By Matt Haynes
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What’s that I hear? Bells? Wedding Bells? No…no, no-one I know is getting married…could it be the bells of Notre Dame!...No…no Quasimodo is on holiday at the moment…
Well there’s only one other explanation for the ringing of bells…and that is one of Nottingham’s fastest rising groups has unleashed a new chapter in their story.
We are of course talking about symphonic superstars Phoenix Lake and their incredible new track ‘Bells of Variel’, the fourth single from their upcoming album ‘Serpahina: The Fall From Eden’.
Phoenix Lake have been dominating the underground scene throughout 2025. Releasing tracks over the year and dominating the stages of the UK, whether it was their absolutely breathtaking and fire-inducing performance at Bloodstock Festival or their upcoming spot supporting equally rising stars Defences. This is a band that just continues to grow and show just why they are a unique force in the underground scene.
What can I say that I haven’t said before? Whether it’s the power of the rhythm section and their melodic riffs or the impact of their powerhouse vocalist Lana, Phoenix Lake are a band that deliver every time they release a song. ‘Bells of Variel’ is further proof of the mastery this quartet has on the Symphonic genre, but this time they added a few little twists to really grab the fans.
One twist you may pick up on is the ‘march’ style riff that the band utilise throughout the track, portraying the forewarning of what is to come not just for the characters within the story of ‘Seraphina’, but also the fans who are listening and following the story. Another twist is the inclusion of heavier vocals by Lana and guest vocalist Tristian Hill (of 7Hz Audio and AZAZEL). This was a surprising addition from the band, but a very welcoming one. It showed that Symphonic isn’t the only element that the band can utilise vocally and are eager to start pushing boundaries for themselves as artists.
If you want to me do a simple version of this review, it would be this – Phoenix Lake are going to be one of the biggest acts to emerge in 2026. There is something about them that rings differently to other bands on the scene, and it is this energy that will draw in fans worldwide to their sound and shows. I for one cannot wait to hear the full album after hearing not just ‘Bells of Variel’ but the preceding singles as well.
One thing we can say for certain is this – the ‘Bells of Variel’ will be ringing for a long time to come
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