Phantom Lord

Greek power metal ensemble Phantom Lord (not to be confused with the German thrashers by the same name) came together in 1997 when guitarist Yiannis Fiorentis assembled the group, taking its chief influence from the Kai Hansen-era Helloween sound. A string of competent albums—In Twilight World (1999), Evil's Domain (2000), Circle of the Wasted (2002), and Imperial Fall (2005)—gradually built a solid following across European metal circles. At home in Greece the band, completed by vocalist Vasilis Axiotis, keyboardist Michalis Ligiaris, bassist Leonidas Petropoulos, and drummer Elias Karahalios, enjoys superstar status within the heavy metal scene and is routinely selected to open for visiting acts that include Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Helloween.