PHAËTHON - Wielder Of The Steel LP
Old-school heavy metal of the epic persuasion! Phaëthon brings forth monumental classic metal on their first full-length, Wielder of the Steel, a masterclass in metal glory. Wielder of the Steel is an eight-song herald of metal reverence and majesty that will no doubt appeal to fans of Manowar, Mercyful Fate, Bathory and Cirith Ungol. Formed in 2020 in London, Phaëthon emerged on the metal underground with the Sacrifice Doth Call MLP, which was later released via Gates of Hell Records on vinyl. An appearance on the label’s Iron and Hell Vol. 1 compilation followed in 2021. The band subsequently issued the three-song Eternal Hammerer demo cassette in 2023. Limited to 100 copies, the tape features early takes of tracks later re-recorded for Wielder of the Steel and initially intended for the label’s ears only. The genesis of Wielder of the Steel, much like on past releases, was driven by founding member, vocalist and guitarist Vrath, who laid the foundations for the material. The true essence of compositions then emerged through rehearsals with the entire band, each member infusing their unique character into the collective whole. The lineup consists of lead guitarist Decado, founding bassist Aees and new drummer Oskarath, who joined the fold in 2022. Notably, “Forgotten Gods” and “The Greater Good of Evil” arose from the minds of Decado and Aees respectively, adding further diversity to the proceedings. The album was recorded by Tom Dring over the course of four days in August 2023 at The Arch Recording Studio in Southport, England, Wielder of the Steel. (Dring also handled mixing and mastering duties.) Of immense consequence to the album’s sound is the construct of The Arch, which is a repurposed Methodist church. The Arch’s hallowed halls were ideal for drum tracking — a crucial element in capturing epic, old-school heavy metal. The setup also enabled Phaëthon to track the rhythm section (drums, two guitars and bass) together, allowing Phaëthon to sound like a band and not a collection of individual instruments. The numbers on Wielder of the Steel share a common thematic thread, with the cautionary tale of Phaëthon at its core. The songs delve into the profound impact of narratives on humankind – be it of gods, superstitions, or outright lies - extending beyond the confines of Greek mythology. It is fitting lyrical matter for an album that brilliantly weaves a sonic and narrative journey through eras of valour and conflict, empires lost to time, and epic tales of defiance and ambition, all laying bare the eternal juxtaposition between mankind’s hubris and his indomitable spirit.
Black vinyl LP
Gates of Hell 2024
