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PHANTOM DISTRESSOR
Phantom Distressor EP

Self-released (2024)
Rating: 7/10

Here is some new thrash metal from Phantom Distressor, a five-piece hailing from Groningen in the Netherlands. With their self-titled debut EP the band brings six songs all epitomised by the openings riffs and scream on ‘Thrash Till We Die’. Riddled with clichés yet all good fun, the track channels the likes of Slayer and Dark Angel while still bringing a contemporary toughness, particularly in the vocals which are confrontational and robust.

There are no thrills on offer, just solid aggressive metal, but what this outing does showcase is the versatility of vocalist Nikky Sriamin who can shift from raw yaps, as on ‘Thrash Till We Die’, to a high pitched wail (‘Phantom Distressor’). ‘Art Of Nailing’ is a big favourite and comes with a sinister slow build, scowling vocals and a bass line that quakes. To some extent there is a Testament vibe, more so with those steely dynamics and deathly vocal tirades.

‘Descending Hellfire’ exhibits the aggression and pace of vintage Death Angel but with a less feral viewpoint, while ‘The Beacons Are Lit’ storms in with a crisp solo and there is a fine mix of scurrying leads alongside heavy chugs. The EP is very solid in its structures and littered with melodic passages, but for me the axe work of Erik Meinema and Francesco Bonardi is what really stands out and keeps me interested. Closing song ‘Ruptured Retina’ is simple yet vicious, again driven by the vocal snarls and the bony bass.

This is a good start for Phantom Distressor and I wish the band good luck for a bright future.

Neil Arnold

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