Music Review: Phantasmagoria 'Diamond Dust' Single & 'Seeds of Brain' Album

It is hard to write a review for your favorite band and Phantasmagoria has definitely stolen my heart. They had a strong career before they broke up in 2007. For three years fans have been begging and pleading for them to get back together (myself included) until they finally obliged us with two new releases; the single Diamond Dust and the mini album Seeds of Brain. It may not be classic Phantasmagoria but it still has them written all over it and I am glad for these new releases despite what other fans may have to say.

...

When this song first started I half wondered if I had gotten the right one. It was so upbeat and cheery that it surprised me, it really didn’t sound like Phantasmagoria. But, as soon as I heard that hard guitar started in I knew for sure it was that band I loved. Something about the way Jun and Iori play together is instantly recognizable and you can hear it so clearly in this song. Riku’s voice is strong and powerful in throughout, ringing through it with an odd lonely sounding cheer. I know that is a bit contradictory but that is really the way it sounds. The other track on this single is just the instrumentals to the song but they are not as entertaining without Riku’s vocals.

Seeds of Brain Album:

Track 1 – Seeds of Brain

This is by far the best new release of the set. It is simply an instrumental but obviously classic Phantasmagoria. It has the exact same type of mystic, unknown beauty as their other instrumental intro the “Phantasmagoria.” In all honesty it is far too short just as their other intro instrumental, but it is a wonderful song none the less. The title is a wonderful description of how the mid works; little small ideas falling to bloom into masterpieces. I definitely put this instrumental at the top of their best work.

Track 2 – Cry…

This song is wonderful and definitely something I would expect from them. The voice filter they stick the vocals through certain sections of the song is a neat effect and fit the song as well as this odd statics they play instead of music. The guitar solos are one of the reasons I love this band and they totally nailed a great one. This song isn’t as cheery sounding as Diamond Dust but it definitely has an uplifted beat. This song is classic Mago sound and a great listen.

Track 3 – Desperate Resolution for My Soul

This song is very pretty and softer than the others. Not like the ballads we remember from Phantasmagoria but soft and lilting. As always Riku’s voice rings with emotion and sadness that pulls at your heart and you can faintly hear KISAKI sing along with him in the chorus. The guitar solos are beautiful, soft and saddening at the same time. This is another great addition to the new music from them.

Track 4 – My Mental State…..

This was actually originally written for KISAKI SLAVES by Riku and KISAKI, but the Phantasmagoria version is much better. It moves along smoothly and has wonderful piano. It feels a lot like old Phantasmagoria and a good way to end the album.

I do hope for more from Phantasmagoria in the future, but in all honesty I don’t see it happening. I am grateful for these new tracks to add to my collection and urge anyone who was an old fan to take a listen.