Intriguing stuff, this SPELL. In 2007 they formed as STRYKER in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. They changed that in 2013 to become SPELL and have been active since then. They released albums in 2014 ("The Full Moon Sessions"), 2016 ("For None And All"), 2020 ("Opulent Decay") and in 2022 ("Tragic Magic").If they had contributed in 2018 it would have been a very steady pattern. I will be trying to tell you how their latest effort at world domination has been experienced by me. Keep in mind that I haven't heard any of their older stuff, so I'm flying blind.

Musical they are a mix of Hard Rock, Prog and Heavy Metal. The band that regularly pops up in my mind is RUSH. Not because they play so technical or something, no, the way the bass lines are constructed in combination with the vocals does that for me. At times even the drums and guitars tag along, enhancing that feeling. But beware, the period I am referring to is the most melodic era of their Canadian peers. Think "Signals", "Power Windows" and such, although I sometimes feel that it could have even fitted one of the latter albums, especially "Test For Echo". Just listen to "Fever Dream" and you'll know where I am coming from.

Before you guys start if SPELL is a RUSH clone, don't! they are nothing of the sort, but they have similarities. The songs are well written, have a good body and the light sounding vocals fit into the mix perfectly. If you had asked me after my first listen I would have said that they sound like a whining child, but now I am typing this I have to admit my bad. "Tragic Magic" sounds bloody good. Hard Rock with a little Metal power that is easy to listen to. To emphasise the way the mix works you had best listen to "Cruel Optimism". If that doesn't rock, you, nothing will.

What I like best about "Tragic Magic" is that it is extremely adventurous, whilst having the right kind of cohesion. SPELL will keep you in your toes, as the music has enough tempo changes, breaks and instrumental interesting passages, riffs and sounds to keep your mind occupied. I think that is the biggest plus of "Tragic Magic". It never gets boring. Even though I had my doubts at the beginning, I have surrendered to the SPELL of their brilliant musical journey. I'm glad I did.