The story behind Phantasm was me… and a good friend of mine from Metallica, Ron McGovney… would put together this band that I had an idea for called Phantasm. I knew Ron from back in the early days… when HIRAX and Metallica would hang out…drinking Vodka and beer all night long. So when I left HIRAX I asked Ron… to start a new band. We had two really Young Guitar players… and then the final touch on drums… was Gene Hoglan… former Dark Angel, Death, Testament and now Strapping Young Lads, the line up was complete. We wanted to play a little bit longer, and more technical songs… always remaining fast and heavy. I know we accomplished that. Phantasm was a legendary band. I am honored to be a part of that.
Katon W. DePena interview, Lords of Metal, 2002
PHANTASM recorded their only demo on this day in 1987.
They are the only tracks that we have recorded… but I think that they are also some rehearsal tapes of us doing some Diamond Head covers. I am pretty sure that somebody has those tapes somewhere lying around…I hope to find them someday. We had a lot of fun in Phantasm… we did shows with Wendy O Williams… the Mentors… Sacrilege…Excel… Nuclear Assault – featuring Danny Liker from SOD, Anthrax, and Brutal Truth… some great shows with Possessed… they were like our blood brothers. One big, metal family!
Katon W. DePena interview, Lords of Metal, 2002