Fantastical heavy metal band SPELL will release its new LP, “Tragic Magic”, on October 28 via Bad Omen Records. Featuring ten tracks of prime, progressive heavy music flooded with mesmerizing atmospheres, “Tragic Magic” sees SPELL take a decidedly grittier lyrical approach, leaning less into escapism, while confronting real life challenges of modern times. Striking cover art by Canadian artist Francesco Gemelli (Master, Esoctrilihum) portends the palpable potency that the record promises.
Pre-order “Tragic Magic” at THIS LOCATION.
In advance of the release of “Tragic Magic”, SPELL is streaming a video for the new track, “Fever Dream”, (Directed by Scotti Gibson, with cinematography by Kyle Samuels & make up effects by Caitlin Rose Delaplace and edited by Vince Edwards) an enticing earworm that fuses darkwave and progressive-psych in hypnotizing fashion while exploring the realms of “nightmares and sleep paralysis“. Watch the clip below.
“Fever Dream” comes directly from the most evil and frightening moments I’ve experienced in the depths of illness and sleep,” offers SPELL vocalist/guitarist Cam Mesmer. “These things may not make sense in the light of day, but once they take hold you have no choice but to follow their twisted path. Deep within nightmares and sleep paralysis, I have conflicting desires: first the urge to shake myself and escape, but also a second, deeper instinct – to give in to the feeling and allow it to conquer me completely to see where it will take me. This song represents your darkest subconscious, urging you to allow that evil inside of yourself and give it the agency to take you somewhere new, somewhere unholy. Now go back to sleep…”
“Tragic Magic” is the highly-anticipated follow up to SPELL‘s critically-acclaimed 2020 LP, “Opulent Decay“, a record hailed as “fantasy rock” by Blabbermouth, “enchanting” by Heavy Blog is Heavy, and “a captivating mix of Rush- and Blue Öyster Cult” by Revolver. “Tragic Magic” was written and recorded entirely as a collaboration between brothers Cam and Al (Lester); the record’s song-craft is steeped in the atmosphere of the arcane, yet the hooks are more razor-sharp than ever. While influences like the esoteric charge of the aforementioned Blue Öyster Cult and the elemental expansions of Camel and King Crimson drift through these crepuscular melodies, SPELL are as likely to be influenced by the life-affirming energy of ’60s Motown, the ethereal dimensions of Cocteau Twins, the strident woe of Candlemass, and the classic songwriting chops of Russ Ballard.
“The themes on this album are more concrete, guided by personal experience,” offers Mesmer. “Tragic Magic‘ has to do with mental illness, ageing, the death of a loved one, the decay of time… this is what ‘tragic magic’ means to us – loss and tragedy outside of our control, which fundamentally alters our perceived reality. This album is our response to the world as it currently is: music for an ascetic age.”
“And we couldn’t be happier about the result,” Mesmer continues. “The identity of SPELL came into sharp focus as it was always intended to be. Music is magic, and SPELL is a spell. Fundamentally, it is a forum to make our dreams come true.”
“Tragic Magic” Album Artwork by Polish painter Władysław Podkowiński
“Tragic Magic” Track listing:
1. Fatal Breath
2. Ultraviolet
3. Hades Embrace
4. Fever Dream
5. Sarcophagus
6. Cruel Optimism
7. A Ruined Garden
8. Souls in Chains
9. Watcher of the Seas
10. The Watching
1 Comment
Thank you – however, quick correction re: the cover art! It is by the Polish painter Władysław Podkowiński.