Review PHANTOM “Not Midnight Yet”

Not Midnight Yet is the third album from Mexican metal force Phantom. Formed in 2021, the band released its debut album in 2023, which served as the springboard for landing a deal with High Roller Records.

Just one year after unleashing Tyrants of Wrath, the four-piece returns with its decisive third strike. Featuring 12 tracks and clocking in at nearly an hour, Not Midnight Yet certainly offers plenty of material for fans of traditional speed metal. But quantity alone isn’t enough—so let’s take a closer look at the album’s quality.

The record kicks off with “Hordes of Bats,” a high-octane opener that immediately sets the tone. Blending speed and thrash metal, the song also carries a few unmistakable Kreator-inspired moments, making it a strong introduction to the album. In general, German thrash metal seems to be a major source of inspiration for the four Mexicans. Kreator is an obvious reference point, but Sodom’s influence can also be heard throughout Phantom’s sound.

Another standout track is “Dracula’s Curse.” Opening with the eerie sound of a church organ, the song quickly evolves into a pounding metal anthem. Cleverly placed breaks and strong dynamics keep things engaging, making it one of the album’s most enjoyable listens.

Traditional heavy metal with a noticeable NWOBHM edge defines parts of “Morgenstern / Iron Strike,” and this influence becomes even more apparent on “The Pale Remains of Time.” Here, vocalist J.C. García leans more toward melodic singing than aggressive shouting, revealing both the strengths and pptentials of the vocals. The album’s true highlight, however, is “Curse Your Name.” It’s the record’s epic centerpiece and perfectly captures the spirit of classic old-school metal.

Not Midnight Yet is a pure denim-and-leather album. Packed with razor-sharp riffs and overflowing with raw energy, it proudly embraces its rough edges, which only add to its authenticity. Bands like Phantom prove that the metal underground is still very much alive and continues to produce exciting new talent.