The Phantom Agony

The Phantom Agony is the debut by Epica, the Dutch symphonic metal band. It is the first record by the band that guitarist Mark Jansen launched after leaving After Forever, and it contains parts four through six of the suite "The Embrace That Smothers," which he continues to write. Layering orchestra, choir and soprano vocals over weighty riffs, it presents grand symphonic metal. The band was originally called Sahara Dust and renamed itself Epica after an album by Kamelot. The contrast between Simone Simons's soaring mezzo-soprano and Jansen's death growls is established from the start. From "Cry for the Moon," themed on the problems of organized religion, to the racing "Feint" and the solemn title track, dramatic songs line up. Structural beauty that fully incorporates classical orchestra and choir laid the foundation for later Epica. An ambitious starting point where grandeur and rawness coexist. Produced by Sascha Paeth, it announced the arrival of fresh talent in symphonic metal.