Phantom Elite: Titanium (Frontiers, 2021)

Mostly-Dutch symphonic metal band Phantom Elite is one of the Frontiers label’s newest signings, and they’ve got quite the pedigree. Formed in 2016 by Sander Gommans (HDK, ex-After Forever), the band features Brazilian vocalist Marina La Torraca, who performed live with Avantasia as well as Exit Eden). Gommans handles songwriting and production for this album, the band’s second, which is titled Titanium. The album also features a guest appearance by another Avantasia live vocalist in Amanda Somerville.

Given Gommans’ involvement, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that Phantom Elite has a strong After Forever sound. They’re also solidly in that Delain/Epica territory. Metallic but very melodic, with lots of symphonic keyboard touches and some gothic elements here and there. You get an occasional growled male vocal, but for the most part it’s La Torraca’s vocals shining strong and clear throughout the album. It’s very catchy, but not in an over-the-top Amaranthe pop metal kind of way.

This one checks all the boxes: catchy songs, great metallic hooks, strong female vocals, pristine production…basically everything you look for in a symphonic metal album. Phantom Elite isn’t blazing any new trails in the genre, but they do this kind of metal very well. Fans of Delain, After Forever, Epica and similar bands ought to love them.