Vancouver’s hypnotic heavy metal band SPELL have released their new album Wretched Heart, out now via Bad Omen Records, alongside a haunting new video for the single “Exquisite Corpse.”
A shadowy, cinematic journey through desperation and defiance, Wretched Heart pushes Spell’s sound further into gothic and atmospheric territory while maintaining their signature blend of classic heavy metal grit and infectious melody. The album marks the band’s most fully realized work to date, building on the foundation of 2022’s Tragic Magic.
“Exquisite Corpse” captures that balance perfectly—melding arena-ready hooks with occult rock theatrics. The track explores the tendency to romanticize the past, particularly in loss. As vocalist/bassist Cam Mesmer explains:
“It’s so easy to idealize the past… we can end up mourning an imagined version of someone that never really existed.”
Early reactions to Wretched Heart have been overwhelmingly positive, with praise highlighting its gothic atmosphere, dynamic songwriting, and undeniable energy.
With Wretched Heart, Spell continue to redefine their take on heavy metal—equal parts theatrical, introspective, and hypnotic.