Rockshots Records announces the release of “Phantom in the Masquerade”, the brand new single by Los Angeles symphonic metal act Anthea, out now on all digital platforms.
“Phantom in the Masquerade” is the first single taken from Anthea’s upcoming third full-length studio album “Beyond the Dawn” and serves as an introduction to the band’s most ambitious and theatrical chapter to date. The song explores the feeling of being invisible while surrounded by others, translating emotional isolation into a powerful and evocative musical narrative.
Commenting on the track, the band states:
“‘Phantom in the Masquerade’ is one of the most theatrical songs we’ve written. We wanted it to feel both catchy and haunting, with lyrics that capture the experience of being surrounded by people yet completely unseen. It sets the stage for the dramatic direction we’ve been embracing, both musically and visually”.
Musically, the single highlights Anthea’s evolved sound, blending symphonic metal foundations with strong melodic hooks, driving guitar work and layered orchestrations. The balance between immediacy and atmosphere reflects the broader identity of “Beyond the Dawn”, an album conceived as a dynamic journey where each song offers a distinct mood while remaining part of a cohesive whole.
Expanding on the vision behind the album, the band adds:
“This record pushed us to explore every corner of our sound – from fast and heavy tracks to more emotional and melodic moments. ‘Phantom in the Masquerade’ introduces that range and gives listeners a clear sense of the dramatic and expressive path the album follows.”
An official music video accompanies the release transforming the song’s themes into a symbolic visual narrative centered on identity, isolation and transformation. Set within a masquerade ball, the video reinforces Anthea’s strong theatrical aesthetic, a defining element of both their music and live performances.
Watch the official video for “Phantom in the Masquerade” below.
“Phantom in the Masquerade” marks the opening step toward “Beyond the Dawn”, an album shaped by themes of growth, transition, uncertainty and renewal, representing a significant evolution in Anthea’s songwriting and artistic vision.
New album “Beyond the Dawn” will be out on April 17th, 2026, as CD, Vinyl & Digital.
Pre-order “Beyond the Dawn” here.
Tracklist:
01. Beyond the Dawn
02. Phantom in the Masquerade
03. The Lost Soul
04. Awakening (Song for Spring)
05. Bygone Age (Chicxulub)
06. From Shadows to Light
07. Crystal Moon
08. Wanderer’s Quell
09. Whispers of the Heart
10. Duality of Gaia
11. Burnin’ in the Third Degree (Tahnee Caine and Tryanglz cover)
Line-up:
Diego Valadez: Lead Vocals, Keyboards
Juan Pina: Rhythm Guitars, Harsh Vocals
Marcos Mejia: Lead Guitars
Gabby Hawk: Bass
Peter Vasquez: Drums
The Sirens:
Mel Del Real: Backing Vocals
Astrid Anaya: Backing Vocals
Anthea are a symphonic metal band from Los Angeles, California, known for their distinctive theatrical approach and dynamic blend of symphonic, melodic and progressive metal elements. Founded in 2015 by vocalist and keyboardist Diego Valadez, Anthea emerged from a desire to explore a more expressive and cinematic musical language combining powerful metal foundations with strong melodic sensibilities and dramatic atmospheres.
What began as a side project quickly evolved into a full-fledged band when Valadez joined forces with longtime collaborators from the local metal scene. Drawing from diverse influences ranging from symphonic metal and melodic death metal to musical theater and film scores, Anthea developed a sound that balances intensity and emotion, heaviness and accessibility, always placing storytelling at the core of their identity.
The band made their live debut at the iconic Whisky a Go Go in Hollywood and steadily gained recognition for their live performances and strong visual aesthetic. Their debut album “Illusion” (2020) received widespread critical acclaim, followed by “Tales Untold” (2022), which further solidified their reputation within the international symphonic metal scene through glowing reviews and extensive media coverage.
In recent years, Anthea have continued to refine and expand their artistic vision. The introduction of backing vocalists known as The Sirens added rich harmonic layers and reinforced the band’s theatrical dimension, both in the studio and on stage. This evolution culminates in their upcoming third studio album “Beyond the Dawn”, their most ambitious release to date, showcasing a broader dynamic range, heavier arrangements and a more pronounced dramatic identity.
With “Beyond the Dawn”, Anthea present a mature and confident chapter in their journey, offering a cohesive yet varied listening experience shaped by themes of growth, transition, uncertainty and renewal. Blending compelling melodies, powerful orchestration and expressive songwriting, the band continues to establish itself as a distinctive voice within modern symphonic metal.
