'' The Phantom Agony '' is the first full-length studio album by Epica . It is the first album recorded by guitarist Mark Jansen after his departure from the band After Forever . The album was produced by Sascha Paeth ( known for having produced bands such as Angra , Rhapsody of Fire and Kamelot ) and released in June 2003 . This album , Mark Jansen continues with the collection of songs that make up " The Embrace That Smothers " . The first three parts can be found on '' Prison of Desire '' ( 2000 ) , After Forever 's debut album , and the following three parts can be found on '' The Divine Conspiracy '' ( 2007 ) , Epica 's third album . These songs deal with the dangers of organized religion . The song " Façade of Reality " on the album was written about the September 11 attacks and includes fragments from speeches by Tony Blair
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Epica (band)