(High Roller)
The Mexican Destroyers are back! Phantom is one the best newer bands out there. These guys just get it – atmosphere, riffs, crazed vocals with a nostalgic presentation and fresh execution.
This is the band’s second full-length album, first under the High Roller banner, and Phantom is already showing refinement in their speed/thrash attack. The intro/opener “Poltergeist” creates the atmosphere of a crypt opening and devilish, ghastly synths that segues into proper opener “Tower Of Seth”.
Phantom wields their scythe with a raw edge and modern touches. It’s taking 1985 to 2025. Their expression of guitar transitions, crushing percussive elements, and rhythmic fury is worthy to marvel at. There’s touches of Pleasure To Kill-era Kreator, the maniacal vocals of Vulture, and a scintillating caveman speed of early Venom.
That’s not all in the Phantom barrel as there are riffs fueled from USPM, black metal and it all wraps around tracks surrounding violence, death, and rampaging. Closer “Dark Wings Of Death” is at the top of the heap – 6.5 minutes of incredible intensity and flowing, catchy transitions.
The Phantom crew also do not hesitate to slice their victims in different ways – “Nimbus” features clean vocals in a monotone, deep voice reminiscent of Unto Others and musically inclined to classic USPM and a different lyrical structure more sentimental and longing. The other outlier is the madmen-esque piano instrumental “Nocturnal Opus 666” – Phantom becoming Phantom Of The Opera.
At 48 minutes, this runs a tad long for this style of music – the feisty “Lost In The Sands” and Lord Of The Rings-inspired “Nazghul” should have been saved for an EP/single release.
These guys are impressive with their energy, creativity, and riff formulation. Be sure to check this one out.
Rating: 8.0
The post REVIEW: PHANTOM’s Tyrants Of Wrath – “One Of The Best Newer Bands Out There” appeared first on BraveWords - Where Music Lives.
Continue reading...