[ALBUM REVIEW] Patience is a virtue as symphonic metal group PHOENIX LAKE prepare to release their incredible debut album 'SERAPHINA: THE FALL FROM EDEN'

(Image: R M Photography)

PHOENIX LAKE (L-R): Zak, Lana, Ash, Joe

Life is full of complications and delays. Our best laid plans can get put on hold or pushed back which cause disruption and frenzy. But there is one thing that we need to remember - patience is a virtue, and sometimes these delays mean something better can be built and worked on. For me, there’s always a buzz of excitement when a band you’ve been following (via socials…not in person…they’d spot my lanky ass in the bushes every time…) for a while finally announces the news you’ve been waiting for – they’re releasing new music. Of course, it’s always a shame when you read there’s delays in completing said release…but in this case, that delay has paid off

We find ourselves heading back to Nottingham, once again catching up with fast-rising symphonic stars Phoenix Lake who have offered us at GET HEAVY UK a sneak peek at their debut album ‘Seraphina: The Fall From Eden’. An album that became something different from its original conception and one that faced delays, we finally get to see what the group have been building after months of teasing.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!...is what I would say about the full content of this album. As I wrote my notes, I found myself engrossed in the concepts and story being told and thought ‘I can’t wait to share this with the fellow fans!’. But upon writing more and more notes (5 A4 pages to be exact…)and engaging deeper into the music, I’ve decided to not spoil the story. The reason being – there is a lot to process and experience. And for an album of this calibre, I simply could not take that experience away from the fans. Of course, that won’t stop me from giving you a review of some sort…otherwise why would we be here?

What I truly love about this album is the amount of passion and dedication that Phoenix Lake have poured into the 14-track offering. You can feel the bound and unity the quartet have as a group as they use their skills to create a world we find ourselves engrossed in. Whether it’s the fret shredding abilities of guitarist Ash, the powerful bass-thumping rhythm of bassist Zak, the thunderous foot and hand work of drummer Joe or the mesmerising and emotional lyrics of vocalist Lana, there is something that appeals to everyone. And what also stands out is no-one tries to outshine the other. There is the perfect balance from start to finish from all members as they support and back each other note for note.

Another piece of this work I love is the band’s ability to create a story full of emotions. Throughout the songs we feel a mixture of emotions – pain, suffering, hopelessness, darkness, despair…but we also feel strength, the power to overcome, love, hope and light. The flawless blend of all of these is perfect and creates the perfect tone for a piece that will captivate and provoke. A story told from the perspective of title character Seraphina, we feel ourselves in her presence as she embarks on a journey after an introduction that fills us with worry and uncertainty.

The biggest highlight of this album is the ongoing evolution of the band. This is the biggest, loudest and fiercest we’ve heard Phoenix Lake since their inception. Their debut album highlights a band that has not only found their comfort zone, but also a band that isn’t afraid to push their boundaries and dwell into heavier, darker elements to really push their sound to new levels. Whilst, to me at least, this is mostly reflected in track ‘Bells of Variel’ - there are elements of this evolution splashed throughout the tracks. It feels like the band have taken elements of Power, Symphonic and Classical metal and blended them perfectly to create their own sound.

Overall, for a debut album, Phoenix Lake have smashed this out the park. There are no weak moments or cracks in the work. Their ability to craft a world within the music is flawless and the patience in creating this piece has paid off. It highlights just why they are one of the fastest rising and recognised bands within the underground scene, and this album will surely see them soar to incredible new levels.