So I’m copying and pasting, summarizing some info from the band’s bio because it just so happens I couldn’t say it better. Phantom 5 is a new “German Melodic Rock alliance, started when Michael Voss (Bonfire, Mad Max) and Claus Lessmann (Bonfire) decided to approach the Frontiers label about making a new record together.” “Frontiers’ President Serafino Perugino loved the idea and suggested the guys should go ahead and involve some of the talented musicians that composed the Melodic Hard Rock scene in Germany between the end of the 90’s and early 00’s. - bands such as Jaded Heart and Frontline were mentioned (among others) involving Robby Boebel (from Frontline), Axel Kruse (from Jaded Heart) and ex Scorpions bassist Francis Buchholz were the next steps.”

With that…prior to checking out the album I watched the video for ‘Someday’ and quickly proceeded to writing my review. ‘Someday’ is everything one would want from melodic hard rock with a metal edge. Crunchy guitars, cool melodic vocals, clean accenting leads and solo with an instantaneously catchy hook. ‘All The Way’ opens the album and establishes their style and direction with a drive and punch to the rhythm and some well written accenting keys which brings out more of the melody. Retro keyboards give ‘Blue Dogs’ a place in any movie from the 80s. Fourth one in – ‘Don’t Touch The Night’ slows down a tad with the guitars dropping out for the verse, yet coming back in for the chorus. The riffs get a little dirtier in a fine LA 80s sleeze rock fashion for ‘Flying High’, ‘Since You’re Gone’ is the ballad with ‘They Won’t Come Back’, ‘Frontline’ and “We Both Had Our Time’ hitting back with the rock.

Even though 2-3 of the tunes feel like they aren’t different from the rest given the genre, still enjoyable stuff. A throwback without keyboards overpowering the edge making it too melodic crossing into soft AOR rock.