Fellow Hungarians’ Aiming High, an Accept tribute band, soon became SpiritBell writing their material and gaining underground support. After releasing a demo, two EPs and a full-length, the band went on hiatus in 2013. Increasing interest once again in Hungary the band reunited and made five new doom filled tracks. These tracks were put onto an EP, and the result is quite impressive.
Album opener, The Nameless Soldier, features spoken word over the infectious riffs of guitarist Zoltán Márkó and crunching bass of Csaba Golyák. Drummer, Ákos Heil pelts away with a doom infused groove to the powerful voice of Sándor “Pixi” Patak who provides passion on all levels. The Hungarian chants on Desert Ghost add a nice touch behind the spoken word, making the leads sound more evil. The nifty guitar solo blends well into the mix. The Flying Dutchmen, changes pace and Golyák takes control with the rattling bass. Fans of Candlemass would be impressed with this tune and approve of what is to come. Sounds of circling ravens set the mood for the doom and head banging riff of Breath of the Raven. This is a catchy song and Patak leads the sing-a-long well. The guitar solo is also most welcomed and comes at a good time before the return of the rummaging riffage.
The Hungarian four-piece come blazing with stand out track Full Moon Madness which ends the new material. Having never heard the band even the next five tracks which are all demos are new to one’s ears. The demos are well produced and give a better sound of what SpiritBell are all about. They truly have their own sound. Ending with the grooving, Doomed Planet, a Cirith Ungol cover, SpiritBell proves they are masters of their craft. For stellar musicianship from a doom outfit influenced by Judas Priest, Metal Church, Accept and Iron Maiden there is little left not to like. Do yourselves a favour and listen to SpiritBell as you can never get enough doom.
