If like me, you have never heard of this band then it’s time to find out about PHANTOM 5. They are a brand new German melodic heavy rock band put together by former BONFIRE singer Claus Lessmann, with guitar player Michael Voss (MAD MAX, CASSANOVA, WOLFPAKK) completed by Robby Boebel (FRONTLINE) Axel Kruse (MAD MAX, ex-JADED HEART) and Francis Buchholz (ex-SCORPIONS).
I am hoping for good things as I cue this up. When I think of Claus, I think Bonfire‘s Fireworks album. This, to me is a classic album and if you have never heard it then I recommend you check it out after PHANTOM 5.
We start the album with “All The Way” and straight off you remember the great vocal work of Claus. This is a great rocking opener with some fantastic guitar work as I truly am transported back to 1988, a brilliant thing in my mind. We move onto “Blue Dog”, a really catchy song as is “Someday” and although this is a new band, it has the feel of a truly established band they seem to gel so well as a unit.
“Don’t Touch The Night” is a real great number with some heavy riffs running through the chorus. My favorite song so far, “Renegade”, continues in the same vein with some gang vocal choruses and you really can’t fault Claus vocal effort at all.
“Flying High” has great and fantastic opening riff which will have you pumping your fist in the air. “Since You’re Gone” is the first ballad on the record but it’s not a total wimp out, it still has plenty of guitar work around the chorus.
“They Won’t Come Back” has some great lyrics, my favorite being “Ronnie was a Holy Diver” a great tribute song. “Frontline” is up next and there are some great effects on the vocals on this track.
“We Both Had Our Time” again has some great riffs and the band is so tight. These would be some great live songs and I would love to see this band live. We finish with “Why” and it’s another great song.
I really can’t fault this debut effort at all and if you like BONFIRE‘s Fireworks this is for you you will love it.
Mark 9 out of 10
Starchild
PHANTOM 5 Website / PHANTOM 5 Facebook
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIfI0KJUiKA[/embedyt]
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