Review PHANTOM SPELL “Heather & Hearth”

‘Heather & Hearth’ is Phantom Spell‘s second studio album. Although it seems to be a band, it is actually a one-man project. It is the outlet for Kyle McNeill’s musical creativity. Following the 2022 debut album, “Immortal’s Requiem”, the stunning sophomore release is now available.

Released again through Cruz del Sur, the album marks the next step in the composer and musician’s career. The music of Phantom Spell is difficult to describe, as many different aspects influence the six songs on the album. While the foundation is traditional heavy metal, the songs echo much more than that. Progressive elements meet folk influences to create soundscapes that impress from the first listen.

With “The Autumn Citadel” and the title track, the album features two standout moments. Both songs exceed eleven minutes in length and reflect McNeill’s musical vision.

“Heathen & Hearth” is a stunning song that embraces the beauty of rock and metal. Its calm and soulful beginning is a delight for the ears and mind. Yet Phantom Spell manage to create an exciting arc of tension that captivates the listener. The second half of the song is more powerful, yet still reflects the main theme. It is an epic song that fuses power and atmosphere, providing listeners with a thrilling experience. There isn’t a dull moment in these eleven minutes, and the same goes for the opener.

‘The Autumn Citadel’ is an exciting opening to the album. The galloping rhythm and keyboard use demonstrate Phantom Spell’s musical range. The up-tempo beginning of the song is almost like an intro, as there is a break after two minutes. The thunderous metal momentum gives way to a calmer, voice-driven segment, which is touching. Gradually, the metallic sound returns, along with the galloping rhythm. The infectious melodies and Hammond organ parts are stunning features of this song, while the twin guitars add another dimension to Phantom Spell’s music. The alternation of atmospheric moments and dynamic sounds creates the thrill of the opener. Having now introduced the cornerstones of the album, we can move on to the other tracks.

The rest of the album comprises four shorter songs of the same high quality as the epic moments on “Heather & Health”. “Siren Song” is a fusion of acoustic parts spiced up with a folk spirit and heavy rock moments. Next is the up-tempo “Evil Hand”, which refers to traditional metal featuring infectious melodies and keyboard sounds that add to the richness of the song. Furthermore, there is the melancholic “A Distant Shore”, and one of the album’s strengths is its storytelling approach to lyrics. This is also reflected in the closing song, “Old Pendle”. The folk influences are clearly evident here. It is a calm, acoustic finale that will leave you open-mouthed.

“Heather & Hearth” is a superb album. Its versatility and musical richness, combined with lyrics and vocals that follow a storyteller approach, make this a stunning release. McNeill follows his musical passion and heart beyond trends and commercial focus, leading to timeless songs. The potential of this album to block your record player for quite a while is high.