Canadian modern power metal icons UNLEASH THE ARCHERS recently announced the upcoming release of their massive sixth studio album, Phantoma, out May 10, 2024 via Napalm Records! Following the album’s first two singles “Green & Glass” and “Ghosts In The Mist”, today, the Vancouver based five-piece has revealed their soaring third single, “Seeking Vengeance”, along with a new music video! Beginning with a fast paced guitar lead and modernized power metal attacks, the song entrances with a powerful chorus and intricate dual solo.
On the new concept album, listeners join protagonist Phantoma, a Phase 4 / Network Tier 0 unit – model A, on an inspiring yet harrowing journey as she discovers the brutal truths behind the manufactured sheen of social media posturing on a dystopian, near-future planet earth. With the band’s one-of-a-kind blend of power metal, traditional heavy metal, modern prog and pop sensibilities, Phantoma spins a web of sharp musicality, high sci-fi concept and important social commentary.
Brittney Slayes of UNLEASH THE ARCHERS says about “Seeking Vengeance”:“This is the moment in the story when Phantoma comes to terms with what she must do and who she must become in order to do it. We worked really hard to make sure the music reflects the energy of the moment, and I think the video does a great job of portraying the inner struggle as well. This was filmed and edited by the boys at RuneGate Studio and they focused on using lighting and different lenses to create a dynamic visual experience.
The song is the darkest moment of the album but it is juxtaposed with an uplifting chorus melody that was actually inspired by classic Disney ‘hero anthems’. This one was a unanimous single choice for us and we can’t wait to play it live for you all at our upcoming shows! Hope you enjoy.”
Intertwining reality with imagination, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS were inspired to utilize elements of AI during the creation of Phantoma, in keeping with its innovative theme. Frontwoman and lyricist Brittney Slayes conjured the album’s concept in 2021; before the swarm of pressing commentary surrounding AI began to reach an all-time high.
The band weaved electronic and synthwave elements throughout the album’s 10 colossal anthems, which – in line with its theme – prove much darker and heavier in comparison to the bright positivity of Abyss. Album opener “Human Era” sets the tone with imagery of a bleak, windswept futurescape that crescendos headlong into the breakneck pace of power metal bastion “Ph4/NT0mA” – a masterwork of dueling guitar solos and vocal acrobatics. Trad-metal influenced “Buried In Code” lights the way with pummeling rhythms before the album’s path turns dark on heavy metal hardened “The Collective”, with Brittney Slayes’ warm tones inviting the listener to ‘join or stand aside’! Hair-raising first single “Green & Glass” unveils the truth before the upbeat 80s flavored “Gods In Decay” and the extraordinary balladic anthem “Give It Up Or Give It All” showcase the varied song writing prowess of UNLEASH THE ARCHERS’ modern era. A trifecta of concept closers begins with the moody “Ghosts In The Mist”, leading into the soaring yet menacing “Seeking Vengeance” before closing with the bittersweet tale of “Blood Empress”.
Mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen, and with lead guitarist Andrew Kingsley at the helm as both principal songwriter and producer, Phantoma is an exciting advancement in UNLEASH THE ARCHERS’ songwriting and storytelling mastery, and a giant leap forward in their towering musical trajectory.
Phantoma follows the band’s 2020 breakout album, Abyss, which won the JUNO Award for Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year after debuting at #1 on the US Current Hard Music and Top New Artist charts, and was dubbed by Bandcamp as “a mandatory listen” upon release.
Phantoma track listing:
Human Era
Ph4/NT0mA
Buried In Code
The Collective
Green & Glass
Gods In Decay
Give It Up Or Give It All
Ghosts In The Mist
Seeking Vengeance
Blood Empress
Phantoma will be available in the following formats:
-Earbook Edition with 2CD (2 Bonus Tracks and instrumental version of the album), 7″ Single (2 bonus tracks on Black vinyl), 60 pp booklet (Napalm Mail Order only – limited to 1000)
-2LP Gatefold in Phantoma Cristallo Multicolored Splatter (Napalm Mail Order only – limited to 300) – NEW!
-2LP Gatefold in Marbled Orange Red with 24 page vinyl booklet and artprint (Napalm Mail Order only – limited to 300) – SOLD OUT!
-2LP Gatefold in Glow In the Dark (Napalm Mail Order only – limited to 300)
-2LP Gatefold in Splatter Aquamarine Orange (Napalm International Mail Order only – limited to 300)
-2LP Gatefold in Black
-Cassette Tape Edition in Fluorescent Green with White Print (Napalm Mail Order only – limited to 200)
-Jewel Case CD Edition
-Digital Album
Australia and New Zealand Headliners:
05.06.24: Canberra / Basement
06.06.24: Sydney / Manning
07.06.24: Melbourne / Croxton
08.06.24: Brisbane / The Zoo
09.06.24: Adelaide / Lion Arts
10.06.24: Perth / Amplifier
13.06.24: Auckland / Galatos
14.06.24: Wellington / Valhalla
Tix from
Pre-Order Phantoma
