| Phantasm | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. |
| Genres | Thrash metal, hardcore punk |
| Years active | 1986–1988 |
| Labels | Deep Six Records |
| Associated acts | Hirax, Leather Charm, Metallica, 3rd Strike |
| Past members | |
| Katon W. De Pena Rodney Nicholson Ron McGovney Carlos Guacio Johny Tabares Nathan Williams Gene Hoglan Jim Korthe |
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Phantasm was an American thrash metal band from Los Angeles, California active between 1986 and 1988. Something of a supergroup, they are notable for including bassist Ron McGovney, an early member of Metallica, Hirax singer Katon W. De Pena, and veteran drummer Gene Hoglan.
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In 1986, DePena convinced McGovney to return to performing after the four-year hiatus that followed his departure from Metallica,[1] and the two formed Phantasm with young guitarist Rodney Nicholson. Drummer Johny Tabares, also of Hirax, and guitarist Carlos Guacio completed their initial lineup. Nathan Williams replaced Guacio the following year, and Hoglan, then of Dark Angel, replaced Tabares for their Wreckage demo cassette, the group's only studio recording. Teenage drummer Jim Korthe joined the group thereafter.
Musically, the band played fast, 1980s-styled thrash with hardcore punk influence. The strength of their individual reputations helped fuel minor success for the short-lived band, and they toured with Nuclear Assault[2] and played alongisde other noted thrash metal peers. The band dissolved in 1988 due to internal tensions,[3] having failed to record a proper album.
DePena temporarily ceased his musical career shortly after Phantasm's demise, but later reformed Hirax.[3] Hoglan remained very active, playing with such groups as Death, Testament, Strapping Young Lad, Forbidden, Opeth and Fear Factory. McGovney again ended his activity in music and later relocated to North Carolina. Nicholson began the instrumental metal project Skull Pie, while Korthe went on to lead the nu metal groups Dimestore Hoods and 3rd Strike.
Despite the dearth of studio recordings, thrash label Deep Six Records released the Wreckage album in 2001, packaging a remastered version of the group's demo with a live set from 1987.[4]
In 2007, the group established a MySpace page, complete with new, instrumental recordings of vintage Phantasm songs performed by Nicholson. McGovney also contributed to the page, and the band expressed interest in reforming with a retooled lineup,[5] but a reunion beyond Nicholson's recordings failed to materialize.
Korthe died in January 2010 of causes stemming from respiratory problems.[6]