Dark Phantom, an Iraqi band in a rapidly growing Middle Eastern metal scene has to offer something different in order to stand out.
I only listened to one of their songs, which I’ll review here so I can’t really give a general opinion, but overall these guys are satisfying but they didn’t exactly blow me away.
Their music was okay but it didn’t bring anything new to the table, the formula has been played before: A heavy death metal riff, growling vocals, and a really good solo. They also added a few clean vocal lines here and there which I really liked. The clean vocals have a System of a Down vibe to them; maybe it’s the accent? I’m not sure but I liked them either way.
The guitars could’ve sounded better but this is just a mixing/mastering issue not the guitarists’ fault. However, I loved their solo. Their drum tones were pretty decent as well however the mastering on the whole track could’ve been better, for example the vocals are way louder than the instruments, but surprisingly enough I could often hear the bass guitar.
Overall? They show potential but need to work on their mastering skills and riffing a bit. Their album named Nation of Dogs was released on May 6th 2016 and I recommend that you check it out if you like straight up Death Metal that’s slightly influenced by Middle Eastern music.
Edited by: Bishoy Nader
– Keep updated with the band through their Facebook, YouTube and BandCamp.
