Epic melodic speed metal (read: German metal) from Norway. They released 2 albums, before disbanding after internal disputes. Most of the members are now in Highland Glory.

RISE FROM THE ASHES (1998) FACEFRONT

This was an album I had high hopes for. Scream Magazine had written good things about the band, and Norway finally had a band in the German metal style (Phoenix Rizing sound like Helloween, Running Wild, Stratovarius, Gamma Ray etc.). But I must say I was quite disappointed in this album. I bought it for a little over 4$ used, in a metal-shop in Denmark, and it is worth that. But the problem lies in the fact that these guys are newcomers. The way they arrange the songs sound so artificial, and strained. Many good ideas get ruined, because they try to hard. It almost sounds as if they have written many segments of music, and then putt them after each other, in a random order. Well, that's maybe a bit harsh, but listen to the album, and hear for yourself. "Roses Are Red" is an Aqua (Norwegian/Danish dance-pop) cover, which the band use to play live. They thought it was a fun idea to record it here.

Got my CD signed by most of the members.

Killer tracks: Non in particular

ETERNAL CRUSADE (2000) FACEFRONT

Shortly after I brought home Phoenix Rizing's first album, I stumbled across their next one, on an internet auction. I had to pay double the amount for this one, and hoped it sounded twice as good too. And it's is a noticeable difference here. The band is more experienced, and they have gotten to improve their songwriting skills. I still think they have some way to go, to hit the big time, but if they continue to better their sound, they might be there soon. The biggest problem here, is that even if I like some of the songs, I tend to forget which ones it was, when I have finished listening to the record. Fans of epic, melodic, speed-metal can check this one out!

Got my CD signed by most of the members.

Killer tracks: Can't really remember one from the other.

Related artists:

Highland Glory