Phantom Not Midnight Yet Review
Phantom
Not Midnight Yet
High Roller Records
2026
The best thing about writing reviews and getting access to so many albums is discovering bands I otherwise never would have heard. Almost every day, I come across at least ten new bands that have completely flown under my radar. While not all of them leave a lasting impression, every now and then I stumble across something I genuinely love and immediately want more of. That brings me to Phantom, a Mexican Speed/Thrash Metal band that has quickly become one of those discoveries.
From what I understand, this latest release is the band's third full-length album, but it's also their first proper release through High Roller Records. If I'm not mistaken, the label has also reissued Phantom's first two albums, neither of which I've heard yet, but you can bet I'll be tracking those down soon.
Phantom captures the raw intensity that made underground Thrash Metal so exciting during the genre's glory days. Their sound carries that same savage energy I grew up loving, while adding a healthy dose of horror-inspired madness in the lyrical department. Musically, this is a full-throttle Speed/Thrash assault that stands proudly alongside classic acts such as Anvil Bitch, Destruction, Whiplash, and early Slayer.
The album moves at a blistering pace and rarely lets up, serving as a masterclass in how Thrash Metal riffs should be written and played. The guitar work is relentless, packed with razor-sharp riffs and ear-splitting lead breaks stuffed into nearly every available space. Vocally, Phantom embraces the classic Thrash approach, delivering snarling, barked lyrics punctuated by occasional falsetto screams. I know that style isn't for everyone, but I've always loved it. Maybe it's because I grew up with the genre, but that vocal delivery feels like home to me and perfectly complements the music's old-school spirit.
If there's one minor drawback, it's the production. In keeping with many of the classic albums from my youth, the sound isn't exactly polished or pristine. That said, it never becomes a serious issue. If you're a vinyl junkie like me, just crank up the volume and let it rip.
I strongly recommend this album to anyone who craves authentic Speed and Thrash Metal. Phantom has captured everything that made the genre great and distilled it into one ferocious release. I can't wait to get my hands on the vinyl edition.
Standouts – “Dracula’s Curse”, “Not Midnight Yet”, “Out Of The Mausoleum” and “Curse Your Name”.