Spriggan Mist are specialists in progressive folk rock. More specifically, they are a pagan folk rock band, as can be heard in their rich lyrics and seen in their stage presence – no more so than in the costume worn by singer Fay Brotherhood.
Formed in Bracknell, Berkshire, in 2008, by bassist Baz and multi-instrumentalist Maxine Cilia, the band has added lead guitarist Neil Wighton and drummer Ali Soueidan, as well as charismatic lead singer Brotherhood, who also plays guitar.
When my colleague David Edwards reviewed the band’s previous album, Isambard the Mechanical Dragon, for The Progressive Aspect, he said, “They have even more potential to build on the strong foundations laid by this release, especially if they have the confidence to embrace their prog rock side even more whilst retaining their pagan folk roots.” Are they living up to that potential?
Yes, indeed they are, in two ways. For their new album, The Glare, they have signed to ProgRock.com’s Essentials label which means they should reach a wider audience. Secondly, the album itself, building on the key elements of Isambard, while taking the band on further musical adventures too. The Glare is a thrilling adventure in itself, making dramatic use of light and shade, with loud sections bordering on metal immediately followed by a quieter passage, anchoring their music within progressive folk and sometimes pure folk.
The mood is set by a short introductory track, The Gaze of the Dragon. This is part spoken poetry, with Brotherhood’s vocals crystal clear over a rich yet low-key backing. In the band’s back catalogue are three songs collectively called The Saga of Isambard, and they promised the story would continue. So, here we have references to “Isambard on your throne”, as well as to the crystal cave that is the title of another song included here.
The first single is Ianatores Teresteres. With this track, the record bursts into life, summoning with a loud guitar riff, Neil Wighton rocking hard. The vocals are multi-tracked on the chorus, and Brotherhood’s singing is always an object lesson in holding and expressing the melody even when the band are cutting loose behind her. A third of the way in, and the track changes mood, with a mellow guitar, and the first of many beautiful contributions from Maxine Cilia, adding a recorder solo as a prelude before the song builds gradually again and the drums and bass bring forth a full instrumental section. This epic track closes with duelling guitars giving way to a cappella vocals and then a final band peak. If you were wondering if Spriggan Mist really could offer any more than they previously have, here’s the answer. An outstanding track.
Pieces of Glass changes the mood again. Now we have a mid-paced melodic song, underpinned by drummed polyrhythms. Again, we hear an outstanding guitar solo that builds towards a volley of power chords. While remaining distinctively Spriggan Mist, there are also echoes of Renaissance in this, as well as Jethro Tull when we reach an acoustic section. Yes, there is more prog inside the pagan folk mix.
The album is in full flow now as Faery Wood‘s acoustic opening deepens the emotional pull. This is a slow ballad, and when the song changes direction, electric guitar chords taking over from the recorder, the whole arrangement grows in power until dropping back to simple vocals and acoustic guitar. “Beware the faery dream.” Beautiful.
Now to the song referenced in the introduction, Crystal Caves. This is electric guitar-led with a drop into the chorus, followed by a bridge into “the fires of life” section; now there is urgency, a sense of a journey, moving and a hypnotic chant. At the close, the lead guitar and Maxine Cilia’s sax bounce between channels to develop the melody into the fade. Terrific.
Now Isambad is back, in The Cult. A gorgeous guitar-based intro before the drums arrive and “we fight” with the music becoming appropriately urgent. Here is another strong chorus, with a strong hook that could achieve earworm status.
Finally, When Stars Collide, a staccato rhythm behind an electric riff, keeps up the pace right to the close. Here is a keyboard solo Rick Wakeman would be proud of, in terms of the tone and the construction of the piece. To draw a conclusion to The Glare, we have the lot – brilliant guitar tones overlaid with rich vocal harmonies and a vibrant sax solo.
Spriggan Mist has delivered an album that engages the listener at every turn. These are seven quality songs, recognisably within their genre and good enough to reach a wider audience too. The production is excellent, with every element audible in the mix while contributing to the overall soundscape.
Live, comparisons have been made with classic Hawkwind and Arthur Brown. Their ability to tell stories enhances their gigs, and the spirit within the band sets everyone up for a good time. Sometimes bands struggle to capture their live sound on record, but this isn’t an issue for Spriggan Mist.
To get the best out of The Glare, play the whole album multiple times. On the first listen, it’s hard to know what will happen next. That can be unsettling, as often the best music is. The more the structure of the songs becomes familiar, the more each change of mood has an impact.
The Mist continues to clear, revealing an even brighter future.
TRACK LISTING
01. Intro – Gaze Of The Dragon (1:42)
02. Ianatores Teresteres (6:50)
03. Pieces Of Glass (7:53)
04. Faery Wood (6:29)
05. Crystal Cave (7:09)
06. The Cult (5:59)
07. When Stars Collide (7:38)
Total Time – 43:40
MUSICIANS
Fay Brotherhood – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Maxine Cilia – Keytar, Alto Saxophone, Backing Vocals, Guitar, Descant Recorder, Whistle, Keys
Neil Wighton – Guitar
Baz Cilia – Bass
Ali Soueidan – Drums
Aaron Cilia – Keys (1 & 4)
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: ProgRock.com’s Essentials
Country of Origin: UK
Release Date: 1st November 2025
LINKS
Spriggan Mist – Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube | Instagram
