Soaring operatic vocals by Dianne van Giersbergen represent innocence, while fierce growls by Francesco Paoli (Fleshgod Apocalypse) embody chaos. With genre classic staccato choirs and the defiant lyric line “Your fight, not my fall”, the song declares strength and freedom.

It is a song about survival, bravery and standing up for yourself:
“Your fight, not my fall“! A real-life story from my more recent past,
that I turned into a powerful anthem.

Each song features a different band, made up of well-known international musicians from the metal genre. “Phantom of War” features:
Francesco Paoli (FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE) on growls
Jord Otto (Revamp | VUUR) on guitars
Siebe Sol Sijpkens (BLACKBRIAR) on bass
Ivo Maarhuis (FLOOR JANSEN | FOR I AM KING | IZEGRIM) on drums

Dianne van Giersbergen (1985) is a Dutch dramatic soprano, who is best known as the former lead vocalist of German symphonic metal band Xandria. With whom she toured the world and released 2 albums and 1 EP: “Sacrificium” (2014), “Fire & Ashes” (2015) and “Theater of Dimensions” (2017), all through Napalm Records.

You might also know Dianne as founding member and frontwoman to progressive metal band ‘Ex Libris’ and heard her voice on Powerwolf’s “The Sacrament of Sin” (2018), Ayreon’s “Transitus” (2020) and/or Amorphis’  “Halo” (2022).

Dianne received her first singing lesson at the age of 4. In 2005 she started her bachelor studies in classical music & opera at the ‘ArtEZ Academy of Music’ conservatory. She graduated with distinction in 2009 (bachelor) and in 2012 (master).

Currently, Dianne is focused on her solo career in symphonic metal with her debut album “Soulward Bound”. The album will be produced by heavyweight symphonic metal producer Joost van den Broek and feature many well-known guest musicians from the genre.