WYTCH HAZEL
IV: Sacrament
Metal Blade Records
Nothing like discovering new bands that you've never heard before in the best environment of all, and that's Live! I've been to hundreds of concerts and seen thousands of bands in my life, but it's not often that you witness a band that you're unfamiliar with that really kicks your ass but good. And the band I'm speaking of now is Lancaster England's WYTCH HAZEL! Even though I had heard OF the band, I'd never really HEARD the band, so seeing them in all their loud glory at Jarvis from NIGHT DEMON's 'Frost And Fireland' Fest in Derry, North Ireland was a real treat! Dressed in all white, that visually reminded me of the 1st band I ever saw Live, and that was ANGEL, way back in 1979! I was also able to score my first WYTCH HAZEL Vinyl, so that was really a double shot of cool right there! Being as I DJed the whole Fest (Thanx again Jarvis, I appreciate that more than you could ever know) if I ever get that opportunity again, I'll be able to bust out a few WH songs and maybe return the favor of turning someone onto them!
The history of WYTCH HAZEL goes back to 2011 believe it or not, as they released their first 7", called "Surrender". It's truly a little bizarre that a band has had so much vinyl out and yet they and their wax had eluded me for all this time. But better late than never as they say. And of course as I've said a thousand times over, there's usually 1 captain that steers the ship as they navigate the waters of music. In this case, it's guitarist/vocalist Colin Hendra. And unlike a lot of newer bands out today, the turnover of musicians has been relatively small compared to other bands.
WYTCH HAZEL play a hybrid of Hard Rock & Power Metal that I think will appeal to most Metalheads of discerning tastes. So let's get to the brand new opus, Wytch Hazel IV: Sacrament. And a grand, majestic album it is too. Starting off with "The Fire's Control" the first thing that immediately hits me square between the eyes is the THIN LIZZY-esque twin harmony leads. Even the melody the guitars are playing reminds me of Ireland's favorite sons, and since they're one of my all-time favorite bands of any genre of Rock, that's a statement I don't take lightly. "Angel of Light" reminds me of NWoBHM Legends TRESPASS, with the vocal lines and guitar melody. Even though I say that these songs remind me of other bands, if I can use a band from my well versed memory banks to help you get an idea of what they sound like, I'll always do that. But don't mistake that and think that WH aren't original or are apeing someone else.
"Time And Doubt" is a bit more uptempo and I really love the double tracked vocals on the chorus. As I grew up with the greatest bands Heavy music had to offer, I often get jaded because seldom do I hear newer bands that know how to write SONGS!! Anybody can throw some riffs together, and a bridge but to actually write a memorable song that can pop into my head while I'm at my shitty job, THAT excites me! And WH can do that in spades. Next song, "Strong Heart" isn't as standout as the other tracks so far, but not bad. Just not as brilliant as the others. "Deliver Us" slows things down a tad and gives me a chance to give a shout-out to the rest of WYTCH HAZEL; Alex Haslam on guitars, Aaron Hay on drums, and Andy Shackleton on bass. Solid band. This track almost has a little 80's feel to it, something that might've been a single in days gone by. "A Thousand Years" has those killer harmony guitars to start out but the song itself is a bit more subdued in parts, but still a quality track indeed. Mid-song the band powers in with a powerful solo section that really kicks when it's Loud! 😁
"Gold Light" is a short instrumental with military drums that sounds like it was made for a spot in a movie. "Endless Battle" sounds to these ears as something that could be played on today's rock radio. Not commercial but just a well written track that I believe could appeal to a larger audience, like say ALTER BRIDGE. I really dig this track. Subdued but still rocks. "Future is Gold" reminds me of an old Irish folk song with acoustic guitar and vocals at the beginning before the band jumps in. Not a ballad so to speak, but definitely a mellower track. Not to say that this WH album is a speed thrashing neck breaker, but this song is definitely a song to chill to. The final track, "Digging Deeper" is the album's longest at a couple of seconds short of 7 minutes and is the 'epic' song on the album if you will. Like METALLICA early on in their career, the song never drags or makes you think about its length, it just flows effortlessly from start to finish. Like the album as a whole come to think of it.
Sacrament is an album that I truly believe will appeal to people who don't necessarily listen to Heavy music. Because quite frankly it's not a really hard album. Part of its appeal is well crafted songs and the different textures that the songs manifest. This album you can jam cruising down the highway or chilling in your backyard with friends. Give it a shot if you've never heard them, won't you? And maybe get turned onto the positive lyrics and vibes of a band that deserve your attention.
And yes, there are a few color variants Vinyl-wise of this great slab of rock, so what are you waiting for?? Go grab a copy! I'm waiting on mine as we speak!
4.5 Out Of 5.0 Skulls
