Diesel Phoenix is an original rock band based in Auckland, New Zealand. Formed in the fall of 2006 and combining rock, punk, progressive metal and pop melodies, this group have developed a truly unique musical flavour. Originally performing under the name 'DonkeyPunk', the group recently re-launched as 'Diesel Phoenix' to represent a fresh new approach, the replacement of their lead guitarist and a new addition to their line up - the most talented keyboard player to emerge in the New Zealand music scene, Carlos Voight.

The name Diesel Phoenix carries a double-meaning for the band; a 'rising from the ashes' and a fresh energy for a band that continues to constantly challenge the status quo, both in terms of their musical style and their unique approach to promoting their own values in the music industry. Diesel Phoenix is also representative of the sheer grind & hard work that this group exerts in order to follow their dream. This hard work is represented in the many impressive milestones that have marked a career in full speed.

January 2006 marked the release of the group's debut single 'You're Yuck'. Far from just a silly track title, this debut set a benchmark for the group by solidifying their quirky, non-conformist approach. A punchy, slickly produced & unorthodox pop punk anthem, 'You're Yuck' was a fitting introduction for the group, combining catchy guitar hooks with a unique 'anti-love message'.



This single achieved several break-through commercial successes for the group including; solid rotation on New Zealand's nationwide radio networks 91ZM & Kiwi FM (as well as many independent & commercial broadcasters internationally), voted #1 rock track online through internet distributor & online broadcaster AMPLIFIER. COM & rotation of the band's music video onto music television broadcaster C4tv and ALTtv to name just a few. Diesel Phoenix (ex DonkeyPunk) followed this release with a highly successful independent summer tour of their home country, making their mark in some of the most popular venues in the nation. Diesel Phoenix demonstrated that they were not a 'one hit wonder' act, but a powerful live force, capable raising both hell & the female heart rate simultaneously.

In April 2007 Diesel Phoenix released their second single 'Missconception'. A different approach to the first release, this track is an epic rock ballad and reflects a more soulful side to the band, while still carrying a positive and inspiring message.

On October 31st 2007 Diesel Phoenix released their eagerly anticipated debut album 'White Lies & Black Hearts', again challenging the status quo by becoming one of the first acts in the world to offer the entire album absolutely free to their fans, via download on the internet. This group refuses to be pushed into a corner and this simple gesture has simultaneously grown their fan base at an exponential rate, and rattled the traditions of an archaic industry model. The album was produced by the group themselves and the result is a truly unique work of musical art flowing from the full orchestral introduction, through grinding guitar driven rock, soft melodic pop and finishing with the heartfelt message contained in 'Last Emotion'. Far from an awkward collection of tracks forced together to fit a commercial product, it's clear on the first listen that this album had a coherent concept from beginning to end. In the summer of 2008 Diesel Phoenix began their first touring assault outside their home country with a successful independent tour of Australia, proving to fans as well as themselves that this band belongs on the world stage. Amazingly in spite of all these achievements, Diesel Phoenix is still a 100% independent act, performing without any label support. Now with a new line up and more determination than ever, this band is taking the music world by storm.

Halloween 2009 will see the release of their second album, "Here's Something We Prepared Earlier", which is available as a preview on their wesite. They are touring around their native New Zealand, finishing off with a launch party in their hometown of Auckland on 31st October. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.