Album Review: Unleash the Archers – Phantoma (Napalm Records)

Purveyors of futuristically motivated metal, and Canada’s most exciting metal band, Unleash the Archers return with their conceptual, AI inspired sixth studio album, ‘Phantoma’, out May 10th, 2024, via Napalm Records.

One of the hottest bands in the world right now, this new album from Unleash the Archers isn’t just hotly anticipated, it’s damn near molten. For good reason too as each single released has been met with such acclaim, that it seemed clear this new album will be the final piece needed to send this band into stardom.

Does it reach such heady heights and live up to anticipation though? The answer is a resounding yes, but one with a small asterisk next to it. Put there because there are some moments where things fall just a little flat. One of which is the unexciting opener, Human Era. Musically, it’s solid as hell, has some interesting progressive flair, creates the conceptual imagery through effects, and sets the anthemic bar this album will reach, but there’s a sense of holding back here, even with vocalist Brittney Slayes sounding immense. Although that’s par for the course as she is an amazing vocalist.

Happily, the big, infectious vibes desired are front and centre for the dazzling Ph4/NT0mA, and the lively instrumentals play off Slayes soaring voice perfectly here. The chorus is very catchy, and the speedy synths really give it a futuristic feel. Although it might be more of that ‘retro future’ feel, as a major component of the Unleash the Archers sound comes from a more traditional style of metal, blended with elements of power.

Case in point, the peppiness of Buried in Code, which also has an exciting guitar solo. Followed then by something that feels particularly drawn from the concept surrounding the rise of AI, The Collective. A track with some very cool sounding heaviness in the latter half. Before Green & Glass brings us to the halfway point of the album with a resounding melody-infused bang.

This series of tracks is where Unleash the Archers showcase exactly what has made them such a popular band.

Although there is absolutely nothing to complain about with the synthy 80s tinged excitability of Gods in Decay. This, and later, Ghost in the Mist, are two of the album’s most anthemic efforts. Both filled with thrilling moments that combine grand melody and epic head-banging vibes. Unleash the Archers at their most likable.

In between them though, we have Give it Up or Give it All, the longest track on the album, and the most dramatic. Showcasing the rock ballad side of the band in spectacular style, but happily, not sticking to the tried and tested formula too much. It’s one of the most lovable tracks on the entire album and is sure to get a live crowd singing along loudly to its chorus.

Alas, for all its vigorous instrumentals and emphatic vocal roars, the penultimate track, Seeking Vengeance comes and goes with very little impact. Again though, even though it’s a bit of a miss, it’s not a bad song by any stretch of the imagination. It just pales in comparison to a lot of what has been heard elsewhere.

Thankfully, the album does end on a high with Blood Empress. Unleash the Archers telling a memorable tale through the immense power of Slayes vocals and the chunky rhythmic beats.

Regardless of any issues found with the album, there is no doubt that this is going to help propel this band to even greater heights. It’s them doing what they do best, blending the old and the new via the medium of accessible metal and rock. That’s going to make a lot of people happy.

Unleash the Archers – Phantoma Track Listing:

1. Human Era
2. Ph4/NT0mA
3. Buried In Code
4. The Collective
5. Green & Glass
6. Gods In Decay
7. Give It Up or Give It All
8. Ghosts In the Mist
9. Seeking Vengeance
10. Blood Empress

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