EP Review: Phoenix

Hailing from the depths of New Zealand’s sunniest city, DreadRaven are a four-piece from Nelson who describe their sound as a fusion of reggae, rock and metal. Their debut EP (October 2025), titled Phoenix, was recorded under the hands of Young Moon (Trevor Montgomery) from San Francisco (Now in Nelson), and then mastered by Johnny & Peter at Fire House Studio in Stockholm.

I read a quick blurb before diving in that simply labelled it “alternative rock” – an enormous umbrella term, leaving me unsure what to expect. A four-piece line-up – singer/guitar/vox/bass – felt ripe for excitement. So: let’s go.

Track 1: Silly Girl.
Much slower this time – super melodic, layered with subtle cymbals over an eerie guitar line, with the bass filling in beautifully underneath. There are hints of rock-opera vibes here. I kept glimpsing flashes of Halestorm. This track really showcases the band’s songwriting chops: gutsy, yes – but crafted so each instrument becomes its own mini-masterpiece, and when they converge the whole thing erupts.

Next up: Coming Apart.
Fast-paced and angry! This opens almost more punk than rock. Singer Anna Stephens’ voice rings out over an aggressive, punk-esque guitar riff. 2 and a half minutes deep, her depth changes hugely sounding like she’s just knocked back a bottle of whiskey and let the gravelly bellow rip. What an awesome way to kick off the EP.

Third on the list – my favourite track, Carve It Out.
This leans a little closer in style to Silly Girl, but still distinct. I absolutely love their songwriting here – the band are clearly top notch musicians, and this track is absolutely huge. It’s a powerful anthem, with eerie undertones, space, grit. I’d absolutely kill to see them belt this live. And just when you think it’s done… at about 3:30 it does a full 180°: a metal explosion where all the aggression comes to the head and erupts into this musical revolution.

To close out the EP: TROLL.
This one steps far away from track one and two. At first you’re thinking reggae, but no – it’s not quite reggae. Punk? Maybe. But then it shifts. I’d swear this is written for a movie soundtrack: just as you start expecting the next move, they flip it on its head and venture somewhere totally unpredicted. I don’t really have the words to define it – you just have to listen.

Given this is DreadRaven’s first release, I’m absolutely pumped for what comes next. This EP is an absolute killer and the start of something much bigger. Give these legends a follow.