Review | Phantom Elite – Mantis [EP]

Independent Release

With `Mantis’, Phantom Elite delivers a concise new four-track EP that radiates the confidence and maturity of a band coming fully into its own. Where their earlier albums, `Titanium’ and `Blue Blood’, marked their experimentation in search of their identity, `Mantis’  is the sound of a band that knows exactly what it wants to voicing uniqueness. More powerful daring, fusing aggressive modern metal with melodic hooks and personal storytelling, this EP is a calling card for the band’s future. The stunning artwork covering their musical profanity perfectly.

GROWTH AS SONGWRITERS

The colorful piano opening and its biting opening salvo, ,,Sangre Mala”, wastes no time in establishing the heavier, rawer direction chosen. The riffs are muscular, the rhythms relentless, and the tech keyboards add to Marina La Torraca’s soaring vocals. Delivered with a conviction that feels both urgent and unfiltered, she puts a distinct mark on the track. Channelling timid whispers and narration into your heart, she easily makes the track burst into flames with gutted growls and outbursts of anger, without losing her melodic gripping appeal. The breakdown is the sum of all fears.

,,Good Guy”, arguably the boldest track, stands as a testament to their growth as songwriters. The fusion of aggressive riffing with infectious choruses and modern synths and flings is executed with flair. Max van Esch’s guitar work is both punishing and nuanced, while Joeri Warmerdam’s drumming provides a groove-driven backbone that propelling the track. The interplay between heaviness and melody is more sophisticated than ever, and the band’s chemistry is immense. The bass is growling and slapping with tribal accolades mid-way. La Torraca switches her melodic register to anger-laden fierce, while the song’s chorus borders pop.

POP AND GROOVE METAL

,,Nectar” unites these flavors of pop and groove metal with modern Björk reminiscent section while Marina scats het phrases. The chorus nesting melodic, while the melo-death growls and screams ad contrast. Fusing styles, Phantom Elite pushes the creative envelope.

The collaboration with Jules Mitch on the funky hinged groover ,,Slow Burn” adds another layer to the EP’s emotional palette. The duet between La Torraca and Mitch captures the nuances of heartbreak and resilience, their voices intertwining. The ploughing bass and pounding drums are precise and heavy, and the jazzy break is as illustrious as the guitar solo. It’s a performance that highlights not just vocal prowess, but also the storytelling-qualities setting Phantom Elite apart from many of their genre mates.

,,Mantis” tackle’s themes of relationships, anxiety, self-doubt, and women’s rights with a directness refreshing and necessary. There’s urgency in the words, a will to confront uncomfortable truths and invite the listener into the conversation. This openness marks a significant evolution from their earlier work, where personal themes were often cloaked in metaphor.

PHANTOM ELITE – THE CONCLUSION

One cannot help but admire the leap Phantom Elite have taken with `Mantis’. This is a band that has not only refined its musicianship and songwriting, but has also found its voice which is powerful and fearless, impossible to ignore. Phantom Elite previously hinted their potential performing, `Mantis’ delivers on that promise with authority. No longer a band to watch; Phantom Elite are a band to follow!

Release date: 22 May 2025