by Darren McIntyre
album,Nottingham’s rising heavy outfit Phoenix Lake have been steadily carving a name for themselves on the UK metal circuit since forming in 2018. Blending heavy metal, hard rock and metalcore with melodic flair, the band have built momentum through relentless touring and a growing catalogue that includes an EP, eight singles, and their latest album Seraphina – The Fall From Eden.
Audley,Their current UK tour brought them north to Audio, though the evening unfolded under unusual circumstances. Earlier in the day, a serious fire in the heart of Glasgow had disrupted the city, which understandably impacted attendance. Still, the band refused to let the situation dampen their spirits. For the fans who did make it out, Phoenix Lake delivered a powerful performance that proved their determination and passion for the stage.
Intro”,The night began with “SOR – El Intro,” a haunting piano piece that echoed around the venue, creating a calm before the storm. It was a clever atmospheric build-up, giving the band time to settle into position before unleashing the full force of their sound.
That force arrived in spectacular fashion with “Fall From Eden”. The track opened with a dark, symphonic tone before the rhythm section exploded into action with pounding double bass and sharp snare strikes. Vocalist Lana immediately commanded the room, delivering soaring vocals that cut cleanly through the wall of sound. Behind her, guitarist Ash unleashed crunching riffs while bassist Zak anchored the track with a brooding low-end groove. It was an explosive start that instantly pulled the Glasgow crowd into the band’s world.
Momentum continued with “Saviour”, a growling metal anthem that roared into life with thunderous percussion and galloping guitar lines. Lana’s powerful voice soared over the relentless instrumentation, striking the perfect balance between melody and aggression. Despite the smaller turnout, the audience responded enthusiastically — fists raised and heads banging as the band drove the track forward with impressive intensity.
The energy carried straight into “Woven In Time”. Gritty guitar riffs erupted from the stage as cymbal crashes filled the room. The band looked increasingly comfortable as they powered through the set, feeding off the crowd’s enthusiasm. Mid-song, Ash stepped forward to deliver a blistering solo that captured the audience’s full attention and drew loud cheers from the floor.
Next came “Obsidian”, where the rhythm section flexed its muscles with pounding double bass patterns and crisp snare hits. Lana’s melodic vocals added contrast to the thunderous instrumentation, creating a dynamic balance that highlighted the band’s songwriting strengths. The tight musicianship between the four members became increasingly evident as the set progressed.
“Serenity” brought another surge of energy. Ash opened with a razor-sharp riff before the rest of the band stormed in behind him. Lana’s vocals carried a strong emotional edge, weaving through the thunderous rhythm section, while Zak’s bass added a deep, rumbling backbone to the arrangement. By this point, the crowd was fully engaged, shouting encouragement and feeding the band’s momentum.
A darker, more atmospheric tone arrived with “The Divine”. A haunting intro tape set the stage before the band erupted into a pounding groove filled with crashing cymbals and driving bass lines. Lana’s smouldering vocals led the charge, while the guitars layered crisp melodic textures over the thunderous rhythm.
The crowd erupted when the opening notes of “Bells Of Variel” rang out. Clearly a fan favourite, the song drew cheers from the room as Ash opened with clean, melodic guitar lines before the band launched into its powerful groove. Stand-in drummer Dan impressed behind the kit, driving the track with authority while Lana shifted between soaring melodies and heavier vocal tones.
“Fractured Wings” followed with a fierce burst of energy. Punchy snare hits and galloping riffs created a powerful foundation as Lana unleashed commanding vocals that filled every corner of the venue. The chemistry between the band members was undeniable, and even with a smaller crowd, the energy in the room felt huge.
Lana encouraged the crowd to jump for “Come Alive”, and the response was immediate. The track’s pounding rhythm and gritty guitar work created one of the night’s most energetic moments, with fans bouncing along and throwing fists into the air as the band delivered another powerful anthem.
Closing the night with “This Abyss”, Phoenix Lake delivered a final surge of melodic metal intensity. A heavy snare-and-bass groove opened the song before soaring guitar lines and Lana’s commanding vocals carried the track forward. The tempo shifts and dramatic arrangement made for a fitting finale, leaving the crowd cheering loudly in appreciation.
Despite the challenges surrounding the evening, Phoenix Lake proved its resilience and dedication to its craft. The band delivered a tight, energetic performance packed with powerful riffs, commanding vocals and a clear passion for live music.
If this show is anything to go by, Phoenix Lake is a band on the rise — and the UK metal scene would do well to keep a close eye on them.
Phoenix Lake
Lana — Vocals
Ash — Guitar
Zak — Bass
Dan — Drums
Setlist
SOR – El Intro
Fall From Eden
Saviour
Woven In Time
Obsidian
Serenity
The Divine
Bells Of Variel
Fractured Wings
Come Alive
This Abyss
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