Phantom-x signed with Mausoleum Records in July 2005, and released their debut album, Rise of the Phantom, in early November of that year. The album included guest vocal appearances from Robert Lowe (Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus) and Jason McMaster (Watchtower, Dangerous Toys). Portions of the album, labeled in chapters, introduce a fantasy story about a demon who rises to power. Rise of the Phantom peaked at number 7 on the German heavy metal charts.
