Beyond heavier and far-reaching genre coverage we continually execute on this site, there are times when simpler, basic forms of melodic metal or heavy hard rock satisfy those aural tastes. That’s what we have here for Finnish five-piece Phantomy. Starting in 2020, the band would play gigs for a few years while developing the material that encompasses their debut album From the Wild. Although it may have taken a while to get this record together, the band’s natural raw spirit and DIY ethos captures a sound within these eight songs that embraces a lot of the classic heavy metal meets bluesy hard rock influences that penetrated the 80s and early 90’s movement.
Immediately apparent is the sleazy style, punk-ish nature to the vocal delivery of singer Samu Karhu. Joined with some gang-like background support from twin guitarists Eetu Räsänen and Rasmus Laurila, it’s decidedly Sunset Strip-oriented when taking in energetic numbers like “Tiger Wound” and the mid-tempo, street level “Christine”- the riffs during the chorus possessing that early Ozzy Osbourne/ Randy Rhoads charm in the latter. When these musicians want to get a bit funky or swinging a la Aerosmith, Dangerous Toys, or Ratt next to some NWOBHM inflections, you’ll get mid-album highlight “Lost in the Night”, where bassist Roope Lappalainen and drummer Herkko Lappalainen lock into this groovy, playful foundation to encourage stellar shredding in key instrumental sections. Uplifting power chords pulsate throughout “Wild Jungle Woman”, the double kick parts plus calmer transition give the louder sections more dynamic punch where the dual harmony runs bring classic Judas Priest/Iron Maiden to the forefront. Although most of the songs get by in radio-friendly arrangements timewise, closer “Bad Blood” at almost seven minutes successfully addresses some of their more commercial to driving songwriting components. The extended lead break into thoughtful, clean waters showcases more of their intuitive sensibilities as musicians – providing a launching point on future releases.
Remember the work of Santa Cruz over the years? Phantomy seem to have a lot of similar qualities where they pull from in the heavy metal/hard rock landscape – making From the Wild a solid debut effort. Another strong effort for those who like blue collar, meat and potatoes style songwriting with little bits of flash and dash.