A big concept album about AI gaining sentience, all in power metal, screaming, soloing glory. What I love about Unleash The Archers is the overblown, grandiose tracks with huge swelling moments. That’s shown a lot in Phantoma. Brittany Slayes singing is on point as always, the guitars are solid, it’s another well-presented album from Unleash The Archers. The narrative is ambitious and the writing goes for big swings, but the music is all material that isn’t out of the band’s comfort zone. It’s quality power metal in prog from, and reminiscent of past albums. Tracks like “Green & Glass” and the climatic ending “Blood Empress” have the energy and gravitational pull UTA can pull off, but other songs don’t have the variety or replay value in song structure. It’s safely performed while relying on the overarching AI overtaking story. Even if not uncharted territory, Unleash The Archers still are in solid form while still in this human era before AI takes over the world. 7/10
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“Unleash the Archers’ highly anticipated sixth studio album “Phantoma” is a groundbreaking concept album that explores the theme of artificial intelligence gaining sentience in a dystopian future. Released on May 10, 2024, through Napalm Records, the album seamlessly blends the band’s signature power metal sound with progressive and pop elements, delivering a compelling narrative imbued with high science fiction and social commentary.
The album’s protagonist, Phantoma, is a Phase 4 / Network Tier 0 unit – model A, and the storyline unfolds as she encounters unsettling truths about the world around her. The standout track “Green & Glass” showcases dynamic verses and intricate, progressive guitar work, accompanied by an innovative music video that utilizes AI technology trained on licensed artwork by Bo Bradshaw, blending technology and human creativity.
“Phantoma” positions Unleash the Archers as a significant force in the metal genre, engaging with contemporary themes of technology and authenticity while delivering their signature blend of power metal, traditional heavy metal, and modern elements. With critical acclaim and chart-topping success from their previous album “Abyss,” “Phantoma” is poised to further solidify the band’s reputation for ambitious and influential concept albums.” (Perplexity)
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Unleash The Archers Phantoma Album Review
