Murcia, Spain-based prog rock and NWOBHM-inspired band Phantom Spell, led by Kyle McNeill, will release their second album, Heather & Hearth, on July 18, 2025, through Cruz Del Sur Music for vinyl formats, with CD and cassette editions handled by McNeill’s Wizard Tower Records. The album’s first single, “A Distant Shore,” is available for streaming on Bandcamp. Formed in 2021, Phantom Spell blends classic prog rock and NWOBHM-era metal, featuring dexterous twin-lead guitars, undulating synths, and Hammond organ, all backing McNeill’s enchanting voice. The band describes their sound as a “long-lost soundtrack to your favourite AD&D supplement,” promising adventure and mystery.
Following their 2022 debut Immortal’s Requiem, Heather & Hearth weaves heartfelt tales of nostalgia, fantasy, and cautionary storytelling across six tracks:
- The Autumn Citadel
- Siren Song
- Evil Hand
- A Distant Shore
- Heather & Hearth
- Old Pendle
The album introduces a folk thread with prominent acoustic guitar, balancing brooding quiet sections with Hammond-driven intensity, adding fragility and subtlety while maintaining hope amidst melancholy. McNeill handles all instruments, recording and mixing at Wizard Tower Studios, with mastering by Justin Weis at Trakworx.
Pre-orders are available for black vinyl at tinyurl.com/hudjmpe6 and marbled purple “Heather” vinyl at tinyurl.com/mrr3czxz, both limited to 500 copies with an insert, A2 poster, and download code. CD, cassette, and digital versions can be pre-ordered at phantomspell.bandcamp.com/album/heather-hearth, with the full album downloadable in 24-bit/96kHz upon release. The core lineup features McNeill on vocals, guitar, bass, drums, and keys, while the live lineup includes Jose Soler (guitar), Ramon Romero (keyboards), Miguel Moreno (bass), and José Vicente (drums). No tour dates have been announced.