In the ever-evolving landscape of Progressive Rock, Spanish act Phantom Spell returns after a three-year from well-received debut, with an ambitious and transformative studio work. “Heather & Hearth,” released on July 18, 2025 via Cruz Del Sur Music, stands as a testament to the band’s artistic maturation and creative evolution. This five-track journey, featuring two epic compositions exceeding eleven minutes each, represents a bold continuation of their established narrative while venturing deeper into Progressive territories enriched by compelling Heavy Rock excursions. The album opens with the monumental “The Autumn Citadel,” an 11-minute epic that immediately transports listeners into the band’s richly imaginative sonic universe. The composition masterfully blends dynamic, engaging Rock with unmistakably Progressive elements, where keyboards and guitars weave intricate tapestries reminiscent of the genre’s golden era. The rhythmic section’s galloping structures allow the band to develop themes through continuous tempo changes while imparting a unique signature to their sound, permeated with epic and fantasy-laden atmospheres. The track captivates through its sophisticated keyboard arrangements, with clear nods to Uriah Heep, yet Phantom Spell consistently affirms their own stylistic identity. Exquisite interplays between keyboards and guitar elevate the composition to another level, while dynamic and expressive vocals interpret the lyrics with remarkable intensity. Alternating with refined instrumental sections, this piece delivers Progressive Rock at its absolute finest. “Siren Song” follows as the album’s most concise track, clocking in just over three minutes, yet it is meticulously crafted. Opening with arpeggiated passages and dreamlike atmospheres, it evolves into a solid composition that combines heavy riffs, warm and expressive vocals, and a robust, elaborate rhythmic section, with keyboards intricately woven through the guitar work. This exceptional track demonstrates how the band has evolved their style towards a mature and personal Progressive approach. Blazing guitar and keyboard riffs, alongside a powerful and driving rhythmic section, characterize the explosive introduction to “Evil Hand.” The piece unfolds with incisive vocals and captivating choral passages, showcasing a Heavy Prog attitude rooted in classic traditions. This engaging composition fully evokes the spirit of classic Heavy Rock through exquisite guitar and Hammond organ interplay, with electrifying solo interventions that recall the genre’s most inspiring moments. “A Distant Shore,” spanning nearly six minutes, opens with melancholic and grandiose melodies from guitar and keyboards before giving way to melodic vocal passages. Here, the vintage spirit resurfaces once again through an intense piece that highlights both the band’s songwriting prowess and technical mastery. This composition transcends traditional genre boundaries, standing as a true masterpiece of emotional depth and thematic development. The crescendo of emotions channels the spirit of the most refined Progressive Rock, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens, and delivers a genuinely moving experience with each listen. The album concludes with the title-track, “Heather & Hearth,” another 11-minute epic that serves as a fitting finale. Opening with layered guitar and keyboard textures, the song guides listeners through its majestic narrative. Folk, Prog, and Heavy Rock elements intertwine as the composition explores the diverse influences that shape the band’s sound, culminating in an emotional and intense Progressive epic in the truest sense of the word. With “Heather & Hearth,” Phantom Spell not only confirms but significantly enhances everything that was compelling about their debut. The band refines their distinctive style, blending the classic atmospheres of sophisticated Progressive Rock with Heavy elements into a fresh, modern context. The album maintains remarkable intensity from start to finish, offering two breathtaking epics alongside equally impressive mid-length tracks, culminating in a work of undeniable artistic significance. This is, without doubt, one of the most outstanding Progressive Rock releases in recent years, especially within the heavier, classically-influenced spectrum of the genre. Close your eyes and listen—suddenly it’s 1973 again, and you are witnessing the birth of a true modern Progressive Rock milestone.
Tracklist
01. The Autumn Citadel (11:50)
02. Siren Song (03:33)
03. Evil Hand (03:46)
04. A Distant Shore (05:52)
05. Heather & Hearth (11:00)
Lineup
All songs written by Kyle McNeill*
Read the Review of their previous album here: [Review] Phantom Spell – Immortal’s Requiem