The Phoenix Within "CONTENDER" - official music video - airing on MTV

 

THE PHOENIX WITHIN Release "CONTENDER" The Phoenix Within is an independent NYC-based alternative prog-rock band, that incorporates diverse elements and styles of rock into their boundless heavy soundscape. The band is fronted by Omar Feliciano and is backed by Nick Narlis on bass guitar, John Narlis on guitar, and drummers James Narlis and Steve Khan.    Their songs are lyrically dense and emotionally charged always walking a thin line between hard rock elements and heavy felt vulnerability. Their themes explore topics such as resilience, perseverance, and the underdog mentality. Their first release for 2025 titled, “War Machines” seeks to explore and raise questions about the essence of human wars, aiming to develop an understanding of its origins, executions, and, most crucially, how it can be avoided. Essentially, this song calls for a reflection on the lessons learned from past wars and conflict to foster a mindset geared toward the prevention of others rather than repetition. Their single, “Next” tackled mass shootings and gun violence awareness in the United States and enjoyed airplay end of 2025/ beginning of 2026 on MTV's METAL THRASHING MADNESS.  “Abuso” tackles the heavy topic of being in an abusive relationship and/or situation, but with the positive spin of making it out. The song “Contender” speaks to anyone who has had to face down adversity, feeling like they’ve failed but somehow getting through it, ready to swing.

Live band performances are raw and uninhibited, managing to harness an indescribable energy, that is syphoned and reshared with the crowd. With major festival appearances such as INKcarceration, Blue Ridge Rock Festival, Summit Fest, Launch Music Conference, and the Electric City Music Conference under their belt, The Phoenix Within grows more ambitious, reaching their audiences wherever they may be. Through an ever-evolving artistry that never stops working, The Phoenix Within is a band that is here to stay, a testament to the power of words, music, and resilience.

 Watch  "CONTENDER" on YouTube

SONG LYRICS: “CONTENDER”   This is a warning a line in the sand. Failures my teacher, not my destroyer I get up, I learn from, I try it again.   While you skipped scenes, I buried my burdens. So, if you play God, in your kingdom of paper. Remember a match will eventually strike. And once it ignites and your crown turns to ash. You’ll beg for life, but I bury my burdens.   I, I’m the contender who never surrendered. I, rise from the ashes, rise from the ashes to try this again.   Past the shame of errors, broken things, delirium The blood, the tears, the pain, I have lived to tell it all. I am not very tall but pray to God. You never wake the giant sleeping inside me. This is not the story of one who never falls. But of one who always rises when he does   I, I’m the contender who never surrendered. I, rise from the ashes, rise from the ashes to try it again.   A breath of fresh air! A breath of fresh air to bring me back to life and push away the faces, trying to hold me down! Move!   You are no king or God I will not beg or bow! You are no king or God I will not beg or bow down!   I, I’m the contender who never surrendered.   I, rise from the ashes, rise from the ashes to try this again.   Try, try, try this again!