AWOLNATION is back with his sixth studio album, The Phantom Five, and if you thought you knew what to expect, think again. Aaron Bruno has done what many artists don’t even attempt — he’s leveled up by reinventing everything he’s done before. Across these 10 tracks, you can hear his signature style, but there’s also a certain fragility to the pop melodies, blending with powerful rock grooves and vocals, which seem to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Interestingly, Aaron Bruno, the leader and founder of AWOLNATION, admitted that he wrote this album with the idea that The Phantom Five might be the band’s final record. This adds a special significance to the album. Knowing this makes listening to each song a little more intense and emotional — as if you’re receiving a farewell gift from an artist who has already given us so much.

photo by @AWOLNATION

However, it’s not as simple as that. Instead of nostalgia or farewell sentiments, there’s a surprising confidence here. AWOLNATION doesn’t sink into melancholy; on the contrary, the album is full of life, fire, and fresh ideas, as if Bruno is saying, “If this is the end, I’m going out at my peak, with thunder and lightning.“

Each track on the album stands on its own, showcasing so many different sides of AWOLNATION that it’s hard to believe they’re all part of the same record. The songs feature everything from melodic, clean moments to grinding noise and shouts, as if Aaron is continuously finding new ways to express emotions that seemed to have already been exhausted on previous records.

The Phantom Five is an album about self-discovery. But not in the old-fashioned sense of “find your path,” rather as an honest conversation with your inner self in a world that has become somewhat strange, even upside down. The lyrics, as always, remain one of AWOLNATION’s strengths, but now they’ve become even more introspective and, one could say, philosophical. There’s more room for reflection—like pauses between the lines that make you think about where our reality is headed.

The Phantom Five opens with the stunning track “Jump Sit Stand March,” featuring Emily Armstrong. Aaron Bruno’s powerful, almost primal vocals send chills down your spine, making you hang on to every word before the track transitions into a gentle chorus with airy keys and soft guitar riffs. It carries AWOLNATION’s signature intensity, but with refined commercial elements that make the sound even more sophisticated.

The relentless energy continues in “Party People,” fully grabbing your attention. There’s no room for a breather here. What’s most fascinating is how the album subtly shifts its mood. After the electrifying introduction, there’s a lyrical pause with “Panoramic View.” The soft pop sound and Aaron’s swaying vocals create an atmosphere of almost cinematic tenderness.

The mood shifts again in “Barbarian,” a track that, according to Bruno, was inspired by Kafka’s famous work The Metamorphosis.

photo by @AWOLNATION

By the middle of the album, listeners are met with “City of Nowhere” — a short but striking experiment with synthesizer textures and heavy electric guitars. It sounds like a sound engineer’s nightmare — in the best possible way. In just 1:24, it manages to convey a sense of unrest and movement that feels impossible to contain.

The track “A Letter To No One” feels like a release. With swaying guitars and a blend of styles, it sounds like an attempt to communicate something important to the world. There’s a slow evolution in the mood — from tenderness to more melancholic tones that seem to cut right through to the heart.

The album closes with “Outta Here,” which feels like the perfectly placed final punctuation mark. Bruno’s voice becomes more relaxed and slightly raspy, as the music slowly builds from a hazy soundscape to powerful guitars. It’s a constant play of shifting moods and sonic textures that ultimately leads to catharsis.

Without a doubt, The Phantom Five stands as one of AWOLNATION’s most remarkable releases. It takes risks, and those risks pay off. The Phantom Five boldly balances between sharp transitions: one track bursts with wild energy, while the next wraps you in a soft, almost ghostly atmosphere. It might seem like such musical chaos would cause the album to lose its cohesion, but The Phantom Five does the opposite. Bruno skillfully uses this duality to create something truly special.

AWOLNATION has always been known for its ability to surprise, and The Phantom Five continues that tradition. But rather than relying on familiar tricks, Aaron Bruno shows that he hasn’t exhausted his creative potential. The Phantom Five closes this chapter with a grandeur and style that will satisfy both longtime fans and new listeners. And I’m certain AWOLNATION is far from finished — who knows where they will take us next?

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*This review was made possible by SubmitHub