UMUR
"Spellcaster" is the eponymously titled second full-length studio album by US, heavy/speed metal act Spellcaster. The album was released through Lone Fir Records in July 2014. It´s the successor to "Under the Spell" from 2011. Three years are a long time waiting for a sophomore studio album, but there have been quite a few lineup changes since the debut album as lead vocalist Thomas Adams has left and guitarist Tyler Loney has taken over the lead vocal duties in addition to playing guitar. Drummer Shad Covert has been replaced by Colin Vranizan and lastly Bryce Adams Vanhoosen has been added as third guitarist thereby maintaining Spellcaster´s quintet format.
Changing lead vocalist is always risky business but since Adams didn´t have the most distinct sounding voice or most powerful delivery, the change on the lead vocalist spot isn´t a major issue. Loney isn´t a particularly distinct sounding vocalist either, but his voice works better with spellcaster´s music. He predominantly sings in mid-range but with a tendency to occasionally sing a little higher, sometimes reminding me of the toneless delivery of Scott Jeffreys in Confessor. The music itself has changed quite a bit since "Under the Spell". It´s still heavy/speed metal but it´s much more varied and the guitar harmonies- and leads are now much more interesting and well performed. The tracks feature tempo changes and there´s generally been put more thought into the compositions.
"Spellcaster" is a well produced release, featuring a powerful, detailed, and professional sounding production, which perfectly suits the material. This is arguably a high quality production job. While neither the band´s 2010 EP nor "Under the Spell" made my blood boil, "Spellcaster" is another story. This is a band coming into their own and showing the world what they are made of. Had the vocals been a bit more interesting and varied this could have been an excellent release. It´s overall still a good quality release though and a nice sophomore full-length studio album from spellcaster. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.
