Spell – Wretched Heart

Almost four years have passed since the release of Spell’s previous album, Tragic Magic, but now the Canadian hypnotic heavy metal band is finally ready with the follow-up entitled Wretched Heart. And what we have here might just be the band’s most personal album to date.

The band’s dreamy ’70s-inspired psych hard rock with ’80s heavy metal qualities is one of their most distinctive traits, so it makes sense that they continue down a similar path on their latest effort.

This time around, however, the emphasis is more on the NWOBHM and gothic scenes when it comes to production, songwriting, and song structures. Furthermore, the keyboard sounds give the album an additional ’80s-era feel.

Wretched Heart is also easily Spell’s heaviest record to date, with more sizzling leads and heavier riffs than we’ve been used to from the band. Check out, for instance, the title track – there is almost a sinister King Diamond quality to its guitar work.

At the same time, the band keeps a tight grip on those hypnotic, almost dream-pop-like melodies, which gives the album that undeniable Spell quality.

Besides going in a noticeably heavier direction, the band has also worked more on its sonic qualities. There is a more layered and generally denser feel to the production, and it serves the nature of the album really well.

Looking past all that, one of the band’s essential qualities has always been the strength of its songwriting, and on the new album the band doesn’t disappoint. The songs are tightly trimmed, with good focus and flow. Hooks and catchy moments are sprinkled all over the record. The likes of “Lilac” and “Exquisite Corpse” are up there with the catchiest moments from the band’s back catalogue, but hooks and melodic qualities also characterize even the heaviest tunes on this album.

Cam Mesmer’s vocals are a bit of an acquired taste, but they are also one of the key elements that make this band unique. If you are not on board with that, you’ll miss out on one of Spell’s core strengths.

So while the songwriting on Wretched Heart is undeniably strong, it doesn’t quite reach the level of the Tragic Magic and Opulent Decay. Instead, Spell relies more on the additional intensity of the material and the overall evolution of their sound. A lack of diversity in tempo also deprives the album of being a more dynamic ride. On the other hand, the dynamics within the arrangements and production do give the album more vitality.

Spell is moving forward, and Spell is evolving. Their latest album bears a clear mark of honesty, dedication and attention to detail. Wretched Heart sees the band growing on most levels, but the very essence of the songwriting didn’t quite keep pace.

www.spellofficial.bandcamp.com/album/wretched-heart