Chontaraz – Phantom Of Reality 2025

Norwegian/Greek powerhouse CHONTARAZ resurface from the depths of their origins in Hell (Norway), igniting anticipation among fans of dark, dynamic music with their eagerly anticipated return. Their upcoming third album Phantom of Reality (Release: May 9, 2025)

once again transports listeners into the distinctive universe of CHONTARAZ, delivering an immersive and captivating journey through their modern soundscapes and atmospheric storytelling.
Exploring the theme of authenticity, the album delves into the journey of embracing one’s true self while rejecting superficiality. Combining dark modern metal and industrial elements, CHONTARAZ masterfully blend intense energy with deep lyrical narratives, ensuring that Phantom of Reality resonates with fans on both a musical and emotional level.

During the production of Phantom of Reality, CHONTARAZ found both a new producer and drummer in the exceptionally talented Fotis Benardo — a seasoned musician renowned for his extreme drumming prowess, even gracing the cover of Sick Drummer Magazine. With his visionary approach to metal, Fotis has cemented his reputation through thunderous work with Septicflesh (for whom he wrote some of their most iconic tracks), Sakis Tolis, and other powerhouse projects.
Working together in his studio in Athens, the chemistry between the musicians was immediate and undeniable, leading Fotis (aka Narwhal) to join CHONTARAZ full-time. The result? A game-changing metal collaboration that showcases a groundbreaking fusion of songwriting mastery, elite musicianship, and world-class production — delivering an album that redefines modern metal.
Fotis Benardo’s dual mastery as producer and drummer shaped the sonic landscape of Phantom of Reality, delivering an immersive and crushing soundscape that elevates every track. All this is seamlessly combined with the songwriting brilliance of Ahkon (Herbjørn Anglen) and Chontaraz (Frode Kvarsnes), who together have co-written all the tracks, blending Ahkon’s guitar and bass mastery with Chontaraz’s spellbinding vocal delivery. The result is a sonic explosion: a powerful blend of dark modern metal with industrial elements, seamlessly merged with Fotis’ precision and sonic vision. The album achieves a sound that is both raw and refined, brutal and beautiful.

1. Istanbul 03:42
2. Prayer to the Masses 04:00
3. You’e the One to Blame 02:58
4. Phantom of Reality 03:47
5. The Flick of Time 03:52
6. Scream 03:16
7. Face the Fake 04:23
8. Spin the Wheel 03:34
9. Nail 04:30
10. Dressed to Kill 03:03
11. Kingpin 05:07
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