HELEVORN is a Melodic Gothic Death/Doom band from Spain, who formed in 1999. Their latest album, “Espectres,” is their fifth-full length; they also released a demo in 2001. I’m late in discovering this wonderful band, having not become a fan until I ran across their previous album, “Aamamata” on Bandcamp not long after it came out. Although I love that album, and still listen to it, only a handful of songs really stood out. There wasn’t a bad song on the album but, as a whole, it was an uneven experience with some moments that just didn’t click with me. But, like I said, I have enjoyed that album for five years now so you can imagine how much I want to like “Espectres.”

I’m happy to report that "Espectres" is head and shoulders above all their other material (and that IS saying a lot) and, as far as this humble reviewer is concerned, their best album so far. It has one less song and is over 10 minutes shorter than “Aamamata,” so they finally trimmed their fat. This allows for a much greater focus on the songs themselves—and it shows. Every song here is fantastic and it’s a way more even listening experience. The press release said the band wanted to focus less on epic, folk-influenced sounds and more on the core essence of doom metal. It certainly paid off.

Another aspect that paid off is the line up changes. Only vocalist Josep Brunet and guitarist Sandro Vizcaino remain from the previous album. I’m not sure if he will become an official member of the band or not but Sebastià Barceló was enlisted to provide drums for the album—his sound is full, powerful and really boosts the band to the next level. New guitarist Alex Correa wrote 60% of the new material—that was certainly a risk to let a new member handle such hefty duties. But after experiencing the quality of this album, it would have been a greater risk not to have his input. Pedro Sánchez (keyboards) and Rubio (bass) are the other two additions—-and they both bring a rich, deep sound to the band’s foundation. Guest vocals from Inés González on “L'Endemà,” and Saturnus’ Thomas Jensen on “Children of the Sunrise” round out all the experiences. Cleary, the talent on this album is quite proficient and it shows in each and every song.

I want to give a special mention to vocalist Josep Brunet. All the musicians involved give a stellar and sterling performance but Josep is the remaining original member. He has held this band together for years which, I assume, is no easy task. He’s also one of the best vocalists in the doom scene. His growls/screams are truly special and his cleans are just as poignant. For those unfamiliar with the band, HELEVORN isn’t one that writes happy music. I mean, it’s doom but even with that in mind, the band is extra depressing. I personally love music like this (doom is my favorite genre) but if you’re looking for hopeful, upbeat music then either steer away or try to acquire the taste for it. However, with that being said, “Espectres,” is a surprisingly accessible album and if you’re new to doom or want to dive into it’s rich sounds, this album is as good as any to do so.

The opening song, “Inherit The Stars,” reveals that, even with all the line-up changes, the band hasn’t missed a beat. Their penchant for melancholic atmospheres and deadly riffs mixed with morbid curiosities is stronger than ever. I love the hard hitting rhythms and opening melodic leads in the first moments of the song. The death growls rise and fall with the music, a stormy sea that’s ever present with dangers and sorrow. The gothic cleans lead the song into a very catchy chorus, every growl drenching with emotion. The keys on “Signals,” immediately grab me. As my ears latched onto their atmosphere, the instrument expertly leads the song to liminal spaces highlighted by keys that take a slightly more epic approach. The riffs here are a slow groove, setting up the vocals to play off them. The guitar solo after the halfway point is a banger, equal parts soul and showmanship. It fits into the fabric of the song with ease and feels like it belongs there.

“L'endemà,” is one of the heaviest songs on the album, the drumming in particular supplying the heavy handed approach. The subtle keys highlight the drama without offering too much, letting each instrument use its time wisely to unfurl the song. Inés González’s vocals really compliment the song and I wouldn’t be disappointed if she appears more often in the band’s future. Josep’s devastating growls offer a contrast against Inés’ lithe approach—both sound great together. Near the end, a beautifully melancholic piece hits right in the feels, beginning with clean keys, transitioning to melodic guitars, and ending in harrowing screams. “Children of the Sunrise,” ends the album perfectly. It begins as ballad of sorts, heavy on the keys lacing the atmosphere with dower clean tones. Thomas Jensen’s vocals, much like Inés, work so goddamn well with Josep’s own. The song is very moving and gets rather intense near the end when the band brings on the full death/doom.

Even while returning to basics and a more focused album, HELEVORN redefines their sound by discovering their true selves with “Espectres.”