REVIEW: WYTCH HAZEL/PHANTOM SPELL – RIDE ON B/W PALANTÍRI

Two of the UK’s most mystical mavericks have put together a succulent split that will please fans of either band.

Wytch Hazel are on an absolute tear with a string of strong LPs and fresh off playing their first US date at Hell’s Heroes VI in Houston, Texas. The band’s combination of timeless melodic hard rock and uplifting spirituality have made them hit amongst the true metal faithful. I’ve enjoyed all of their work so far and what they bring to this split is more of what you love. Phantom Spell is a totally new act for me to explore, so I was eager to get a taste of what they’re all about when Benevolent NWOTHM.com Editor Rob asked me to give these tracks a listen. The watchful spirits of the forest wait for no one, so let’s get right to it!

Side 1 – Ride On is prototypical Wytch Hazel in the best way possible. Those irresistible twin-guitar harmonies kick off the track in style. This song is a nice mid-tempo stomper that makes a fertile sonic canvas for Colin Hendra and the boys to color in with their sincere spiritual sounds. This is more of what you heard on their most recent record, IV: Sacrament. These Lancashire lads never fail to deliver.

Side 2 – Palantíri surprised me right off the bat with some groovy organ that gives way to sweet guitar riffage. Phantom Spell is more firmly rooted in the prog-tinged power of a time gone by. One-man band Kyle McNeill handles all the instruments and vocals effortlessly and effectively creates a very mystical, retro atmosphere. If you are world-weary and in need of a closer connection to pierce the veil into another world, this might just do the trick.

Wrapping Up:

This is a split that could not be more perfect in terms of both thematic subjects and sonic synergy. Wytch Hazel plies their trade in singing about an ever-present dichotomy of Good versus Evil, Darkness versus Light, and God versus Satan. Phantom Spell seems to be concentrated on the conflict between our grounded world and our own desire to escape into an otherworld of fantasy. We are hearing two approaches to spiritual and personal fulfillment. The subject matter may seem different when you look at the two bands but there is a central connecting through line one can draw: a desire for a stronger connection to the spirit, whether it’s your own, that of a divine being, or of a world long gone by. This split is a perfect pairing and a great way to support two acts that are impacting their listeners through deft musicianship and earnest sincerity. I highly recommend it.