The Phantom Agony is the debut studio album by Dutch symphonic metal band Epica.

It is the first album recorded by guitarist Mark Jansen after his departure from the band After Forever.

On this album, Jansen continues with the collection of songs that make up The Embrace That Smothers.

[7] The album was re-released on 23 March 2013, which coincided with Epica's 10th anniversary Retrospect show, as a 2-disc expanded edition by Epica's former record label Transmission Records.

[8][9] All lyrics are written by Mark Jansen, except where notedAll credits adapted from the original release.