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Rock It! – Issue 136

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Musically, Dying Phoenix are definitely versatile.

They loosen up their symphonic metal with power-heavy elements and singer Pat St. James convinces with anthemic tenor singing.

It’s also a genre that often runs the risk of disappearing into monotonous realms. The band from Berlin doesn’t make the mistake, but repeatedly covers melodic parts with orchestral interludes, sometimes they break out into profound emotions and become dangerously catchy.

Especially the song „Mother Of Dragons“ has a pleasant atmosphere, which doesn’t just serve as a means to an end.

It remains to be seen to what extent Dying Phoenix’s debut album will resonate in the long term, but a few songs from „Winter Is Coming“ are definitely suitable for the personal playlist and would definitely not stand out unpleasantly among various classics of the genre.

7.5/10 – Markus Seibel

Break Out 02/23

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I’ve been waiting for the debut of the joint project between my dear colleague Pat St. James and keyboardist Oliver Palotai from Kamelot for quite some time, because both have dedicated themselves to symphonic metal and composed this album together.

Oliver is a fixture in the business, and so is Pat, but so far only as a music journalist for this soft spot. So I was very curious to see how he would do as a singer and composer. And he does it really well! I’ll tell you that in advance.

Sure, the Symphonic Metal genre is totally overcrowded; Even if there are great newcomers, they usually have a hard time.

The good news, however, is that the quality of Dying Phoenix means they don’t have to hide from anyone, even on an international level. The basic framework always remains the same, of course. Lots of bombast through keyboards and orchestral arrangements, but the other musical actors don’t need to hide either, such as guitarist Lea Ciara Czullay.

Of course, the textual concept of the „Game Of Thrones“ saga also fits like a glove. And Pat’s heroic tenor is massively supported by two heirs to the throne – Erica Bianca and Moran Magal – even without growls.

With „Weaver Of Lies“ and „Mother Of Dragons“ there are already two video releases that definitely make the Symphonic Metal heart beat faster because the songs are simply exquisite.

Have the musicians already fired their powder? No! „Winter Is Coming“ has no weaknesses. There is something for everyone. Those who like it faster and heavier will find what they are looking for in „All Men Must Die“, while as a very sensitive personality I prefer „Saturnine Days“ and „The Wild“.

Great work that I wasn’t expecting! Compliments to our youngster Pat St. James and his team, which I really mean! Even without a colleague bonus! Newcomer of the Month – Chris Glaub

Metal Hammer 07/23

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Even if the phoenix dies, Dying Phoenix are just getting up: With „Winter Is Coming“, the band from Berlin delivers their debut album.

However, those responsible for the music are not unknown. The main composer is not a member of the band but their producer Oliver Palotai, Keyboarder of Kamelot. He and Dying Phoenix singer Pat St. James wrote the lyrics together.

Musically, metallic rhythms and haunting riffs are in the foreground, which are accompanied by symphonic sounds. I like the broad sound of these elements. The intermittent piano inserts, which sound a little too much like a keyboard instead of a grand piano, can’t quite keep up.

Vocally, the formation varies between three voices that mix Power Metal with a slightly classical note. Due to their vocal variation, they stand out positively, but without being absolutely brilliant.

However, the concept of the work can really score: Dying Phoenix set the stories by author George R. R. Martin to music – hence the title of the album. „Winter Is Coming“ retells the events of „Game Of Thrones“ with each of its tracks. All in all a solid symphonic metal album that impresses with its thematic thread. 4/7 – Raphael Siems