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An Interview with Andreas Ballnus of Philosophobia

Written by Staff on August 27, 2025

Philosophobia’s Guitarist Andreas Ballnus Talks Prog-Metal In ‘The Constant Void’

By Justin Smulison

One of my favorite metal releases of the year is The Constant Void, by Philosophobia. Released in July by the Lasers Edge, the album has all the hallmarks of a progressive metal classic, laced with emotional and melancholic tunes, that entertain and challenge the listener. The songs also delve into concepts such as psychosis, socio-political statements and environmental warnings and awareness.

The quintet is comprised of musicians from Germany, the Netherlands and Greece and are also former and current members of Kamelot and Paul Di’Anno, among others.

Guitarist Andreas Ballnus is a dynamite guitarist, and as the chief songwriter, I had to pick his brain and delve into this fantastic album, which features nine magnetizing tracks clocking in at almost 65 minutes, including the epic 20-minute closer, “The Forgotten Part II.”

We discuss how Ballnus and the band compose such complex music without going overboard, what the future might hold for this promising group, and what he hopes listeners will experience if they play the album from start to finish. Horns Up!