Doomed Confessionary: Aleksi Apostolakis (Phantasma)
Photo credits: Michelle Cottet
Phantasma is a four-piece heavy/doom metal band from Helsinki, Finland.
Featuring current and former members of Witchanger, Overdoze and Autius, Phantasma consists of Hanna Vyyryläinen on vocals, Aleksi Apostolakis on guitar, Henri Nevasalmi on bass and Markus Talka on drums.
Phantasma released their self-titled debut EP on September 12th, 2025. Available now on all major streaming platforms.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
The seed for Phantasma was planted in early 2018 when me and Markus (drums) left our previous band. We continued playing together and I had some rough song ideas and riffs that we could jam with.
Our goal was to make groovy stuff, drawing ideas and vibes from old school bands that we like to listen to.
The most important thing for us was to have fun and enjoy the process of playing and creating music and that’s the philosophy that we still stick with.
Of course as we continued making songs, we felt like it was time to take our project forward, add some bottom end and find us a good singer. Henri (bass) joined us in early 2022 and after Hanna (vocals) joined us in 2024, Phantasma saw daylight as a full lineup band.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
So far, finding a good singer! Luckily for us, Hanna was available after she left her previous band. We were looking for a singer for quite some time and sure enough we got contacted by other people but we felt like they didn’t fit well enough.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Our debut self-titled EP turned out quite nice, even if we say so ourselves!
What was your biggest regret?
We don’t have regrets. There is no point since you can’t change the past. Of course it’s wise to learn from past mistakes, which we all make sometimes.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Our first gig in a local rock bar was cool. Lots of people showed up. We shared the stage with F.I.D.I and Autius.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
I’m not an active follower of the scene but Megadeth’s cover for »Ride The Lightning« came to me out of nowhere. Good marketing move by Mustaine.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Lately I’ve been listening to Orange Goblin in my car on the way to work. »Time Travelling Blues« mostly. At home (maybe surprisingly to some people) I’ve listened to Shocking Blue, hah! If you think it’s not heavy, just listen to their song called »Send Me A Postcard«.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Not an exact quote but I think I heard Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top say something like this in an interview: Make music that you would like to listen to and the rest will follow.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Where should I start? I like watching ‘Dinner Date’ but I don’t feel guilty for it!
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Finland?
Since we all live in Finland.. The local heavy scene is very alive and kicking. Business as usual.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Hopefully at some nice bar venue. Or even an open air event!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Maybe we are too old to conquer the world, or who knows, but of course it’s always about enjoying rocking out and if somebody happens to like what we do, that’s cool!
How can people best support your band?
Invite us to play at your events! Come say hi whenever we have a gig, if you happen to be around!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thanks for the support and take it easy! We’re living weird times so it’s good to maintain a sense of humour.
You can find us from Spotify and Bandcamp so check us out!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well