DIANNE releases new single ‘Phantom of War’ featuring Francesco Paoli (Fleshgod Apocalypse)

‘Phantom of War’ is a musical battle between chaos and clarity. Dianne van Giersbergen's powerful, classically trained soprano voice embodies innocence and sincerity, while Francesco Paoli's growls reflect the dark, destructive side of the conflict.

‘It's a song about survival, bravery and standing up for who you are – “Your fight, not my fall!”’ explains Dianne. ‘A true story from my recent past that I turned into a powerful anthem.’

The haunting line ‘Your fight, not my fall’ becomes the heart of the song – a call for self-defence and inner strength.

As with all Soulward Bound tracks, Joost van den Broek (Powerwolf, Epica, among others) co-produced and co-wrote the song. For Phantom of War, Dianne also assembled an impressive band of internationally renowned musicians:

• Francesco Paoli (Fleshgod Apocalypse) – growls

• Jord Otto (Revamp, VUUR, Dark Horse White Horse) – guitar

• Siebe Sol Sijpkens (Blackbriar, David Maxim Micic) – bass

• Ivo Maarhuis (Floor Jansen, For I Am King, Izegrim) – drums

The accompanying music video shows Dianne as a warrior torn between vulnerability and determination:

‘The artwork and video capture the moment when I pick up the axe – still shaken by the realisation of what I've been drawn into – and prepare to strike the first blow in self-defence.’

Dianne van Giersbergen has announced her first solo album, Soulward Bound, for 2022 – exactly five years after leaving Xandria. The concept: a waterfall release, with two singles per year over a period of five years. Each song represents a chapter in her personal and artistic rediscovery.

Each piece is created in collaboration with Joost van den Broek and a changing line-up of well-known musicians from the scene – including Marcela Bovio, Arjen Lucassen, Morten Veland and Patty Gurdy.

With ‘Phantom of War’, Dianne proves once again that she has long since reclaimed her place in the symphonic metal Olympus – in her own way, with her unmistakable voice and uncompromising honesty.