German Melodic Heavy Rock band PHANTOM 5, had a fairly successful self-titled debut album, released through Frontier Music in April of 2016. Now the PHANTOM lads are back once again with their second album "Play to Win", and are still in partnership with Frontier Music. I really like the title of this album, it is a strong and bold statement of intentions; but does the music live up to it? I can say the answer is a robust and resounding, yes! This eleven track auditory outing, is a monument to the manifesting of raw, human emotion, in creative form. "The Change In You" was the perfect way for this to begin, a great even paced riff leads this song, it builds to heavy beats and a thick hard edge vocal delivery; that has a 'street wise' under tone.

Another thing that immediately is apparent about PHANTOM 5, is the moments were the keyboard brings another interesting element to the songs. The overall musicianship on this album is excellent, every track has a little hook to it, which gives it the ability stay in your head long after you finished listening to it. The guitar work tough and really catchy with the rhythms, the lead work and grooves are something you can really feel. The bass and drums give the beats and the low end, all the necessary force to hold up the tracks, and fill it out in all the right parts. The singing is excellent, there is a power and wisdom in the voice, which goes from softer clean touches; to gravely melodies and raspy choruses.

The production on this album is what gives it such a powerful presence, a great deal of effort has clearly gone into the creating of "Play to Win"; and that effort has resulted in a crisp and ultimately focused release. My favourite tracks here would be "Crossfire", "Read Your Mind", "Phantom Child" and "Shadows Dance". So in conclusion, if you need a musical dose of bad arse riffery, accompanied by all points of awesomeness; then you want this. Very good album, I'm sure you'll agree.