I got carried away on a blissful high when I first heard "Phantoms". It really caught my imagination and gripped me with sincere admiration. However, when time had taken its toll, a more tempered edge got a grip of me and I can now see the flaws on this fine release. The same could be said for the band's previous "The Pagan Winter" demo. The main bone of contention is the lack of dynamics in Andras Nagy's vocals. They are too coarse and limited to really compliment the exalted musical quality. Anyone that has heard the "Panzerfaust" album from Dark Throne, will get some idea of the territory we are in.

"Phantoms" sees Sear Bliss inching closer to the melodic Black Metal sounds of Norway. This was hinted at with their "Pagan Winter" demo, but on that there was still a wedge of a more avant garde element, ala the thicker tone to the guitars and the addition of the trumpet player. The trumpet player is still there and captures some artful moments on some tracks, such as the waltzing section of "Land of the Phantoms". However, some sections come across like out-takes from a Hovis advert, e.g. "Aeons of Desolation" and "1100 Years Ago".

The song structures on "Phantoms" can be a little naive and awkward but, when they click, the whole thing can sound magnificent in its simple beauty. Prime example of this is "Far Above the Trees", with its flowing keyboard consistency. "Beyond the Darkness" also works well in a chilling Nordic vein, where the blasting beat of the drum takes hold and we are lifted off into a morbid trance.

Sear Bliss are the biggest Hungarian sensation since Tormentor, and on that I can augur a fine future for. It was all unfolded to me in my scrying glass one cold, haity night. Disbelieve me, if you dare.

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