Here’s yet another “lost” New Wave of British Heavy Metal gem somehow unearthed by Cult Metal Classics as they keep doing. This time the band is Phantasm. A short-lived project initiated by drummer Dave Dufort (ex Angelwitch and Tytan).
Dave roped in bassist Tom Prince (ex-Tredegar) and guitarist Gary Jones (ex-Blade Runner) giving (if you’ll forgive the cliché) a NWOBHM “super group”. Needing a vocalist, Jan Stevens got the job. And what a monster voice she has. Husky, powerful and rangy.
Phantasm, unfortunately, did not last long enough to put out anything on record – no singles, no albums, though did lay down some quite superb demos back in the 1980s which now see the light of day after four decades thanks to Cult Metal Classics.
Eight songs of top, top quality NWOBHM-style heaviness with a melodic edge. Big, free-flowing riffs, scorching shredding from Gary Jones, nice bass lines from Tom Prince, Dave Dufort’s usual steady and solid drumming and the remarkable vocals of Jan Stevens. She’s a stand-out. So powerful yet melodic especially on the choruses.
Cry for the Future starts it off in some style. Effortlessly powerful, tasty big chords going on, precise bass lines, thudding drumming, free-flowing guitar solo and that huge vocal. Majestic stuff indeed. Have a listen:
Nightmare of Chimera similarly big, meaty and melodic. Battle of the Broken Hearts also with all the good stuff (particularly the guitar work from Jones) and a big, big chorus/hook to boot.
Dangerous Game and Undercover of the Night have massive hooks and catchy choruses which get in to your head as does Easy Ride.
All the while the vocals and first rate guitar work to the fore. Jones’ dexterous shredding is remarkable.
The last couple of songs – This Time and All for Love lean more towards traditional melodic rock territory – perhaps a deliberate writing effort aimed at singles – however that said both are enjoyable with a big sound.
A pity that Phantasm did not go further than the demos with a line-up with such NWOBHM-related pedigree, a remarkable vocalist and a set of songs as good as we have here.
To marks to Cult Metal Classics for their efforts in getting yet another “lost” one from the NWOBHM days out in to the wild.
As usual with the label, it is a limited edition run of just 500 CDs. As usual I bagged mine from the label at Sonic Age Records. As I type this review copies are still available. Here’s the link to Sonic Age Records and their catalogue of other New Wave of British Heavy Metal stuff.
https://www.sonicagerecords.com/_shop/