By: Caco Garcia
Formed in 2024 in Curitiba (PR - Brazil), Phantom Star emerged with a well-defined proposal, bringing together experienced musicians who already had contact and friendships, and all this resulted in a natural personality and cohesion, reflected in the acclaimed debut album, released on June 20, 2026.
We talked with Matheus Luciano (vocals), who told us more about the great reception of Phantom Star's work, details about the album, and perspectives and expectations going forward. Check it out!
RtM: Phantom Star was born in 2024, but brings together musicians with a long history in Metal. How did this collective experience allow the band to emerge with such a solid identity right from the debut album?
Matheus Luciano: Phantom Star was born with a very well-defined direction. From the first meetings, we had absolute clarity about the sound we wanted to make and the goals we aimed to achieve as Heavy Metal musicians. There was no time wasted looking for a direction; the proposal was conscious from the first rehearsal.
Added to that, the human factor made all the difference: we've been great friends for many years. This brotherhood and mutual respect create a natural harmony that goes far beyond technique. When you combine an artistic vision aligned with years of friendship and complicity, the synergy in the studio and on stage happens almost instinctively.
This chemistry between the members was the fuel that allowed the band to emerge with the solidity and maturity of a long-established group.
RtM: The debut presents a Heavy Metal that yourselves define by epic, cosmic, and cinematic elements. How did this concept emerge, and what was the starting point for building this identity?
ML: This concept was born extremely naturally from the fusion of our passions not only in music, but also in the field of literature, cinema, and the arts in general. We've always been fascinated by bands that don't just focus on sound, but bring a theatrical and conceptual dimension—whether in aesthetics, stage presence, or the dramatic construction of their compositions.
For us, Heavy Metal has always been an immersive art. Combining the weight of the riffs with an epic narrative and a striking visual identity was an organic evolution of this shared taste. We wanted the listener to feel this theatricality from the very first second: in the atmosphere of the keyboards, the tempo changes, the lyrics, and even the album art. It's this richness of artistic references that gives Phantom Star its dramatic, cosmic, and cinematic aura.
RtM: It's possible to perceive influences from bands like Virgin Steele, King Diamond, Savatage, Queensrÿche, and Crimson Glory, but the result sounds quite original. How did you refine and balance the homage to these references with the search for your own sound?
ML: We are deeply honored by the mention of some of our greatest idols and direct influences. I believe the great secret to balancing homage with originality lies in how each member filters their references to express themselves authentically.
We know exactly the territory we're treading on — the universe of classic and traditional Heavy Metal — so we never need to adhere to rigid rules or worry about following ready-made formulas to "prove" that we are metal.
The priority has always been to use this baggage to build sincere arrangements with our own signature, without the intention of sounding like a dated copy or like bands that only repeat the past.
We treat these influences as a foundation, not as a limitation.
RtM: The lyrics touch on themes such as the Inquisition, mythology, fantasy, and other narratives. What else inspires the songwriting process: books, films, history, RPGs, fantasy literature?
ML: We consume a lot of these media in our daily lives. Books, games, RPGs, comic books, fantasy literature, and cinema have always been part of our routine and end up flowing naturally into the songwriting process. These are very rich sources for creating stories, metaphors, and scenarios that blend well with the weight of the music.
At the same time, we don't live isolated in a fantasy bubble. Everyday issues, personal experiences, and views on the world around us—including social and political aspects—also enter the equation. After all, as independent musicians in Brazil, it's inevitable to be impacted by the reality in which we live.
Using themes like the Inquisition or fantastical narratives is usually our way of talking about very current things, like fanaticism and the search for freedom. In the end, inspiration comes from everything we read, play, watch, and experience.
RtM: The vocal interpretation is quite striking due to its theatrical character, while the keyboards reinforce the entire cinematic atmosphere of the songs. From the beginning, did you have this concern about making each song sound like a small soundtrack?
ML: Absolutely. My interpretation aims to bring a unique dramatic weight, because I try not only to sing, but to truly interpret and bring each narrative to life, which imprints a very strong personality on the compositions.
The addition of keyboards, in fact, happened some time later in the band's formation, precisely to reinforce this intention. We felt we needed an element that would amplify this "storyteller" atmosphere that we love so much in Heavy Metal. The keyboard came to fill that space, creating the layers, the tension, and that cinematic atmosphere that makes each song function as a way to bring the listener into the lyrics.
RtM: The visual art of Phantom Star is also impressive, from the cover art to the identity in the promotional materials. How important is the visual concept to complement the band's musical experience?
ML: For us, visual art is simply indispensable. When we think of great references in Heavy Metal, Classic Rock, and Progressive Rock—with Iron Maiden perhaps being the most obvious and brilliant example—we realize that the visual concept has always been one of the fundamental pillars in building a band's identity.
We've always seen the cover art, illustrations, and all promotional material as a direct extension of our music, and not just as "packaging." Striking artwork prepares the listener for the album's atmosphere even before the first riff.
RtM: The title track "Phantom Star" seems to synthesize everything the band represents musically. Do you also see it as the song that best translates the essence of the group?
ML: Yes, definitely. Because it carries the band's own name, it was conceived to be a true declaration of intent and a synthesis of our work from the most epic point of view.
The title track translates very well the conceptual theme and, above all, the visual identity that we sought to bring to this first album. Musically, it delivers the perfect balance of our sound: it manages to navigate the most progressive, atmospheric, and elaborate nuances without ever abandoning the weight and energy of traditional Heavy Metal.
RtM: “I’Am the Storm” and “Witch Hunt” have been two that stand out in the public's preference.
ML: “I’m the Storm” and “Witch Hunt” have truly become fundamental pillars for us, and we believe that choosing them as singles was a very good decision!
RtM: Well, I'd like you to comment a little more on these two tracks, the inspirations, and how they were refined until the final version.
ML: “I’m the Storm,” besides a very catchy riff and a lot of melody, carries a message of sovereignty and the recovery of pride in our native peoples. It's a strong critique of the destruction and disrespect towards our nation.
The idea for the lyrics already existed well before certain unbelievable political events that we've seen recently in the country; It wasn't planned to release it at this specific moment, but the current context and the electoral scenario ended up making the message even more vivid and urgent.
A striking fact was that Lucas Shred joined on keyboards shortly after the release of this track, which allowed us to rework its dynamics and layers live with the very atmospheric keyboard that turned out incredible.
RtM: It really seems like it was conceived for this current moment. That's a very interesting perspective. And "Witch Hunt"?
ML: "Witch Hunt" explores a darker side, using the historical theme of witch hunts as a clear metaphor for fanaticism, persecution, and intolerance. We sought to bring this discussion directly to the present day, drawing an urgent parallel with the sad reality of femicide and violence against women—cases in which women continue to be persecuted, judged, and silenced, often simply for the way they dress or position themselves.
Musically, it has a more measured pace, long guitar solos, and very dramatic and theatrical vocal interpretations, drawing directly from masters like King Diamond and Mercyful Fate. The polishing in the studio was extremely quick, flowing with contributions and ideas from all the members. It works so well and transmits such a strong energy that it naturally became the opening track for our shows.
RtM: Complementing this topic, do you use these tracks that end up gaining more prominence with the public as a parameter for, perhaps, future directions? And it's interesting that many times bands bet that this or that song would be better received, and often that doesn't happen, and some unexpected highlights emerge.
ML: Absolutely. The audience's response is always a valuable barometer, but we believe that the direction for future compositions should come naturally.
The case of "Phantom Star" is the perfect example of this: being a long, technical track full of tempo changes, we didn't imagine it would gain such appeal.
The live performance was so immediate and became one of the album's highlights among fans. This kind of surprise is incredible because it shows that Heavy Metal listeners value complexity and depth when they are delivered with authenticity.
We see this debut album as a solid root that we have just planted. It established the foundations of Phantom Star's sound. For the next work, the idea is not simply to "copy the formula" of the most listened-to tracks, but rather to take all this positive reception and accumulated maturity to deepen and expand these ideas with even more weight, refinement, and identity.
One of our biggest goals and dreams from the beginning is to create a 100% conceptual album — and that may be much closer to happening than you imagine.
We want this evolution to happen organically, but the focus is clear: the next chapter of Phantom Star will be designed to deliver a truly captivating, dark and terrifying story, where music and narrative merge in a transcendental way.
RtM: The album has also sparked interest from labels abroad, with releases on vinyl and cassette. Tell us more about these releases and if there are possibilities and contacts from the European continent or other markets.
ML: We are extremely happy with this response. Brazil is currently experiencing a fantastic moment for traditional Heavy Metal, thanks to the consistent work of bands we greatly admire, such as Trovão, Creatures, Hellway Train, Electric Poison, Facing Fear, Blades of Steel, and others. This strong scene is causing the European and international markets to look at metal made here with great respect and attention.
Classic Metal's distribution is excellent outside the country and has been fundamental in getting our music to new territories. We managed to close a partnership with the North American label Frequency Junction for an extremely limited vinyl edition, and also with the Bolivian label Maniac Forces for a beautiful cassette tape version.
RtM: That's great! A very significant return from this debut.
ML: Yes, and in addition to the direct feedback we're getting from Europe through our Bandcamp, we need to highlight the role of the NWOTHM Full Albums channel. They are giants in the task of showcasing classic Heavy Metal on a global stage, and we have a lot to thank Anderson and his team for this support. Ultimately, it's a very rich and vibrant movement, and we see enormous potential for the growth of this scene both abroad and in Brazil.
RtM: I heard from a source that you'll be participating in a horror short film, with music on the soundtrack and also acting. That's really cool! What can you tell us about this project?
ML: Yes, it's true! We were invited by a film collective from PUC and I think that, at the moment they called us, they didn't even imagine how much our sound and our entire visual concept had to do with the film's story. It was a perfect match!
Some members acted directly in the short film, and it was an incredibly fun experience — and exhausting too, because filming requires a huge amount of dedication — but it was worth every second. In addition to acting, we will also be responsible for the film's soundtrack, with our compositions accompanying the scenes in addition to the soundtrack itself, which is being composed especially for the film.
It's a project that unites Heavy Metal and horror cinema. The recordings were incredible, and we'll be releasing more news and details about the launch soon!
RtM: Well, thank you very much for the interview, and finally, for those who don't yet know Phantom Star, what is the main message you would like the audience to take away after listening to the entire album for the first time?
ML: I would like the audience to feel that Heavy Metal continues to be vibrant, sincere, and full of energy to tell memorable stories. More than just listening to a sequence of tracks, our intention is that the complete listening experience be an immersive journey—that transports the person into our universe, makes them think about themes of our real world, and awakens that flame of Metal that has always captivated us.
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