Phantom is a fairly new blackened thrash metal band from Mexico. The band formed in 2021 and has already managed to release two albums, an EP, a compilation, three demos, a split, and five singles. Their brand of thrash metal is filthy, raw, and fast-paced. Bands like Deathhammer, Inculter, Midnight, and Nifelheim immediately come to mind.
There’s something comically charming about the whole genre. In trying so hard to make everything as necro as possible, it often ends up with a slightly juvenile feel. The cover art, in particular, looks like the drawing of a talented teenager tasked with creating something extreme – but it ends up as a cheap Conan rip-off. Of course, this is intentional, as I’ve seen the artist Maegan LeMay create much stronger work in the past.
All in all, Phantom is a charming band, and I do enjoy many of their riffs and songs. But there are so many bands today embracing this retro thrash/speed metal style that it’s starting to feel a bit tired. They often sound too similar for me to get genuinely excited.
Released April 25th, 2025 on High Roller Records.
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