InStinct is the most recent album from Phantom Vision. Although this review is late in coming, this album piqued my interest the first time I listened to it. My interest was rekindled upon their performance at Drop Dead 2008 in Lisbon, where out of the round of Portuguese bands performing, they were the best, and even overall they came in the top ten over the weekend. As often happens, witnessing a band perform live brings you much closer to them. To hear the album alone you don’t get the output of seeing them give their all on stage.

Out of a surprising abundance of Portuguese artists, Phantom Vision is in the forefront gothic band from Portugal, for consistent activity to date. They started in 1990s on original gothic label Nightbreed from the UK. Phantom Vision has evolved steadily, with a new offering every few years, and on InStinct they’ve made a giant leap forward, providing an excellently well rounded goth-rock sound. The production techniques are more detailed and adventurous, adding dimension to the experience and they keep themselves refreshing while remaining familiar.

Slinky synths, a modest barrage of guitar, pendulous e-bass and drum programming are an adept execution of contemporary gothic rock. Another point where Phantom Vision succeed is that both the music and the lyrics offer corresponding sentiments. Songs like ‘Fresh Meat, Sweet Taste’ and ‘Everest’ are pensive views over alternately bleak or magnificent vistas. Balancing the more contemplative songs are more the more upbeat ‘Something (In Your Eyes)’ and ‘Until Heaven Sleeps’ where they deliver excellent, fast paced rockers.