Phantomy
First Takes
Label: Inverse Records
Out: 26. Mai 2026
Playing time: 11:55
Phantomy are a Finnish Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band formed in 2020 in Iisalmi (in the Pohjois-Savo region, which is Finnish for North Savo). However, it wasn’t until five years later that they released two singles, followed by their debut album ‘From the Wild’ (13 June 2025). At the end of May, the EP ‘First Takes’ was released, on which the Finns cover three metal classics.
Mötley Crüe’s ‘Live Wire’ is taken from their 1981 debut album ‘Too Fast For Love’ and is performed with just as much energy as the original. The vocals are also very close to the original. Of course, you can tell from the sound that recording technology has improved significantly since then. ‘2 Minutes to Midnight’ comes from Maiden’s fifth album ‘Powerslave’ (1984) and is one of the highlights at every one of the band’s live shows. Phantomy’s rendition is well executed here too. Sure, Samu Karhu is no Bruce Dickinson. But that doesn’t detract from the listening pleasure. ‘Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight’ is taken from the first and self-titled debut album by LA rockers Spinal Tap, released in 1984. Although the differences from the original are somewhat greater than with the two previous songs, it sounds very authentic.
Phantomy clearly demonstrate that they are excellent musicians. And that they have no trouble interpreting classic Rock and Metal masterpieces. As mentioned earlier, they make use of today’s significantly improved recording technology. But that’s not all; they bring the spirit of 1980s Metal into the here and now. I subsequently listened to the band’s first album and can warmly recommend Phantomy to Metal fans.
Phantomy – First Takes: https://youtu.be/7wL4VqZ_7Dc?si=VEa_JJT0UrFkjixR
Lineup:
Samu Karhu – Vocals
Eetu Räsänen – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Rasmus Laurila – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Roope Lappalainen – Bass
Herkko Lappalainen – Drums, Backing Vocals
Track list:
- Live Wire (Mötley Crüe cover)
- 2 Minutes to Midnight (Iron Maiden cover)
- Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight (Spinal Tap cover)
