UNLEASH THE ARCHERS Return with Groundbreaking New Album ‘Phantoma’
Shimon Karmel
Canada's thrilling metal band, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, has once again proven their dominance in the power metal realm. Following their dual-concept releases of 2017’s Apex and 2020’s Abyss, the latter of which earned them a JUNO Award for Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year, the band is back with their highly anticipated sixth studio album, Phantoma, set for release on May 10, 2024, via Napalm Records.
Phantoma is more than just an album; it's a conceptual masterpiece inspired by the intriguing world of artificial intelligence. Frontwoman and lyricist Brittney Slayes envisioned the concept back in 2021, before the AI conversation reached its current fever pitch. The album's narrative centers on Phantoma, a Phase 4 / Network Tier 0 unit - model A, as it navigates the trials of gaining sentience on a dystopian, near-future Earth. This thought-provoking storyline is delivered through UNLEASH THE ARCHERS’ unique fusion of power metal, traditional heavy metal, modern prog, and pop elements.
Phantoma weaves a complex tapestry of sharp musicality and high sci-fi concepts, offering important social commentary on the brutal truths masked by the manufactured sheen of social media. The band boldly incorporated AI during the writing, filming, and production process, infusing electronic and synthwave elements throughout the album’s ten colossal anthems. The result is a darker, heavier sound compared to the bright positivity of Abyss.
The album kicks off with “Human Era,” setting a bleak, windswept tone that transitions into the breakneck pace of “Ph4/NT0mA.” This track is a masterclass in dueling guitar solos and vocal acrobatics. “Buried In Code” follows with traditional metal influences and pummeling rhythms, leading into the heavier “The Collective,” where Brittney Slayes’ inviting vocals challenge listeners to ‘join or stand aside.’
The first single, “Green & Glass,” reveals the album’s truth with dynamic verses and progressive guitar work. “Gods In Decay” brings an upbeat 80s flavor, while “Give It Up Or Give It All” showcases the band's prowess in crafting extraordinary balladic anthems.
The album’s conceptual journey closes with a trifecta of powerful tracks: the moody “Ghosts In The Mist,” the soaring yet menacing “Seeking Vengeance,” and the bittersweet tale of “Blood Empress.”
Phantoma was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen, with lead guitarist Andrew Kingsley serving as the principal songwriter and producer. This collaboration has resulted in an exciting advancement in UNLEASH THE ARCHERS’ songwriting and storytelling mastery, marking a significant leap forward in their musical trajectory.
UNLEASH THE ARCHERS have once again pushed the boundaries of power metal with Phantoma. This album is a testament to their innovative spirit and their ability to blend futuristic themes with timeless metal soundscapes. As we immerse ourselves in its ethereal beauty, we are reminded of the timeless nature of art and its power to illuminate the human experience.
Prepare to be transported to a dystopian future with Phantoma - an album that not only cements UNLEASH THE ARCHERS' place as power metal giants but also as visionary storytellers of our time.
Tracklist:
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
Lineup:
Brittney Slayes - Vocals
Scott Buchanan - Drums
Grant Truesdell - Guitar, Vocals
Andrew Kingsley - Guitar, Vocals
Nick Miller - Bass
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