Artist description Well known in the British Underground Metal scene, Phantasia is a one man Symphonic Horror Metal band with a varied sound,based on a huge symphonic backdrop to harsh extreme guitars and tortured vocal-screams. Later material has seen these styles combined with hushed, minimalist songs to create an overall disquieting mood.

Music Style Black Metal / Symphonic Horror Metal

Musical Influences Modern Black Metal, Traditional Metal, Classical

Similar Artists Emperor, Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir

Artist History The story really began halfway through 1996 when guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Chris Carter first locked himself away to write and record what would become Phantasia’s debut cassette Putting the Ghosts to Rest. The 60 minute result was then passed in the direction of Terrorizer magazine, who described Phantasia’s sound as Symphonic Horror Metal and awarded the tape ****1/2 (out of 5), making the statement: Phantasia have pretty much outclassed a good 90% of UK underground ‘talent’ in one foul swoop Following the enthusiasm of Terrorizer’s review the tape was stripped down to a 4 song demo and released under the title A Taste of Things to Come which featured 3 of the original tracks + an extra, newer song. This tape got an astonishing response, and as the word rapidly spread, Phantasia did a series of interviews with fanzines and magazines both at home and abroad, and were awarded ‘Demo of the Month’ by German magazine Deftone, and Terrorizer readers voted them into the top ten unsigned bands in the 1997 readers' poll. The music went on with the -Sensual, and other songs- demo, released in 1998 - the 5 tracks therein showing another dimension to the already widely praised symphonic, intense sound. During that time, Phantasia also made 2 compilation CD appearances: Worldwide Metal Inquisition released by Sweden’s SMI Rcords, and No Holy Additives – Part 3 – a compilation of British Extreme Metal acts, released by Godreah. Phantasia then went on to produce the debut CD, Screams of the Hideous – made available through the MP3.com website early in the year 2000. The CD highlighted the diverse and sometimes surprising range of influences and inspiration behind the music, and the songs made freely available on the MP3.com site were so well received that the title track went to number one in the Thrash/Speed Metal Chart, with the opener -Girlfriend of the Dead- spending time at number two. Whilst the song downloads continued at a very satisfying rate, and the band’s reputation continued to spread, Phantasia rested for a year before beginning work on the latest CD: The Watchman, also released through MP3.com. This release coincides with Phantasia’s appearance alongside Black Sabbath, Cradle of Filth and Venom on the double-compilation: Britannia Infernus, a History of British Black/Occult Metal, released by Godreah. Phantasia combine the thrills and spills of Extreme Metal with huge Symphonic arrangements, beautiful ambient keyboard sections and an ever present sinister yet emotional atmosphere. Lyrically, Phantasia have opted for ideas we can all relate to - lust, lost love and the passion for sick music to name but a few.

Group Members Chris Carter

Instruments Guitars / synths

Press Reviews August ‘97 · Terrorizer Magazine (UK) review: “Phantasia have appeared out of nowhere, it seems, and pretty much outclassed a good 90% of UK talent in one foul swoop” ****1/2 (out of 5) October ‘97 · Godreah ‘zine (UK) review: “This tape has it all. Fast, epic sections, slow majestic parts,serene pieces, evil atmospheres, I could go on and on. Get this tape and see for yourselves.” November ‘97 · Black Universe ‘zine (France) interview. · Radio play - ‘La Soeurs Aspro’ radio show, France · Radio play - Portuguese Metal show December ‘97 · Deftone Magazine (Germany) review: Demo of the Month! Something about getting the cassette NOW because Phantasia already have a sound as matured and excellent as many of the frontline bands. · Terrorizer Magazine (UK) Readers’ Poll: Voted no.9 best unsigned band. · Necrological ‘zine (Portugal) Interview January ‘98 · Hard Rock Magazine, Extreme Special (France): Interview / article. February ‘98 · Godreah ‘zine (UK) interview. May ‘98 · Intoxicated ‘zine (UK) review: “Like finding a diamond in a mountain of shit!” · Retaliation ‘zine (UK) interview. June ‘98 · Intoxicated ‘zine (UK) interview July ‘98 · De Lumen Zenebrium ‘zine (Germany) review: 11/12 given! · SMI webzine (Sweden) review and interview. · Agony webzine (France) review. · Magacinum Ab Ovo ‘zine (Germany) review. · Metalized Magazine (Denmark) review: “..better than Cradle of Filth” (THEY said it, not me!!!) Autumn 1998 · Magnacium Ab Ovo zine (Germany) Interview December 1998 · Compilation CD release: ‘Worldwide Metal Inquisition’ (track featured: ‘Evensong’) released through SMI Records, Sweden. · ‘Fitted Kitchens of the Living Damned’ zine review: “What you do get is a demo that oozes with sheer class. "Dream On" is magnificent, with guitar work that Pink Floyd would mortgage their country mansions for.” February 1999 · Shocker Zine (Fr) Review: “Une demo intriguante, qui donne envie d’en savoir plus...” Spring 1999 · “LifeBlind zine”Review: “The brilliance of ‘Dream On’ makes for a demo every self respecting metaller should own.” · “Megin Giord” zine (UK): Interview · “Megin Giord” zine (UK): Review: “The musicianship on display is up to scratch, and the arrangements exemplary, allowing the band to swoop and soar between musical passages with ease.” July 1999 · Compilation CD release: ‘Contains No Holy Additives Vol 3” (track featured: “Winifred’s Grave”) released through Godreah / Neat. August 1999 · Terrorizer review of above CD: “....it boasts an impressive selection, featuring tracks from the excellent PHANTASIA at the darker edge of the spectrum (sic). · Fifth Season Newsletter review: “ .the symphonies setting a hallmark for later bands to follow”

Location London, London - United Kingdom

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