Unleash the Archers - Phantoma (Album Review) 

Ive been really happy with this record. I found it a unique take on the UTA sound while still sounding very much like them. I definitely agree with the point on the delivery. While Apex and Abyss arr also first person tales, I thought the delivery was better in this one and made me more connected with the concept. I also thought the album was really consistent. I'm always a full album listener type guy, so it bothers me when albums are consistent. Apex has a few songs I find weird towards thr end, and Abyss falls off after 'the wind that shapes the land', but Phantoma feels really consistent to me and I appreciate that.

Love UtA...i've had the same concerns of yours listening to the singles so far and I'm glad to hear how you enjoyed the record. Can't wait listening it myself now!

Great review. As for my personal first impressions, upon hearing the album in full just a couple of times, I feel it is a lot weaker than Abyss. Full disclosure: I absolutely love Abyss, I think it's a 10/10 album, I love every second of it. What concerns me the most with the first impressions, is that almost every song in Abyss had instantly catchy melodies, true earworms that would keep you coming back again and again for countless repeated listenings, while this album, again, upon only a couple listenings, feels like it doesn't have nearly as much brilliant melodies as the previous one did. The only song that was an instant hook for me was Gods In Decay, that synth lick that it has is absolutely infectious, and the type of thing that I was expecting this album to deliver after Abyss did it so well.

I've heard this new release four times and it didn't have to grown me and that it a testament to the professional musicians and their being quite gifted knowing what sounds and themes

Thank you, very interesting and insightful review

Always happy for new UTA content!

Always enjoy the full album listens more than when they drop the advance singles. Apex and Abyss had a flow to them I really enjoyed when listening to the record in full.

I think this album will top the lists at the end of the year. Indeed 10 out of 10.

good review for a top tier production of an album

A couple things......would you say the first 3 singles we have been given were the 3 most "mellow" on the album pretty much? They are certainly not what I was expecting in that regard, so I am hoping to get punched in the face on the other 7 tracks 🙂 And on Seeking Vengeance, a lot of people are thinking the vocals are too quiet, and I tend to agree. Your thoughts on that after hearing the album version, please?

I agree the sound mix/production is superior to Abyss and Apex. But I don't agree the guitar work is heavier. Not even close, really. There's some good songs to be sure....especially the title track. But there's a palpable loss of epic quality to the album as opposed to the previous two....and I personally prefer the more esoteric nature of the joint storyline of Apex and Abyss. I don't hear the the same "prog" elements you mentioned on Phantoma (despite the concept), I think it's overall much more commercial sounding and relatively subdued. Not that it makes it bad...it's excellent musically and vocally. But the energy level is lower, the distortion on the guitars is relatively de-emphasized, and the solos are less epic accordingly. There's nothing on this album that is as engaging as The Wind That Shapes the Land, False Walls, or Awakening. Though, admittedly, it would be difficult to replicate those 3. Apex and Abyss are A+...Phantoma is a solid B.

Not so sure this is at the really high level I thought it may be. Last 2 albums are better.

Subscribed. Nice reaction. If you would like to explore more, may I suggest a reaction to BABYMETAL. They are unique and have a worldwide fan base (The One). Their music has a positive and uplifting message. They have a fun and awesome performance: BABYMETAL - PA PA YA!! (feat. F.HERO) (OFFICIAL) Or: MAYA【Live Blu-ray/DVD「BABYMETAL BEGINS - THE OTHER ONE -」"BLACK NIGHT"】 Or a heavy performance perhaps you should do first: BABYMETAL | Rondo of Nightmare (w/ Mischiefs of Metal Gods Intro) 🖖 ❤

Do you guys just like everything? I would like you guys to just make a negative review just once.