Napalm Records is proud to announce the signing of Phantasma, the new symphonic rock musical of Charlotte Wessels (Delain), Georg Neuhauser (Serenity) and Oliver Philipps (Everon).
Phantasma was born from the longstanding ambition to create a story-driven concept record of Georg Neuhauser, the vocal force behind Tyrolean symphonic metal outfit Serenity. He found his partner in crime with multi-instrumentalist composer, producer and vocalist Oliver Philipps (Everon) who gladly embarked on this new mission that allowed him to reconnect with being a musician in the first place; a welcome change from working for other bands which he has done extensively over the years. As Oliver worked with Delain since their debut record, a request at Charlotte Wessels’ address was made to complete the dynamic trio of Phantasma. To introduce Charlotte Wessels to any connoisseur of symphonic metal would be like carrying coals to Newcastle – she has been, after all, the vocal figurehead of Dutch grandees Delain since 2005. It is therefore surprising that she found some leisure time to lend not only her voice to Phantasma but also her debut novella ‘The Deviant Hearts’ – which was written especially for the project.
Thomas Caser, Napalm Records Vice President comments: “We are thrilled to announce the signing of Phantasma which is one of the most exciting projects of the genre. Charlotte, Georg and Oliver have created a magical album and a fantastic concept and story to go with it. This is a must-have for all fans of this music!” Phantasma chips in with: “We have truly enjoyed giving a shape, face and sound to ‘The Deviant Hearts’. It was an inspiring and exciting process and we cannot wait to share the result of our efforts with you through the upcoming release with Napalm Records.”
With Phantasma Charlotte can let her variable voice run free; at times tender like on ‘Runaway Grey’, plaintive on ‘Let It Die’, and the duet ‘The Lotus And The Willow’ – makes Charlotte’s passion for Nick Cave abundantly clear. Meanwhile, Georg’s dedication for classic rock acts like Queen and Meatloaf shine through in tracks like ‘Crimson Course’ and ‘Novaturient’. Giving a face to several characters in the story are noted guest vocalists Tom Englund (Evergrey), who performs on tracks ‘Enter Dreamscape’ and ‘The Deviant Hearts’. Cloe Lowery (Transsiberian Orchestra) shines on the ballad ‘Try’ alongside Dennis Schunke (Van Canto) who can be heard also on ‘Carry Me Home’. Georg, Oliver, and Charlotte themselves finish the vocal palette while the sound is completed by Jason Gianni (Daredevil Squadron/ Neal Morse Band/ Transsiberian Orchestra) on drums, Randy George (Neal Morse Band/Ajalon) on bass and Tom Buchberger (ex-Serenity) guesting two songs on guitar. Milan-based artist Marco Mazzoni provides the cover art and illustrations to the story, creating an eerie visual world with his elaborate style.
You can watch an official lyric video for the track ‘Enter Dreamscape’ below. The Deviant Hearts is released this November in a myriad of formats, and can be pre-ordered at this location.
