Crippled Black Phoenix

Crippled Black Phoenix

Crippled Black Phoenix are a UK rock band from Bristol, active since 2004. They operate as a collective rather than a fixed line-up, with many musicians contributing to their recordings and live performances over time. The group includes artists drawn from other bands, including Iron Monkey, Gonga, Mogwai and Electric Wizard, among others.

Formation and approach

Justin Greaves begins recording the material that becomes the basis for the project in 2004. Dominic Aitchison encourages the early ideas, and the project develops into Crippled Black Phoenix. At the time of formation, the musicians involved are already working in other projects, but the group remains together and develops a distinct sound.

Style and sound

The band describes its songs as “endtime ballads”, a term that reflects both the darker subject matter and the mixture of styles in the music. Their work draws together post-rock, progressive rock, art rock, avant-folk, folk rock, experimental rock, ambient and instrumental elements. Their sound is also described in broader terms as ranging across stoner-prog, freak-folk and doom.

Live performance

Live performance is a major part of the group’s identity. Crippled Black Phoenix perform in unusual venues and use Victorian-era instruments alongside more modern ones. Their line-up for concerts can differ from the musicians involved on their recordings.

Releases and label

The band records on Season of Mist. Over the years, a long list of musicians contributes to the project, including Joe Volk, Karl Demata, Daisy Chapman, Belinda Kordic, Daniel Änghede, Niall Hone, Jonas Stålhammar, Helen Stanley, Andy Taylor, Matt Crawford, Jordi Farré, Lucy Marshall, Justin Storms, Christian Heilmann, Dominic Aitchison, Mark Furnevall, Justin Greaves, Nial McGaughey, Charlotte Nicholls, Kostas Panagiotou, Andy Semmens and Ben Wilsker.