Hailing from British Columbia, the latest musical offering from dynamic power metal group Unleash the Archers honours the genres tradition of creating a world for its listeners to immerse themselves in, as is made clear from opening track, Human Era. Taking a more futuristic approach, addressing the greed of humanity that has resulted in a more desolate version of our world, the machines have taken over in this instance. With a chorus worthy of being bellowed in stadiums, it’s clear that the remainder of the album from this point on will be nothing but up to scratch with what is genre demands. Title track Ph4/NT0mA maintains an incredible pace drawing this listener straight in with blistering guitar work throughout and epic battle cries from frontwoman Brittney Hayes (a.k.a. Brittney Slayes), preaching of a caretaker who has taken it upon herself to provide care to what remains of humanity in this futuristic dystopia called Phantoma, accompanied by amazing drum work from man behind the kit Scott Buchanan. Longing for a higher purpose in a world run by technology, we get brought deeper into the narrative. Maintaining the plot of the story, it takes a turn Buried In Code where, in an unexpected turn, we see human and machine team up to plot a daring escape. Also showcasing the amazing instrumentals this group has to offer. Keying in with beeps and bops, The Collective has a powerful yet ominous feel. There is a sense of unity and the lyrical content suggesting the making of an army to revolt against the protagonist of whom is an almighty droid with sinister plans. With guttural vocals from guitarist Grant Truesdell narrating from this evil droid’s point of view, it adds an amazing layer to the story being told here and ending with a chant and instrumentals that gave me goosebumps. Commencing with radio chatter, Green & Glass shows us that the grass is in fact greener on the other side. Having seemingly escaped the technological terrors of Phantoma, our heroin finds herself both relieved and looking back on society’s downfall, offering another double narrative and taking a clever jab at the Metaverse.
Having found signs of life outside the boarders of the cyber capital on Gods In Decay, we find the self-proclaimed “chosen one” attempt to forewarn the outside masses of an imminent attack, only to find that humanity allowed themselves to be taken over, and that any hope at redemption appears to be lost. Give It Up Or Give It All takes a more motivational turn, the main message inspiring us to live in the moment. And to fight through the challenges life can sometimes throw us, to be more present with ourselves rather than with others. Bringing us back into the main narrative on Ghosts In The Mist with a brilliant keyboard/combination, it would appear that an unknown force has emerged and is willing to fight, although it is unclear whose side they are fighting for and for what cause. Seeking Vengeance brings us to the final chapter of this archaic tale of survival, taking no prisoners, this song is not only punchy, but is out for blood. Coming to terms with the possibility that there might not be a happy ending. Bringing us to the final track of this conceptual masterpiece, Blood Empress not only sheds light on the issue of identity crisis, but revealing that humans and technology have merged to become a single entity.
It’s no secret that AI is becoming more and more progressive by the day. And Phantoma has done a 10/10 job of painting a picture of what life could be if it continues to evolve at the rate that it is.
8.5/10
