Who Will Take the Throne in WayV’s New Single “Phantom”?

Do you ever feel like you’re a puppet? Like your strings are being pulled by the unknown, and there’s nothing you can do except watch behind the mask? That’s how WayV feel in their new release “Phantom.” The single is the title track on their fourth mini-album of the same name, released December 28, 2022. This chilling comeback was written by Adrian Mckinnon, Farida Benounis, Karen Poole, Sondre Nystrøm, YTP, and JINBYJIN, who also produced the track.

“Phantom” lures you in with its dissonance, meeting you with a haunting melody. Do you feel captivated? Being transported into Pandora’s box with six handsome idols doesn’t sound so bad in the beginning. It’s only when that box turns into a labyrinth does it feel real. With its Game of Thrones chair made of swords and Harry Potter chess board, it’s almost impossible to solve these riddles.

“What is it?” More like “who is it?” as listeners decipher who the puppeteer is. The six members fight for the throne, finally taking a stand against their nightmare. Only one can claim it and pull back their strings. But could it be that one of the six is the puppeteer? Camouflaged in their own game? Or, in their first comeback without Lucas, some listeners wonder if it’s him behind the scenes. Either way, doesn’t it make you wonder if we’re all just a pawn in the master’s game?

Edited by Rashelle B.