Bloodstock 2023 – Sunday. Hailing from Nottingham, Phoenix Lake are a definite up-and-coming band with huge potential. Originally formed as Descending Angels in 2018, they re-named themselves Phoenix Lake following the introduction of singer Lana Phillis. The band have a clear musical direction, and their brand of Melodic Metal was the perfect antidote to a wet and miserable Sunday morning.
Bloodstock – Phoenix Lake
Opening the Sophie stage, the band only had a short thirty-minute set in which to win over an audience that rapidly expanded, probably due to the torrential downpour that was going on outside. That said, it probably worked in the band’s favour as once the rain eased, very few departed, with the vast majority staying and watching out their set.
There’s nothing like having a captive audience, particularly if you have the ability, performance and songs to keep them enthralled. Phoenix Lake have the lot.
With four singles and an EP out, and with new material being aired, this was a perfect opportunity for the band, and they grabbed it with both hands.
Phoenix Lake have already been compared with the likes of Paramore and Evanescence. Perhaps this is because Lana on vocals, provides the female fronting element, although there is a similarity in sound and approach.
Personally, I would throw into the mix a Lzzy Hale vibe as well. Lana certainly has stage presence and prowls and dances around, working the audience non-stop. She is a ball of energy, and this is clearly transmitted to the other band members.
Whether the band embrace the FFM (Female Fronted Metal) label will wait to be seen. FFM is clearly a strong and rapidly growing sub-genre on the continent, though it has been harder for UK artists to break in. Yet, if there is a band that has the potential to make their way, then Phoenix Lake is it.
Vocally Lana does not provide the operatic gymnastics that defines some of the international artists. Yet do not dismiss her. She has a powerhouse of a voice, hence the Lzzy Hale analogy. She is controlled and direct and still has a stunning range and tone that makes the songs her own. She has the perfect approach to delivery, and this clearly enhances the songs and performance.
Much of the set was derived from their early single and debut EP, Beyond The Flames, and it is fair to say that the songs are well crafted, have flair, strong, catchy chorus lines, and spot-on driving explosive delivery.
Fractured Wings was a new song, which musically had a serious Maidenesque dynamic. It was clear from this that musically, the band are a tight unit with Ash Wilson on Guitars and Zak Smith on Bass creating the driving force behind Lana.
Come Alive from the EP closed the set and had the audience singing and bouncing along with the band. This was an absolutely storming set and one which clearly won over many new fans and admirers. They were clearly not here to make up the numbers.
For Phoenix Lake, this was an absolute triumph. Let’s hope that the band can get some new material out and back on the road. The UK deserves this band, and they deserve the opportunities this should bring.
Bloodstock Festival 2023 is held over the weekend of 10-13 August 2023. MetalTalk’s Paul Hutchings and Adrian Stonley report from Catton Park.
All Photography: John Inglis and Paul Hutchings
All MetalTalk Bloodstock Festival 2023 coverage can be found at MetalTalk.net/tag/bloodstock-2023.
Weekend early bird tickets for Bloodstock 2024 will be available to purchase at the box office on-site for £165. This is the cheapest way to buy a 2024 ticket, minus any online booking or admin fees.
Bloodstock 2022 can be relived at MetalTalk.net/tag/bloodstock-2022.
