of not making it to heaven is a big one for me personally. Eternal separation from God is not something that Christ wants anyone to go through, hence, His great sacrifice on the cross for us. I suppose the deathcore genre seemed like the appropriate way to go for this record from a lyrical standpoint.

JFH (Scott): Do you expect Relentless Pursuit to always be a solo project or are you open to making it a full band?

Matthew: Honestly, I am not sure what God has in store for me or Relentless Pursuit. At the moment, I like the idea of remaining a solo artist, because I feel more independent. Like, I can choose to write more of what I feel and vent my frustrations through my music more easily.

JFH (Scott): Now that you're back to hand-making all the music, do you anticipate a lighter release schedule?

Matthew: I definitely plan on taking my time with my musical releases from now on. I feel like I've finally learned that can really help in the production process.

JFH (Scott): What do you hope people will take away from this album?

Matthew: I hope that they are able to see the light through the darkness of the album. The album ends on a rather melancholy note because I wanted it to be as realistic and down to earth as possible. Unfortunately life doesn't always end well, especially if we don't put Christ first in our lives. I would like for people to see that the only real hope we have is in a loving God who understands us and who has been through a hell of sorts to prevent us from going there ourselves.

JFH (Scott): Do you have anything else you'd like to add?

Matthew: I just want anyone who listens to my music to know I really appreciate them and their support. Thank you guys as well for all you do for us independent artists. God bless!