AMORIELLO
Phantom Sounds
2022 Shredguy Records
Guitarist extraordinaire Thomas Amoriello has released his second full-length opus, Phantom Sounds, the follow up to his self-titled debut in 2018. Amoriello again operates in the neoclassical arena of traditional heavy metal and shred guitar, with hints of progressive in the mix. Themes of songs are mostly medieval, yet occasionally venture into other subject areas. Make no mistake about it, this is righteous heavy metal - played with a fire and attitude. Phantom Sounds is a more collaborative affair than the debut. The core of the band is Thomas Amoriello (guitar), Giovanni Sena (AGE OF ARTEMIS) on bass, Cameron Fleury (TERRORHORSE) on drums, and keyboards are provided by Anthony Stahl (DEADRISEN) on half of the songs and Ariel Perchuk (KENZINER) on the other half. These guys are amazingly talented and play superbly on this album. Additional musicians are mentioned below with each song.
The album begins with the explosive “Villain”, which features the great Herbie Langhans (FIREWIND, SONIC HAVEN) on vocals. This song celebrates the villain, who is almost always cooler than the hero of a story. Thomas’ guitar work is fantastic, and the shouted background vocal of “Villain!” is cool. Anthony Stahl plays keys on this track. Next up is an instant classic and favorite cut of mine on the album, “Unruly King”. Vocalist Jim Rutherford (POWER THEORY) truly makes this song come alive. From the opening mob sounds to the closing “Off with their heads!” and laughter, this song is amazing. Cameron Fleury really nails the drums here, and Ariel Perchuk adds critical keys to the song. What a great track!
Mid-tempo stomp “Medieval Warrior” features the unmistakable voice of Piet Sielck (IRON SAVIOR), who also co-wrote the song. This is a great fit; Piet sounds amazing on this track. Keys were added by Ariel on this track as well. The epic “Haunted” acts as a centerpiece for the album. It features the coolest intro on Phantom Sounds, and features supremely powerful riffs from Thomas, vocals by Titta Tani (ARTHUR FALCONE’ STARGAZER) and keys from Anthony to ratchet up the intensity.
“Funhouse Opus 13” is a ripping instrumental featuring plenty of atmospheric keyboards and blazing guitar wizardry. Thomas handles the first solo, followed by guest solos from guitarists Sonia Anubis (COBRA SPELL) and Bobby Koelble (LEVIATHAN PROJECT). “Witching Hour Blues” is a slower jamfest featuring vocals again from Titta Tani and keys from Anthony. Conversely, “Mach Five” is uptempo all the way, and features vocals from Will Shaw (DEADRISEN). Closing track “Candelabra” is mostly instrumental and features classical acoustic guitar and haunting background vocals from Melitza Torres (LILIUMDUST) and keys once again from Anthony. A classy, touching ballad!
Phantom Sounds is much stronger than the debut album, and a real tour de force platter of heavy metal, referencing the past but with a nod to the future. Thomas has written some magical songs, and listening to them was a real treat. Phantom Sounds should appeal to fans of classic heavy metal and fans of shred guitar. Do yourself a favor and check it out. Phantom Sounds will be released by Shredguy Records on CD on March 15th and H42 Records on vinyl later this year.
4.8 Out Of 5.0
