Phoenix Lake – Beyond The Flames EP
Phoenix Lake – Beyond The Flames EP
Self-Released
Release Date: 30/06/2023
Running Time: 19:49
Review by Laura Barnes
9/10
Heading to Bloodstock this year? If you’re planning on hitting the Sophie Stage, there’s a good chance you’ll see Phoenix Lake. This Nottingham four-piece won Planet Rock’s competition to open up the Sophie Lancaster stage with their single ‘Come Alive’ – an amazing achievement for a band so young! “Beyond The Flames” is their debut EP, and this has been a long time in the making since the band were formed in 2018. The pandemic, it seems, is the main culprit behind this delay. The frustration of having material written and ready, yet having no means to record it must have been immense, but it is clear that Phoenix Lake didn’t just spend the past three years twiddling their thumbs. “Beyond The Flames” is an incredibly refined debut, with songwriting and production that indicates a high level of professionalism.
I normally shy away from using the term ‘Alternative Metal’ because it’s way too vague, but it seems to fit Phoenix Lake very well. With metalcore style guitarwork, earworm choruses, and clean vocals courtesy of Lana Phillis, Phoenix Lake have a very modern, radio-friendly sound – it’s no wonder Planet Rock loved them so much! Jokes aside, “Beyond The Flames” would definitely appeal to fans of Ad Infinitum, Ice Nine Kills, and The Raven Age – bands that can write catchy songs with wide appeal, but also know how to play the fuck out of their instruments. The guitar solo in ‘Come Alive’ is genuinely fucking jaw-dropping, fizzling with a skill and heaviness too often missing from this kind of music.
‘Saviour’ is also a great listen. It has the fist-pumping energy and angst of an anime opening, but with just enough grit to keep the pits moving. ‘Faithless’ is the standout track, however. Multiple musical layers dance beneath an epic chorus, and the track takes surprising twists and turns throughout – the acoustic interlude is particularly enjoyable. Production-wise, “Beyond The Flames” manages to be clean and modern without indulging in the glossy sheen that can make an album feel soulless. Admittedly, there are occasional aspects of the songwriting that can feel a little safe, but despite this it never once feels boring.
It’s so exciting to have a new British band of this calibre punch through the underground. With a debut like this, Phoenix Lake have hit the ground running. “Beyond The Flames” absolutely rules, and will appeal to anyone who likes their metal with a little melody and punkish attitude. And to Phoenix Lake themselves – best of luck at Bloodstock! You guys are gonna kill it!
‘Faithless’ Official Video
TRACKLISTING:
01. Saviour
02. Reflections
03. Come Alive
04. Faithless
LINE-UP:
Lana Phillis – Vocals
Ash Wilson – Guitars
Zak Smith – Bass
Kiaran Hegarty – Drums
LINKS:
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