WYTCH HAZEL – V: Lamentations

Here is the good news: The New Wave of British Heavy Metal may not be new anymore, but it is not dead as long as bands like Wytch Hazel carry the banner! The four boys from Lancaster, UK, still transport a similar feeling.

Rooted Solidly on Traditional Ground

Wytch Hazel could easily have originated in the late seventies or early eighties, as their sound evokes memories of Wishbone Ash, Jethro Tull (minus Ian Anderson’s flute), a bit of Thin Lizzy, and some Blue Öyster Cult mystery. In the beginning of the album, this is all wrapped in a layer of NWoBHM-like, forward-charging rock in the masterly opener “I Lament,” which is a contender for Song of the Year, followed closely by the almost equally great “Run the Race.” The music is timeless and manages to unite rockers of any caliber in praise, regardless of whether they prefer folk, hard rock, or metal.

The folk aspect becomes apparent in “Citadel,” and in “Elements” one is immediately reminded of a folkier version of The Night Flight Orchestra. “The Demon Within” follows with acoustic guitar and incredible melodies, slowing things down and adding to the feeling of a very versatile album, although it does not stray far from its stylistic path. The second half of V: Lamentations sits somewhere in between those landmarks—slower like “Racing Forward,” powerful like “Woven,” folky like “Heavy Load,” and epic like “Healing Power.”

A Christian Image

The band’s stage outfit and preferred wardrobe for promotional pictures consist of white robes and crosses, and their lyrics incorporate biblical themes and quotes. Fortunately, Wytch Hazel does not preach; instead, the band projects a positive image that fits their uplifting musical style, putting a smile on the listener’s face.

Next to the great guitar work, singer Colin Hendra’s fantastic vocals deserve a special mention, serving the masterly melodies smoothly and with ease, and adding to the feeling of a thoroughly crafted feel-good album. Hendra, who plays guitar on stage with Angel Witch, too, is the center of attention, but all instrumental performances are of extraordinary quality.

There are two reasons why V: Lamentations does not get the highest score here. The first is the song “Heavy Load,” which, albeit a strong track on its own, cannot completely keep up with the rest of the album. The second is—believe it or not—some earlier albums contained even greater hits than those on V: Lamentations. There is still a higher Olympus they may be able to climb!

With this slightly mellower, more sophisticated fifth album, Wytch Hazel should become a household name in metal, as every kind of real rocker should feel right at home.

Album tracklist

1. I Lament
2. Run The Race
3. The Citadel
4. Elements
5. The Demon Within
6. Racing Forwards
7. Elixir
8. Woven
9. Heavy Load
10. Healing Power

Band Lineup

Colin Hendra – Guitars, Vocals
Alex Haslam – Guitars
Andy Shackleton – Bass
Aaron Hay – Drums