The Phantom Agony

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The Phantom Agony
Studio album by Epica
Released	2003
Recorded	2003
Genre	Symphonic metal
Length	53:56
Label	Transmission
Professional reviews
All Music Guide link
Epica chronology
Cry for the Moon (2003)	The Phantom Agony (2003)	Consign to Oblivion (2005)

The Phantom Agony is the first full-length studio album by Epica.

[edit] Track listing

1. "Adyta" (The Neverending Embrace) – 1:26
2. "Sensorium" – 4:48
3. "Cry for the Moon" (The Embrace That Smothers, Pt. 4) – 6:44
4. "Feint" – 4:19
5. "Illusive Consensus" – 5:00
6. "Façade of Reality" (The Embrace That Smothers, Pt. 5) – 8:12
7. "Run for a Fall" – 6:32
8. "Seif al Din" (The Embrace That Smothers, Pt. 6) – 5:47
9. "Phantom Agony" – 9:01
10. "Phantom Agony" (Single Version)(*) – 4:34

[edit] The Embrace That Smothers

On this album, Mark Jansen continues with the collection of songs that make up "The Embrace That Smothers". The first three parts of this can be found on Prison of Desire (2000), the After Forever album. These songs deal with the dangers of organised religion.

[edit] Theme

This album's lyrics are mostly based on current events during the writing of the album

Cry For The Moon

This song is based on the abuse of children by Catholic priests. It has been released as a single in 2004.

Feint

This song was written after the murder of Pim Fortuyn

Façade Of Reality

This song is based on the events of September 11th. It features two fragments from a speech by Tony Blair.

Run For A Fall

Run For A Fall expresses Mark's frustrations towards his former band After Forever.

Seif Al Din

This song is about the Islamic fundamentalism.