Interview with PHANTOM STAR
!!!COSMIC HEAVY METAL FROM BRAZIL!!!
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about PHANTOM STAR (Members, Starting Year etc).
Hello, guys! It’s a great pleasure to connect with you headbangers from Greece. Congratulations on the great work-you’ve got our full support! Phantom Star was formed in May 2024, born from the creative vision of Lucas Licheski and Matheus Luciano, both former members of the speed metal band Hell Gun. The lineup was completed with the addition of Mauricio "Muh" Vastrinche, Ricke Nunes, and Mauricio "The Fox," shaping the band’s unique concept. Our sound blends technical and progressive elements with an emphasis on powerful hooks and memorable choruses. Influenced by '70s and '80s hard rock and heavy metal, as well as cosmic and classic horror literature, we strive to forge a strong and distinctive identity.
You have recently released your single ''Touch Of A Curse''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
We are very happy with the reception, we had a good reach with this first single, which is a sample of our musicality and especially with the success in defining very well what our references and influences are, you can expect much more!
Label or DIY and why?
In our country (Brazil) the idea of DIY is interesting if you have a comfortable economic situation and a certain structure to be able to distribute your material. Otherwise, we are totally in favor of working with a good label that understands and respects the artist.
Is there any funny or weird story from the recordings or from your live shows that you would like to share with us?
Metal shows or recordings sessions are always fun and full of funny stories just like in the studio, and all the members got a strong humoristic vein so we are laughing and doing jokes about everything all the time! We work with our great brother Arthur Miggoto at Heavytron where you will always find a pleasant and friendly atmosphere.
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
Vinyl, without a doubt—especially within the metal community, where it carries a special aura. While we fully support all physical formats, each with its own charm, vinyl stands out for its warmth, artwork, and the ritualistic experience of playing a record. There’s a certain magic to it that digital formats simply can’t replicate.
Your music style is Heavy Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
Each musician will have their main references, for example, Muh, Fox and Ricke are big fans of Hard Rock bands like Dokken, Kiss and Ratt, while Lucas and Matheus have references from artists like King Diamond, Queensryche, Alice Cooper, Queen and Blue Oyster Cult, which certainly adds to the mix that forms our chemistry. If we were to make a list, we would end up with something like this: Queensryche, Savatage, King Diamond/Mercyful Fate, Judas Priest, Kiss, Alice Cooper, Rush, Deep Puple/Rainbow, Thin Lizzy... The List goes on!!! and also some lesser- known bands that influence us a lot, like Warlord, Vicious Rumors and Crimson Glory. There’s many more of course!!!
Which things do you think a band should sacrifice in order to succeed? Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future for your band?
With over a decade of experience in the underground scene, we understand firsthand how challenging it is, especially in our country. Any dedicated musician inevitably sacrifices aspects of their social life, free time, and personal comfort to fully commit to their projects. Success demands focus, persistence, and a willingness to put the band’s vision above short-term pleasures.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
Our debut show was literally a dream come true, we were lucky enough to be invited to be the opening act for the legendary Adrian Vandenberg and Mats Leven. This was certainly a perfect day with several people singing Touch of a Curse and impressed with our stage presentation and visuals. It was beautiful and we consider this moment an ideal show for sure.
What attributes do you think that a new Heavy Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
A new band must prioritize relentless rehearsal and practice before releasing music or performing live. While staying true to heavy metal, it's crucial to develop a unique artistic identity rather than simply adhering to genre clichés. Authenticity is key. Beyond the music, elements like stage presence, a cohesive visual identity (including a distinct color palette and professional photography), and a well-crafted release are essential for making a lasting impression.
Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Heavy Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a band to promote its work?
Digital platforms provide exposure, but their support is limited by an inherently flawed system that fails to fairly compensate artists. The revenue generated is often negligible, regardless of a band's size, and this is an issue that all musicians should take seriously. Given these challenges, new bands should prioritize platforms like Bandcamp, which offers a much fairer way to distribute and monetize their work.
Do you see any differences between the Brazilian Metal Market & the EU Metal Market (Labels, Bands, Fans etc)?
Definitely! Brazil has a globally recognized metal scene, but as I mentioned before, the challenges here are significant. The sheer size of the country often makes full tours unfeasible, and resources for bands can be limited compared to Europe. However, one thing that truly sets Brazil apart is the passion and intensity of its fans—our audience is among the most dedicated and energetic in the world, which gives the scene a unique and powerful identity.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Brazil (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
Brazil's underground metal scene is full of energy, with a new generation of musicians keeping the flame alive. There’s a strong mix of classic and extreme metal, with young bands bringing fresh ideas while staying true to the essence of the genre. Many of these musicians understand the importance of standing out, not just musically but also through solid releases, visuals, and stage presence. Fanzines, webzines, and independent labels continue to be essential in spreading the word, and metal clubs remain the backbone of the live scene, giving bands a place to grow. Despite the challenges of touring in such a large country, the passion of both artists and fans keeps everything moving forward. Some bands that deserve attention include: Tantum; Hellway Train; Creatures; Gorgona; Yellow Fever; Trovão; Murderess; Badtrip; Electric Poison; Evilcult.With so much happening, it’s clear that Brazilian underground metal will continue to evolve and gain recognition worldwide.
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
Thelemite surelly caught our attention recently! we are also friends with the band “This I Owe”, apart from that we know that Hellenic Black Metal is very strong!
What are your future plans?
Our next single and video will be released soon! And our Debut will come also this year, we are finishing production at Heavytron Studio.
Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
We would like to thank you guys for the invitation for this interview and to those who took the time to get to know a little about our work. Our single "Touch Of A Curse" is available on the digital platforms so play it loud!
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
PHANTOM STAR CONTACT:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565728872499
https://www.instagram.com/phantomstar_official/
https://phantomstarheavymetal.bandcamp.com/track/touch-of-a-curse