Review PHAËTHON “Wielder of the Steel”

Fans of traditional heavy metal may have heard of Phaëthon before, even though the band is relatively new. Formed in 2020, the circumstances for starting a new band weren’t the best at the time, but Vrath and his bandmates showed some willpower to get things going. With a first EP called “Sacrifice Doth Call” the foundation was laid for a deal with Gates Of Hell Records.

The next step for the London-based metal outfit was to contribute to the “Iron and Hell Vol.” compilation before recording a three-song demo tape. All of these tracks were the springboard for the guys to begin recording their debut album, titled “Wielder of the Steel”.

Eight songs offer plenty of metal and shining steel, starting with “Eternal Hammer”. It is a blast that kicks off the album as the guys decide to go for a faster paced opener. The song was already on the aforementioned demo tape and is a faster paced metal track in the spirit of NWoBHM. Furious solos and great hooks will appeal to fans of Mercyful Fate as well as Cirith Ungol. This also has to do with Vrath’s vocals. Although he doesn’t use falsetto as a tool, it’s a special intonation that fits the music and also gives the sound of Phaëthon a special extra. It’s a very majestic voice that also enriches traditional metal anthems like “For the Greater Good of Evil”.

One of the epic moments of the album is called “Tolls of Perdition”, which comes with a dramatic approach. Vrath partly takes on the role of a narrator in the first half, while the music contributes to the spirit of this very forged piece of music. Speaking of which, the closer is also the title track and by far the longest song on the album.

Clocking in at almost ten minutes, the song is a majestic piece of heavy metal that shows the range of Phaëthon as well as how broadly heavy metal can be interpreted. Strengthened with some Iron Maiden references when it comes to the guitar sound, the song inhales the spirit of early 80’s metal without copying it.

“Wielder of the Steel” is a debut album with a nostalgic twist. It is music that finds its inspiration decades ago and Phaëthon transfer the spirit of that time into the here and now. Horns up and great that there are always young bands hailing the early days of heavy metal with riffs as sharp as a razor blade.