PHANTOM SPELL’s second full-length offering, “Heather & Hearth,” is a collection of heartfelt tales, weaving the potent nostalgia of home with vivid fantasy and cautionary storytelling. It retains all the ingredients that made IMMORTAL’s “Requiem” such a tantalizing listen, but adds fragility and subtlety. As the album title suggests, a folk thread is woven into the fabric of each song. Acoustic guitar moves to the forefront, no longer just a supporting role. The artful use of space in the brooding quiet sections amplifies the Hammond-fueled uproar that follows. There is melancholy in the majesty, but hope is never lost.

The album has five songs, and “The Autumn Citadel” is first, a beastly 12-minute track. There are keyboards, guitars, and a familiar Power Metal gaunt. The vocals are gentle at first, as is te music, but it hardens a bit from there. The sound shifts several times throughout, reminding me of riding a cool breeze on a warm summer day. The remaining songs are much shorter, except for the final track. “Siren Song” has smooth, melancholy tones that just make me feel warm, and comforted. Even the sharp riffs are welcoming. The vocals stretch out, and the keyboards have an old school ring to them. There are also some Progressive leaning, suggesting a strong sense of songwriting.

“Evil Hand” storms forward with a hasty pace and more those Power Metal elements. The vocal harmonies are strong, and the song follows a straightforward path. “A Distant Shore” is the official audio track from the album, and, like the title suggests, has that outer worldly feeling. The vocals are emotional, and you can hear his perfect pitch. The lead guitar work here is excellent, and the song brings up a bevy of different feelings. “Life finds a way,” indeed. The title track closes the album. It eases in gently, with an occasional bite, and the ride is like smooth sailing on calm seas. But when the sound picks up, the riff’s embers ignite into a roaring fire, high with melody. It closes with a bit of sadness, but also some resolve.

This was an excellent album, and considering it was created by one person says a lot about it. For me, it has an old school Progressive ring to it, akin to KANSAS or KAIPA. The song are structure well, and they bring up a lot of emotion, as any good album would. There is also some mystery about the album, and that’s what brings me back wanting more.