Review by Dave Martin/Faversham Photography
Members:
Lana Phillis – Vocals
Ash Wilson – Guitars
Zak Smith – Bass
Joe Synnott – Drums
Album Release Date: 27 February 2026
Seraphina: The Fall From Eden is the debut album from Nottingham melodic metal band Phoenix Lake. Seraphina is taken from Hebrew and means fiery winged, a fitting name from a band named after the mythical bird of flame. The album is a concept album that follows Seraphina and her fall from the celestial plain and how she learns to deal with her inner turmoil and accept how to live among the mortals on Earth. All the tracks of the album and even the interludes follow her emotional journey from fallen angel to mortality.
The band have creatively woven a story through their infectious musical style and lyrics that truly examines human nature and the emotions that we all feel in our lives.
The album is a masterpiece in the genre, led by the soaring vocals and storytelling by Lana Phillis that brings Seraphina to life. The album is full of quality and there is not a single weak track on the record. Releasing a concept album as their debut is brave but the band have used their musical talents effectively to make the album work.
Highlights include my personal favourite “Fracture Wings” (a song that got me hooked on the band following their performance at Bloodstock Festival last year), “Heart of Obsidian” and “Serenity”. Every aspect of “Fractured Wings” had me yearning to sing along. The euphoric vocals, catchy chorus, driving drum rhythms and well positioned guitar riffs make the song an absolute classic. It is the song that I would recommend to new listeners to get them engrossed in the band.
Fourth track “Heart of Obsidian” is higher tempo and has possibly my favourite section of the entire album in the breakdown. Joe Synott’s drumming in the breakdown combined with the bass from Zak Smith and Ash Wilson’s guitar that overlays it is a joy to hear. The well-orchestrated solo kicks in with a blend of fast and well-spaced notes that has me wishing I was that talented. I am also partial to a strategically positioned pinched harmonic which have been tastefully added. So good is the construction of the song that I can envisage it being played at the biggest festivals with fans screaming it passionately back at the band on stage.
The band uses tempo, melody and contrast to capture the moments of Seraphina’s journey and emote a response from the listener whether it’s the brutal drumming in the breakdown of “Heart of Obsidian” or passionate vocals of “Woven in Time”. Many of the tracks such as “This Abyss” have a strong Celtic feel to the track, a sound that is synonymous with symphonic metal as demonstrates the bands versatility within the genre.
This band is full of talent, and this debut album shows a great deal of craftmanship that will have listeners hooked. The band is currently out on tour and I would highly recommend seeing them live as these new tracks are made for the stage.
Track List:
1. Sor El (The Descent)
2. Fall from Eden
3. This Abyss
4. Heart of Obsidian
5. Fractured Wings
6. Seraphina
7. Echo 1 (Embers)
8. The Divine
9. Woven in Time
10. Echo 2 (Hollow Light)
11. Bells of Variel
12. Serenity
13. I’ll Let You Go
14. Echo 3 (The Bloom)
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