LIVE FROM THE PIT: Phoenix Lake and Circus 66
- Laura Davies
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
PHOENIX LAKE are a UK-based melodic metal band from Nottingham, formed in 2018. They are known for their vocalist’s powerful vocals and blend elements of metalcore and hard rock to create a sound that’s unique and nostalgic at the same time. Having been on tour with bands such as SKARLETT RIOT and appeared at festivals such as Bloodstock, this debut headline tour seems like the perfect start for fans to see what a headline set sounds like.
Unfortunately off the bat there was a change in lineup. Following a bout of illness in the band, the initial support act AETHORIA were unable to play. Despite the unexpected change, there was a last minute twist that allowed the other support act CIRCUS 66 to step in and play a longer set for the audience.
Hailing from Maidenhead this self proclaimed hard rock band were ready to start the night off just right. Vocalist Annabelle Zaychenko is an enigmatic frontwoman who engaged the audience from the start. Her raw and brilliant vocals showcased a classic rock range from heavier songs through to softer melodic tracks. She could have sung a shopping list and the audience would have been hooked.
The band itself had cohesive and tight riffs to match the head-banging vocals. Songs seamlessly moved from one to the other with no hesitation and questions about confidence. This was a band that was confident in what they do and do it well. Their set was non stop energy from first song to last truly getting the crowd ready for what is to come.
They included songs from a new album Elements that was a softer version of what they are capable of and allowed Zaychenko to truly showcase her range. The songs felt familiar but different; like a hug from a band that you love. This was a band that has mastered their craft and ended their set to a rousing room that was definitely ready for the headline act.
By the time PHOENIX LAKE came onto stage, the audience were ready and raring to go to see some fantastic melodic metal. Following the release of their album Seraphina: The Fall From Eden, fans were eager to hear not only songs from this album, but songs from their eight year discography.
Kicking off the show with a melodic and almost cinematic intro, the band bursted into song after song without missing a beat. With a mix of harsh breakdowns blended with an incredible vocal range, they would not have been amiss amongst a bill of PARAMORE or EVANESCENCE with the vocal athletics of the singer Lana Phillis.
With the band decked out in red accents, it felt like unity across the band, reflecting how tight they felt musically on stage. Nothing seemed out of beat, and nothing truly felt less than perfect, like they had poured their heart and soul into these shows. And it well and truly paid off. Both Zak Smith and Ash Wilson on bass and guitar spent the evening headbanging in sync and joining forces for some incredible riffs. Coupled with Joe Synnott on drums, this is a band to be reckoned with.
Phillis’s seamless skills at transferring from harmonious vocals to guttural screams showed the versatility of the band and their back catalogue. Throughout the set they charted songs from their earliest days whilst also covering a large amount of songs from their new album, showcasing their development across the years. The crowd welcomed the band with open arms and celebrated this debut headline tour as if they had done this a hundred times over. Whatever happens next to PHOENIX LAKE is only an upwards trajectory. Slick riffs, glorious lyrics and vocals that just make your brain melt is a recipe for success and they have the potential to skyrocket to success.
Words: Laura Davies
Photos: Ben Young
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