Pandemic - Phantoms (2024)

4★

Coming off 2023's Crooked Mirror, Poland's own PANDEMIC are back to dish out a second serving of molten-hot steel. Phantoms ups the ante, with even more melodic leads, crushing riffs, and manic vocals than before!

Listen, you're not exactly getting anything new with PANDEMIC, but that's not the point. Their blend of power metal with bludgeoning speedy thrash is a style that's been done to death in the modern age, but with varying -- and I mean varying -- success. PANDEMIC is one of the few bands who do the style well and all without overstaying their welcome; that's where I think they shine most. Their songs are well-written, well-structured, and don't leave you feeling winded or disappointed.

I've already touched on the music a tiny bit, but let's get into it more! The guitar riffs are scorchers, ranging from your standard style of heavy metal-influenced thrash on "Greatest of Sinners" to trem-picked riffs on songs like "Santa Muerte," giving us a whole showcase of the band's various influences and the songwriting styles they're capable of. In addition, the leads are just as searing, presenting a great fusion of standard metal licks with some more melodic touches thrown in here and there. Vocalist and bassist Gniewko Jelski has his own signature snarl, sounding like a cross between ANNIHILATOR's Jeff Waters and TYRANT's Jürgen "Kermit" Kerner, giving him a full range of vocal theatrics -- from harrowing bellows to high-pitched fry screams. Truly impressive stuff he executes on here, and all while playing bass! I can't finish out this without talking about drummer Filip Worek, who just blew me away with his style -- fills galore, gnarly grooves, and somehow still remaining tight with the rest of the band.

Most modern thrash seems boring and dated, but I've been positively impressed by PANDEMIC's second effort. When this drops, be sure to sink your teeth in!

---

FAVORITE TRACKS: “Phantoms,” “The Last Road,” "...the Horde"

FOR FANS OF: Mysto Dysto, Heathen, Gama Bomb

Out on December 20th!

Listen