Heather & Hearth is the second album from Murcia, Spain progressive hard rock/metal act Phantom Spell, and follows their 2023 debut Immortal's Requiem. Owing as much to the glorious rise of NWOTHM acts such as Wytch Hazel, Tanith, and Tarot as they do to '70s giants such as Kansas, Styx, and Wishbone Ash, Phantom Spell's music is heavy, majestic, complex, and most of all, epic.
"The Autumn Citadel" opens, a big epic track to kick things off, with loads of acoustic guitars, crushing electric guitar riffs and solos, soaring vocals that are like a blend of Steve Walsh and Dennis DeYoung, and glorious organ and synths. What a great start to this fine album!
"Siren Song" is up next, a brief but majestic hard rocker, think Argus- era Wishbone Ash but heavier. Toss in a memorable chorus, tasty guitars...and you have a killer track.
This is followed by "Evil Hand", another short but memorable hard rocker with fantastic prog rock keys...reminds me of early Kansas mixed with Wooden Nickel era Styx, but heavier than both. The organ & guitar riffing is intense!
Then we get another slice of epic heavy rock & metal with "A Distant Shore", the guitar solos are so majestic, and I love the way the keys follow the guitar at the end of the solo, and then these cool harpsichord parts come in...wowza.
Closing out the album is the epic title track "Heather & Hearth". Very cool opening to this one, which blends acoustic & electric guitars, organ, and steady drumming before the melodic vocals come in...again, reminded of Argus era Wishbone Ash. The vocal harmonies are so well done, especially near the end. Great stuff.
It's hard to find anything at all at fault with this one. Heather & Hearth does a great job of blending classic prog, hard rock, metal, and folk into one hell of an enjoyable album. I'll be seeking out their debut shortly!
Track Listing
1.
The Autumn Citadel 11:50
2.
Siren Song 03:33
3.
Evil Hand 03:46
4.
A Distant Shore 05:52
5.
Heather & Hearth 11:00
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