Netherlands-based Phoenix’ Ashes’ return has been hard to miss in recent months. Following the well-received single “Oceans,” the metal band from the Netherlands has released their follow-up track “Defiance” at the end of August. 

While “Oceans” already showcased a more intense sound compared to their earlier work, this single takes it a step further. The band’s signature harmonies are accompanied by progressive riffs and energetic, aggressive choruses. The unconventional vocals add a disorienting effect, amplifying the song’s message. 

In “Defiance,” the band addresses the growing polarization in the world and the rise of right-wing and radical ideologies. The song highlights how the discontent and uncertainty of our time are often exploited by influential figures. Masses follow without realizing the potential consequences for society, future generations, and ultimately themselves. With the recurring message “enough is enough,” the track encourages self-reflection and urges individuals to consider whether the truth they are presented with might have multiple sides. 

After years of hiatus, this is the band’s second release. Both “Oceans” and “Defiance” serve as a prelude to their upcoming EP (set to be released later this year). The band will return to the studio with Erwin Hermsen of Toneshed Recording Studio right after summer to complete the remaining recordings!

Oh. My. Gods. Arnout (Lie, guitars/backing vocals) was not joking when he told me this song was more aggressive than “Oceans” was. I was BLOWN away by how in your face this single is right off the rip. It honestly gives me huge Suicidal Tendencies vibes! “Institutionalized” immediately came to mind with the disorienting and muddled instrumentals with the shouted vocals. The lyrics are so incredibly matched as well. The craziness of the song is a great addition to the message for this insane world we are all currently living in. Let’s dive into the lyrics!

Right off the bat, the first verse seems to pack a punch of truth in various ways. It screams relatable for multiple COUNTRIES, let alone just a person situationally. These guys are just straight GENUISES with lyrics and their ability to portray ideas and facts without being blatant. It’s such a beautifully subtle finger to those who wrong us with half-truths and lies. “Out of the flock comes a wolf // To persuade all the sheep // To forget all the horrors they’ve seen // To blame it on others // That life is so tough // That all I can say is // Enough is enough“. That right there I KNOW there are an immeasurable amount of people that can relate to that. In one way or another, no specifics.

That one line – “enough is enough” – keeps its message strong throughout the entirety of the track. It has such strong symbolism and also seems very, very fitting for the situations at hand. I don’t know if they meant for it to be seen as a politically charged song towards the government, but I could see a few of us here (in America) maybe relating to it, in that sense. I DO NOT speak for the band on what this song is about, that is simply a relation that I myself am making out of my own observation and ideology. I can see many situations over the years where this would be relatable to in the “people vs the govt” situations. Regardless, their ability to write and the way they can string words together so eloquently makes me incredibly happy that it can be interpreted in SO many different ways.

The chorus drives the message home with the repetition of, “We understand that life has been tough // Ignore all the lies // Enough is enough.” I personally like that they are driving it home to such a degree, and especially when leading into the second verse. They seem to get a bit more complex with the analogies and then they bridge it beautifully into a near-perfect transition back to the chorus. “Words like opium // Falsehood of promises // Like a savior // Masked for the populace // Distorted truth // With selfish intentions // They do believe // They’re here to save us.” The message seems like it could be abundantly clear, but in reality, it can be interpreted however one chooses to. The government side makes sense just as much as a partner or a friend creating a story around you amongst friends before your story can be told and now they’re all tricked. Who knows, it’s all up to the interpretation of the listener!

“What worth does truth have if truth is worth nothing // What worth does your life have if your life is worth nothing // It’s all in their lies // It’s all in their lies.” Continuing to have multiple meanings throughout the lyrics, these hit hard. I love how “in-your-face” and aggressive these lyrics came out with this track. The aggression and tenacity behind the instrumentals and the chaos of the lyrics over it make me want to pull up Suicidal Tendencies and keep the same buck-wild energy that this song has to offer.

Phoenix’ Ashes, you guys KILLED it. Again, I might add. I can’t wait to see what else you guys have in store for us in the near future! You can now stream “Defiance” on any streaming platform as of August 30th, 2024! I hope you all enjoy and rage about your rooms or in your cars as much as I did my first time listening through!