Years active 1986–1988 Albums Wreckage | Labels Deep Six Records | |
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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 Origin Los Angeles, California, United States (1986) Genres Thrash metal, Crossover thrash, Hardcore punk Members Ron McGovney, Katon W De Pena, Gene Hoglan, John Tabares, Rodney Nicholson | ||
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 early Metallica bassist Ron McGovney, Hirax singer Katon W. De Pena, and prolific drummer Gene Hoglan. The band did not record an album during its existence, but issued live and demo material on the 2001 CD Wreckage.
Contents
Career
In 1986, De Pena convinced McGovney to return to performing after the four-year hiatus that followed his departure from Metallica. The two formed Phantasm with young guitarists Rodney Nicholson and Carlos Guacio, and Hirax drummer Johny Tabares, although Nathan Williams spelled Guacio early the following year. Hoglan, then of Dark Angel, played drums on the 1987 Wreckage demo cassette, the group's only studio recording. Teenage drummer Jim Korthe joined the group thereafter.
Musically, the band played fast, 1980's style 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 and played alongside other noted metal peers like Possessed and Dark Angel, as well as punk bands Uniform Choice, Dag Nasty and the Plasmatics. The band dissolved in 1988 due to internal tensions, having failed to record a proper album.
Post-breakup
De Pena temporarily ceased his musical career shortly after Phantasm's demise, but later reformed Hirax. 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 solo metal project Skullpile, whose debut album is in production. 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.
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, but a reunion beyond Nicholson's recordings failed to materialize.
Korthe died in January 2010 of causes stemming from respiratory problems.
Members
Discography
Songs
Blown to Oblivion2001
The Blind Leading the Blind2001
Depression2001