Joined by guitarist Eli Santana (IGNITE, ex-HUNTRESS, ex-HOLY GRAIL), Los Angeles’ symphonic progressive metal ensemble ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD present a hauntingly heavy and theatrical interpretation of “Phantom of the Opera”.
The instrumental offering unleashes the darkness and seductive power of the track’s narrative through the dynamic arrangement. Thundering percussion and driving rhythms provide intensity and movement, while the vocal duet between Christine and the Phantom is brought to life by JD McGibney and Eli Santana on lead guitars. The atmosphere is enveloped with Gothic allure by means of orchestral layers and tolling bells.
ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD inject their own distinctive qualities into the track including some unexpected moments. Sudden shifts in instrumental arrangements and embellished guitars entwine compelling elements and charisma into the sound.
Produced by ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD, the track was recorded at Counter Communications with engineering, mixing and mastering by Chris Wirsig. “Phantom of the Opera” cover art was created by JD McGibney.
About ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD:
Based out of Los Angeles, CA, ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD began as a side project for guitarist JD McGibney (ex-VOODOO KUNGFU) before augmenting to a full line-up in 2021. Alongside McGibney, the instrumental symphonic progressive metal band is now comprised of Jason Klein on bass (ex-BUTCHER BABIES), Eddie Trager on drums (ex-NEKROGOBLIKON) and Chris Wirsig on keyboards (award winning TV and film composer).
The ethos of the band is to empower listeners through music, to assist individuals who are fighting on their own battlefields and to help them find courage. ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD strive to improve awareness of and discourse around mental illness through the power of heavy metal. The band made their live debut at the 2022 “This Is My Brave” mental health fundraiser, where the band helped to raise around $30,000 to donate to local Los Angeles mental health charities.
2024 saw ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD open for Taiwanese folk metal artist NiNi at her debut USA headline show in November of 2024. In the following year, the quartet embarked on their debut headline West Coast tour across October/November of 2025.
In 2025, ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD’s 2024 single release “Modern Prometheus” was long listed in the 2025 GRAMMY Awards in three categories: Best Metal Performance, Best Instrumental Composition and Best Arrangement – Instrumental or A Capella. Additionally, “Modern Prometheus” was nominated in the Hollywood Independent Music Awards in 2025.
The new single, “Phantom of the Opera”, featuring guitarist Eli Santana (IGNITE, ex-HUNTRESS, ex-HOLY GRAIL), arrives on April 8, 2026.
ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD is:
JD McGibney – Guitar
Jason Klein – Bass
Chris Wirsig – Keyboard/Orchestration
Eddie Trager – Drums
Connect withANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD:
Official Website: https://onthewingsofdragons.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelsOnTheBattlefieldBand/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angels_on_the_battlefield/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/aotb_band :
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@angelsonthebattlefield
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6vQV1dRMKNBHCRku2IsPMU?si=RoaUH-SuTCq5nRsPMrgpEg
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/angels-on-the-battlefield/1441558520
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aotbband
