Review: Wytch Hazel – Lamentations
Wytch Hazel has returned with their 5th full length release earlier this year (July 4th release date). Entitled ‘Lamentations’ out now on Bad Omen Records the men from Lancaster England have offered another slice of musical deviation from the current hard rock/heavy metal scene.
Where most bands want to be the fastest, heaviest, dirtiest and most brutal of all, Wytch Hazel is a musical throw back. Imagine an amalgam of Wishbone Ash/Thin Lizzy a touch of Jethro Tull with NWOBHM intensity and energy, that is what the earnest denizen of the metal community will find here.
In this day and age of over-processed and ‘perfect’ productions, Wytch Hazel continues to bring a top notch musical production but one where the elements sound like from another age. Yet this is the very thing that is driving their popularity. They SOUND DIFFERENT!! And they can bring it like the best of them. You can easily find live performances via YouTube and see for yourself, they are a world class musical outfit.
Back to their latest album ‘Lamentations,’ It brings more of their medieval themed and musically inspired whimsy to the masses. And the reality is that the general masses are enjoying what they hear. The music writers in the European metal scene throw plenty of shade on the white costumes and Christian themed lyrics, but one writer said “I can’t stop listening to them!” (and to my chagrin I can’t find the place I read it to quote it.)
It should be noted that when you read the lyrics I don’t see the name of Jesus mentioned. However, when I read the Psalms I don’t see the name of Jesus either. Lyrically many American based bands who represent the faith could take a few notes on how to write faith based lyrics. Make no mistake lead singer/guitarist Colin Hendra has professed his faith to those who doubt.
Yet his lyrics continually discuss the Christian walk and trials and tribulations that come. Songs such as Run The Race where Colin puts it out there
“I ride towards the fight a Demon or the light
Oh I am running blind
I have to run this race all truth I must embrace
I need to seek His face!”
The despair of exhaustion both physically, mentally and even spiritually. The honesty is so refreshing in my opinion. The race is a marathon not a sprint and within the distance there are seasons of victory and defeat. Anyone who tells you differently is simply lying to you.
Many of the songs on Lamentations (defined by Webster as sorrow, mourning or regret) fit into this narrative. One moment the song writer sings of being in a place of peace and safety but then questions whether they actually belong there. The Citadel delves into those thoughts, perhaps because of sin, perhaps because of not ‘feeling’ apart.
“ Fortress so strong
I will never belong
I will never belong
I hear it’s song, the price is by the Son
You can always belong”
Musically the album is full of muscle and dynamics. Whether it’s the galloping Woven the headbanging Elements the twin guitar attack of Healing Power make no mistake this is an album you must grab.
Hendra has indicated in past interviews for the band members fondness for production values offered by the late Martin Birch. Bands like Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult who benefited from his knob twirling were influential in the sounds created within. The producer on Lamentations Ed Turner has wrapped the band in fantastic production values which harkens back to Birch’s twirling.
The guitars are well defined and carry the load. Both Colin Hendra & Alex Haslam deliver some fantastic lead work. With a Thin Lizzy/Iron Maiden/Wishbone Ash harmony style that just screams. The energy captured is fabulous. Bass Player Andy Shackleton’s tone is captured exquisitely, so rich and articulate. He locks in with Aaron Hay on drums. Hay provides the solid back bone and driving force which allows everyone else to build on top.
Without a doubt the clarity of Lamentations is one of it’s unique attributes. Much like their previous albums an emphasis an ‘old school’ production value, whether they use any type of quantizing in the developing of their albums only they know (I would guess not).
From time to time I hear from old school headbangers “Who is current but has an old school sound?” For exhibit ‘A’ to you Wytch Hazel a world class Hard Rock/Metal band. They recently provided tour support in England for Michael Schenker, and have played many festivals throughout Europe and America such as Bloodstock 2023, Black Forest Festival 2024, Hell’s Heroes Festival 2024 and Brainstorm in 2022.
As I mentioned before they have the chops and to quote Colin Hendra who was quoted in Classic Rock Magazine in 2023
“Music is one of the most spiritual experiences you can have, and essentially that comes from Jesus” – Wytch Hazel frontman Colin Hendra.
Wytch Hazel’s latest album Lamentations deserves to get the nod as one one of the ten best in 2025. Miss it at your own misfortune.
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