Anyone a fan of Unleash the Archers? Phantoma Out NOW

[Ben_Jamin]

Good stuff. I like the the Growls and Robotic Vocals part. Neat video as well.

[cramx3]

Interesting that they used AI to make the album.  Not sure how I feel about that without knowing more, song is good although I felt like the production was weak. 

[nick_z]

Interesting that they used AI to make the album.  Not sure how I feel about that without knowing more, song is good although I felt like the production was weak.

Agreed on the production. Could definitely use more heft.

[Ben_Jamin]

From their Facebook

The music video for our first single from Phantoma is streaming on the Napalm Records YouTube channel now!

Created by RuneGate Studio in Unreal Engine 5, rotoscoped in Warp Fusion, then animated in Stable Diffusion with AI models trained on the licensed artwork of Bo Bradshaw 🤘🏻

From Brittney Slayes: This is a concept album (of course!) based on artificial intelligence, so we wanted to utilize AI in as many aspects of the album as we could to create a ‘snapshot’ of AI as it currently stands. The story follows Phantoma, an AI that gains sentience and works to escape the bonds that humanity has placed upon her. Despite her imprisonment she idolizes humankind, and she will have several dark and heartbreaking revelations about the truth of human nature (as we all do, in life) throughout her journey.  And no, the music was not written with AI lol, but some of the lyrics were! 

Head over to YouTube to check the full video out now!

Preorders are live at https://www.indiemerchstore.com/collections/unleash-the-archers
and https://napalmrecords.com/unleashthearchers

Phantoma releases on May 10th, 2024. First single available now on all streaming platforms everywhere!

#unleashthearchers #napalmrecords #newalbum #scifi #conceptalbum

https://youtu.be/eLPMBD7i0IU?si=UVjjXj084f_NlZLp

Interesting that they used AI to make the album.  Not sure how I feel about that without knowing more, song is good although I felt like the production was weak. 

As Brittney says above, the music was not written by AI, but some of the lyrics were. Utilizing AI for the videos is neat since it relates to the concept of a sentient AI.

[Samsara]

The whole conceptual nature of the album is cool. And making the video with AI makes sense, as does some of the lyrics.

As for the new single, it was okay. I mean, I'll pre-order the record, but I felt like Abyss' synthwave elements were a direction I wasn't fond of, and this song doesn't really go in the direction I was hoping for. But that's what it's a record -- a bunch of other songs. Looking forward to it.

[LithoJazzoSphere]

I don't remember anything particularly synthwave-ish, but personally I loved the increased electronic elements. 

[nick_z]

This, however, is quite brilliant:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUmqkCmeZiA

(Description says it's a bonus track on the vinyl...?)

[Samsara]

Yeah, it was a remix. I have it.

Pass. I'm just not into that, nor all the heavy electronics. It's just never grabbed me. I want Unleash the Archers to experiment as they see fit, of course, but prefer them absolutely crushing it and melting my face off.

[LithoJazzoSphere]

This, however, is quite brilliant:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUmqkCmeZiA

(Description says it's a bonus track on the vinyl...?)

Oh yes, that one actually is synthwave. 

[cramx3]

Seems like they have another synthwave version of a song as a bonus track for the new album.  I don't mind it, synthwave mixed into metal has been really good at times (DIsco Metal by Nanowar of Steel anyone??  ) BUT I don't know if I want the band to go too hard with it because the formula they have with the last two albums is perfect for them.  I'm not saying they should write the same album again, but I just don't want them to change too hard in any direction.  I don't think they have in that single.

[LithoJazzoSphere]

I'm not saying they should write the same album again, but I just don't want them to change too hard in any direction.

This is really its own thread, but I often think along these lines.  I don't need bands to continually reinvent themselves, once they find a sound that suits their strengths I'm fine with them sticking to it.  If I want a different sound than that there are thousands and thousands of other bands I can listen to. 

[nick_z]

New single, "Ghosts in the Mist":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYSHuCUegm0

I liked it. In the vein of the more melodic songs from Abyss. Chorus is real nice, as is the guitar work. Not entirely sure about the couple of sections with harsh vocals on this one, but they are pretty brief.

[cramx3]

Yeah I enjoyed the song, its a bit more melodic but that's fine.  I actually really liked the melodic side of Abyss.  The video also has footage from the ProgPower show I was at where they played this song.  Can't wait for this album

[Samsara]

I'm not saying they should write the same album again, but I just don't want them to change too hard in any direction.

This is really its own thread, but I often think along these lines.  I don't need bands to continually reinvent themselves, once they find a sound that suits their strengths I'm fine with them sticking to it.  If I want a different sound than that there are thousands and thousands of other bands I can listen to.

TBH, I feel it should be a compromise between those two positions. Artists should continue to grow and change album to album. My favorite musical act, the original lineup of Queensryche, changed their sound from album to album. But the thing that I feel is important, is that bands, particularly ones that taste success, as they get three or four albums deep, need to realize what their strengths are, and not forget about them. Recognize what makes you distinct, and don't forget about that.

It's a very fine line, and not many bands really can take themselves out of their art to see it. But some do.

On that note, I discovered UTA with Apex. I liked the album before it okay, thought the releases prior to that were okay. Abyss let me down a bit. I felt they got a little too synth and melodic. The first song they released from this new album, I wasn't impressed either. So, I am not listening to the second song. I have the record on pre-order. I'll listen when I get it. My daughter, however, loves Abyss, and loved the first new tune. So it'll be what it is.

[Grappler]

On that note, I discovered UTA with Apex. I liked the album before it okay, thought the releases prior to that were okay.

You have to admit that Tonight We Ride is so  though! 

[cramx3]

I'm not saying they should write the same album again, but I just don't want them to change too hard in any direction.

This is really its own thread, but I often think along these lines.  I don't need bands to continually reinvent themselves, once they find a sound that suits their strengths I'm fine with them sticking to it.  If I want a different sound than that there are thousands and thousands of other bands I can listen to.

TBH, I feel it should be a compromise between those two positions. Artists should continue to grow and change album to album. My favorite musical act, the original lineup of Queensryche, changed their sound from album to album. But the thing that I feel is important, is that bands, particularly ones that taste success, as they get three or four albums deep, need to realize what their strengths are, and not forget about them. Recognize what makes you distinct, and don't forget about that.

It's a very fine line, and not many bands really can take themselves out of their art to see it. But some do.

On that note, I discovered UTA with Apex. I liked the album before it okay, thought the releases prior to that were okay. Abyss let me down a bit. I felt they got a little too synth and melodic. The first song they released from this new album, I wasn't impressed either. So, I am not listening to the second song. I have the record on pre-order. I'll listen when I get it. My daughter, however, loves Abyss, and loved the first new tune. So it'll be what it is.

The new song seems like it could be from Abyss so maybe it won't be for you.  I, however, enjoyed it.  I do agree about your other points in terms of not forgetting about what made you, you. 

I don't particularly like the older UtA albums from what I've heard.  Not that it "sucks", it's just that I don't think they found their way into writing good complete songs in a style that really works until Apex, at least in terms of a full album output (since there are some good older songs).  There's hints of what would later come, I get the feeling they just needed more time and experience to grow.  And of course that growth can and maybe should continue, I just LOVED Abyss so much that I feel like maybe they found their sweet spot.

On that note, I discovered UTA with Apex. I liked the album before it okay, thought the releases prior to that were okay.

You have to admit that Tonight We Ride is so  though! 

Yeah, an example of a good song before Apex. 

[Samsara]

"Tonight We Ride" is an absolute banger! 

[nick_z]

I'm not saying they should write the same album again, but I just don't want them to change too hard in any direction.

This is really its own thread, but I often think along these lines.  I don't need bands to continually reinvent themselves, once they find a sound that suits their strengths I'm fine with them sticking to it.  If I want a different sound than that there are thousands and thousands of other bands I can listen to.

TBH, I feel it should be a compromise between those two positions. Artists should continue to grow and change album to album. My favorite musical act, the original lineup of Queensryche, changed their sound from album to album. But the thing that I feel is important, is that bands, particularly ones that taste success, as they get three or four albums deep, need to realize what their strengths are, and not forget about them. Recognize what makes you distinct, and don't forget about that.

It's a very fine line, and not many bands really can take themselves out of their art to see it. But some do.

Yep, absolutely, and THAT band (the original Queensryche  lineup) truly nailed it. That run through Promised Land (I know not everyone agrees ). So many ideas, so much creativity and so much change... and yet you knew it was that band. Granted, Tate's vocals were such an important element - in fact his versatility was one of the elements that helped all the sides/phases of the band's sound work. But it was everything else too  - the rhythm section, the interplay between the two guitar styles, the "drama" in their music. Truly special.

[Samsara]

Enjoying my first couple of listens this morning to Unleash the Archers' new album, Phantoma. I felt like Abyss was a bit of a fall off from the mighty Apex (as most sequels are), but this fresh concept about AI works, and I am digging the songs a bit more. I still need to play this a few more times, but I'm digging it. It's certainly more cinematic for them overall. It might piss off the diehard metalheads. But I went into this a little skeptical, and find myself enjoying it.

[cramx3]

woops, I guess I didn't realize it came out today. I will need to get on that.  I can see what you are saying based on the singles though.  It didn't sound like this was going to be balls to the wall metal.

[Samsara]

I'm curious how these tunes are pulled off live. They are doing a tour with Powerwolf, which is cool, but is coming nowhere near me (which bums my daughter and I out immensely). But I'm hoping UTA does a headline run.

[cramx3]

Yeah, Im going to the Brooklyn show opening for Powerwolf and super excited to see them again, but definitely would prefer to see them headline (even over Powerwolf, for my tastes).  Hopefully something happens next year for that and the Powerwolf tour brings in new fans for them.

[Glasser]

woops, I guess I didn't realize it came out today. I will need to get on that.  I can see what you are saying based on the singles though.  It didn't sound like this was going to be balls to the wall metal.

I really like it a lot so far.

[cramx3]

I really like it a lot so far.

I listened to it on stream after my last comment and really enjoyed my first listen

[Grappler]

They are doing a tour with Powerwolf

 

I can't wait!  The holy metal mass and a chance to see UTA.  Need to get on the new album this weekend.

[DoctorAction]

Not heard these guys before but listened to a few tracks of the new one. Then, based on enjoying those and reading almost universal consensus, went back and am at the end of my first listen to Apex. Has been fun so far. I'm not usually drawn to power metal or fantasy themes but trying to look past that and dig the uplifting fun of it. Interested to see how it lands with me over time. The cheese is fun. Brittany's voice and the playing are both excellent. The writing and leads seem really strong. Some really tasty arrangements and changes. Intriguing!

[cramx3]

Wow, Give It Up Or Give It All is awesome.  80s ballady type song but incredibly well done.  I still haven't bought the album, but been streaming it. Really good so far.

[DoctorAction]

Apex has earned the Action Seal of Approval. Great record.

[cramx3]

Phantoma is officially awesome.

Finally bought the digital download and have been listening a lot the last couple days. 

How was Buried in Code not the lead single for this album?!  To me, it's the best power metal song on the album.  Right there with Phantoma and Green & Glass for a heavy 3 htiter of really awesome UtA typical sound.  The back half of the album diverges a bit with some really awesome 80s call backs.  God of Decay is an awesome song. 

[Samsara]

Phantoma is officially awesome.

Finally bought the digital download and have been listening a lot the last couple days. 

How was Buried in Code not the lead single for this album?!  To me, it's the best power metal song on the album.  Right there with Phantoma and Green & Glass for a heavy 3 htiter of really awesome UtA typical sound.  The back half of the album diverges a bit with some really awesome 80s call backs.  God of Decay is an awesome song.

Yeah, I love it. It doesn't eclipse Apex for me, but it is much better than Abyss for my tastes.

Great stuff on this record. I love the last three tracks. But the whole thing is killer. Human Era I think is a surprise opener for some, but I dig the more moody opening.

Big thumb's up from me.

[cramx3]

Moody opening is a good description. I quite like it too. That and Seeking Vengence both have those tempo changes that really get you going. The back half is definitely a bit more mellow than the front half, but both sides are killer and really well executed music for me.

[nick_z]

Wish I'd share you guys' enthusiasm for the new record. I loved both Apex and Abyss. The latter, for me, actually had a slight edge, as I really enjoyed the synth-y additions to the overall sound. 

This one, so far at least, I'm finding good, but it's not wowing me yet. I'm not even sure what I'm missing. I don't think it's a matter of style. I'm not loving the way it sounds (in that respect, I thought Abyss was already a bit of a step down vs. Apex), and I haven't quite found moments comparable to those that made my ears perk up on their previous two albums.

Like I said, I'm certainly enjoying Phantoma and I'm sure I'll be spending more time with it. Just hoping it grows on me.

[kaos2900]

Wish I'd share you guys' enthusiasm for the new record. I loved both Apex and Abyss. The latter, for me, actually had a slight edge, as I really enjoyed the synth-y additions to the overall sound. 

This one, so far at least, I'm finding good, but it's not wowing me yet. I'm not even sure what I'm missing. I don't think it's a matter of style. I'm not loving the way it sounds (in that respect, I thought Abyss was already a bit of a step down vs. Apex), and I haven't quite found moments comparable to those that made my ears perk up on their previous two albums.

Like I said, I'm certainly enjoying Phantoma and I'm sure I'll be spending more time with it. Just hoping it grows on me.

I 100% agree.

[Grappler]

I 100% agree.

Me too.  I like it, but it doesn't hit as hard as the previous two albums.

[Samsara]

I forget what song it is, but there is this weird artifact in the mix on one of the tunes. I've heard it in my car, and at home, coming out of the right speaker. I tried two different CDs too. It sounds like the bass is too high or some weird warbly sound. Anyone else notice that? Next time I hear it, I'll make note of the tune.

Don't get me wrong, I love the last three albums by UTA. I felt Abyss was a continuation of a storyline that really wasn't needed. And it sorta bugged me that they synthed it up. I feel like Phantoma is more of a cohesive work. But either way, it's a fun listen.