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Phantom-X: This is War

Heavy/Power Metal

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Perris Records
www.myspace.com/phantomxmetal
www.phantom-x.net
Review: Craig Hartranft,  04.26.2010

On their third release, This is War, Taxes-based Phantom-X continues their adventure into sound American melodic power metal. Phantom-X was formed and is still fronted by Kevin Goocher (ex-Omen), a powerful vocalist who reminds of the best of Dickinson and Dio. To the music, This is War revolves around the best classic melodic heavy and power metal which rose in the early 1980's and continues today, mostly in Europe. The songs are often found with a galloping pace powered by a strong rhythm section or a soaring arrangements, with Goocher's vocals and fiery guitar solos, reminding of a score to an epic fantasy film.

While most everything here is standard fare, Phantom-X are one of the best purveyors of the genre. Passing over the spoken introduction, the title track kicks off the album in grand power metal style. Forever Midnight stumbles a bit being quite derivitive. But from here This is War takes off with most songs offering genuine and varied classic melodic heavy metal. Principal numbers include Whore of Babylon, Cries in the Night, A Strange World, and the awesome Into Battle We Ride. Overall, for classic heavy power metal, Phantom-X's This is War is real deal. Quite recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

For classic heavy power metal and confounding current popular trends, Phantom-X's This is War is real deal. Quite recommended.

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