Review WYTCH HAZEL ‘V: Lamentations’

In a way, it feels like Wytch Hazel has been around for ages, and 14 years is a long time. However, it feels like the guys have been in business much longer, which might be based on their music. Wytch Hazel’s musical inspiration can be found in the early days of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWoBHM) movement, which is evident in their first four albums.

After launching the debut album ‘Prelude’ in 2016, the band made it easy for fans to keep track of the albums that hit the shelves. They gave each album a corresponding number, so their newest release starts with a “V.” ‘V: Lamentations’ is the title of this album, which features ten new songs.
Still mainly dressed in white with lyrics inspired by the Bible, Wytch Hazel doesn’t exactly fit the denim-and-leather metal stereotype, but that doesn’t impact their music.

“I Lament” is the title of the opener, marking a great start to the album. This hard rock/metal hybrid showcases all of the band’s trademarks. Great guitar work, well-crafted melodies, and a certain level of unpredictability define the opener and reflect the band’s approach.

Next is the galloping ‘Run the Race’, one of the more vigorous songs on the album, while the following “The Citadel” focuses more on an atmospheric feel. While still mirroring the UK band’s signature sound, the song is more of a gently swinging tune. With ‘Elements’, the band adds a powerful rock song to the album, leading to ‘The Demon Within’, another rock song without frills but with thrills. Wytch Hazel has a talent for crafting infectious melodies, as demonstrated in ‘The Demon Within’.

Through “Racing Forwards,” you reach an interlude called “Elixir,” which, in a way, reminded me of The Alan Parsons Project during the ‘The Turn of a Friendly Card’ era. With ‘Woven’, the band picks up the hard rock vibes again, blending them with traditional metal references. The song has a retro vibe, yet it doesn’t sound outdated. The same goes for ‘Heavy Load’, which is calmer and slower. A melancholic mood permeates every note of this tune before ‘Healing Power’ brings the album to a close. The latter is a more metal-driven song with a familiar sound and special twists that differentiate this band’s music from that of many others. Wytch Hazel has the ability to add their own twist and identity to their music, a quality that resonates in each of the ten new tracks on the album.

‘V: Lamentations’ is a glorious next step for Wytch Hazel. With a consistent lineup, the band grows with each release, and ‘V: Lamentations’ is their latest peak. The ten new songs showcase the greatness of rock and traditional metal in a way that is different from the norm. Great work!