Canada’s acclaimed metal band, Unleash the Archers, has officially announced their sixth studio album, “Phantoma,” set for release on May 10, 2024, through Napalm Records. This announcement marks the next chapter for the band following their successful 2020 album “Abyss,” which not only achieved critical acclaim but also clinched the JUNO Award for Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year, in addition to topping the US Current Hard Music and Top New Artist charts upon its debut.
“Phantoma” emerges as a concept album inspired by artificial intelligence, a theme that frontwoman and lyricist Brittney Slayes began to explore in 2021, ahead of the current widespread discussion and interest in AI. The narrative centers around Phantoma, a character described as a Phase 4 / Network Tier 0 unit – model A, and unfolds the story of AI gaining sentience in a dystopian, near-future version of Earth. The album is expected to weave together Unleash the Archers’ signature mix of power metal, traditional heavy metal, and modern progressive and pop elements, delivering a storyline imbued with high science fiction and critical social commentary. The commentary aims to peel back the layers of reality versus the often misleading veneer of social media.
In conjunction with the album announcement, Unleash the Archers released the first single from “Phantoma,” titled “Green & Glass.” This track is described as a compelling composition that navigates through the album’s dystopian themes with dynamic verses and intricate, progressive guitar work. Accompanying the single is a groundbreaking music video that features the protagonist, Phantoma, encountering new and unsettling truths. The video stands out for its innovative use of AI technology in its creation, alongside a commitment to supporting traditional artists. This was achieved by developing character models trained exclusively on artwork licensed from artist Bo Bradshaw, blending technology and human creativity.
“Phantoma” is poised to be a significant release for Unleash the Archers, as it not only continues the band’s trajectory of ambitious concept albums but also engages with contemporary themes and discussions around technology and authenticity. The album’s exploration of AI and sentience, set against a backdrop of societal critique, positions “Phantoma” as a potentially influential work in the metal genre and beyond.
Tracklist:
1. Human Era
2. Ph4/NT0mA
3. Buried In Code
4. The Collective
5. Green & Glass
6. Gods In Decay
7. Give It Up Or Give It All
8. Ghosts In The Mist
9. Seeking Vengeance
10. Blood Empress