Musical Style: Metal/Hard Rock	Produced By: Ed Turner
Record Label: Bad Omen	Country Of Origin: UK
Year Released: 2025	Artist Website: Wytch Hazel
Tracks: 10	Rating: 80%
Running Time: 45:09

True to its seventies influenced roots, Wytch Hazel continues to draw upon new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM), a Thin Lizzy twin hard rock style guitar attack and folk rock eccentricities of Jethro Tull on its Bad Omen Records fifth full-length album V: Lamentations.  Also similar to its Bad Omen first four albums, Prelude (2016), II: Sojourn (2018), III: Pentecost (2020) and IV: Sacrament 2023), the Lancaster, UK based quartet maintains an affinity for sacred medieval music and wearing medieval stage attire.  Faith based lyrics remain another constant, noting how Wytch Hazel might not be a Christian band but includes a believing member in lead vocalist and guitarist Colin Hendra, whose prose reflects his faith.  In the words of Hendra:

‘I'm a Christian in a heavy metal band.  I don't see it as Wytch Hazel is a Christian heavy metal band.   So, for me, it's just about doing normal stuff while having a Christian voice or influence. In terms of lyrics and stuff, it (my faith) was always going to come through because I write the songs, but for me it's not really an issue- I know that not everyone shares the same views, I believe in democracy.’

In my opinion IV: Sacrament represents Wytch Hazel’s strongest work, referencing manner in which it ‘(features) some of the group’s finest compositions to date’ and ‘finds Wytch Hazel coming into its own and taking things to the next level from a songwriting standpoint’ (quoting my 90% review either way).  V: Lamentations, however, might encompass a package of songs that while fundamentally sound and adeptly performed, do not (again, my opinion) reach similar heights of musical acumen as IV: Sacrament.  The album, for instance, does not include anything on the same level as standout IV: Sacrament cuts in the immediately accessible “The Fire’s Control”, militant anthem “Endless Battle” and inspiringly complex “Digging Deeper”.

Part of the problem is Wytch Hazel plays it too close to the vest and avoids risk taking or exploring new musical territory.  In other words, if familiar with the group’s first four albums, V: Lamentations follows suit with a ‘what you see is what you get’ approach and does not stray from the tried and true medieval tinged NWOBHM formula.  It would be refreshing if Wytch Hazel expanded outside its musical boundaries and recorded an epic in excess of seven minutes, a speed based number, doom-like plodder or full length instrumental.  At the same time, why not bring in a guest vocalist such as LEAH, Matt Smith (Theocracy) or Rob Rock (Impellitteri) among others to complement Hendra’s well-rounded croon.

In no way do I intend to discredit V: Lamentations when factoring Wytch Hazel composed some very creditable material beginning with opener “I Lament”.  Song proves lightsome with its dashing semblance and gallant bass of Andy Shackleton but also warmly enriched as Hendra’s genial mid-ranged vocals assure the bold hooks to command.  Distinguishing in the process is albums exquisite production in which all instrumentation receives room to separate.  Lyric snippet:

Zoom out to the future my final page
What was I seeking? Fame or a name?
Who was I fighting? All in His name
Who was I fooling? Life was a game

Zoom back to the present, blank is this page
Now is unwritten, time for a change
Why should I battle? Why should I fight?
Is my lamenting, dark to the light?

Following cut “Run The Race” is also solid.  It ups heaviness with a galloping Maiden like flair, upraised in terms of the exultant and kingly, but also delicate if not bluesy, revealed in periodic reserved guitar tones.  Song decelerates to a near crawl for its classic rock tinged instrumental run.  Of note is the unwavering timekeeping of newcomer Aaron Hay.

“The Citadel” trends the groups medieval side, substantiating the classical guitar infused opening and mid-point break in which lute backs open-air vocals.  In between, song proves a stately guitar harmony entailer to see catchy mid-tempo guitar riffs align with the anthem like and radiating refrain the grand and stately.  A single minded if not purposeful bent rise to the surface accordingly.  Lyric snippet:

Walk in the light in the truth every morning
All His mercies are new
See everyday there's a choice to soldier on
And lend an ear to His voice

In the citadel where the walls are strong
I am safe and well but do I really belong?
At the citadel I am by the gate
Am I welcome here with a heart full of hate?

“Elements” reveals a folk rock inclining.  It begins to a high energy burst ahead of descending to the acoustic lacing to its finesse filled verse sections - noting the backend jumping bass - only to rebound in robust fashion as the teeming mettle recoils to shore up the monarchical refrain.  Guitar team of Hendra and Haslam shine instrumentally with their Southern influenced harmonies.

The acoustic affection carries over to “The Demon Within”.  Song maintains the folk angle, pinpointing as albums most reserved and laid-back with a tempered and moody feel, albeit giving way to occasional moments of heavier astuteness.  The distant keyboards (of which liner notes provide no accreditation) build upon the unsettled feel.  Lyric snippet:

I have fallen in love, fallen in love with sin
I must feed on the Word not feeding the Demon within
That Demon growing in, power and devotion
Though he will never win, this is the path I've chosen

I wield a weapon to win, Scripture for battling
Though I stumble and fall, my Sword it will conquer him
That Demon growing in, power and devotion
Though he will never win, this is the path I've chosen

Wytch Hazel returns to a stauncher form on “Racing Forwards”.  What we have is a driven mid-tempo track of a single-minded purpose - trudging low end again makes an irascible statement - in which unyielding rhythm guitar fortifies the unfaltering hooks to prevail.  I am reminded of Place Of Skulls.

“Elixir” is a minute and half-classical guitar instrumental in similar vein as IV: Sacrament cut “Gold Light”.  It gives way to “Woven”, a daring and insistent five minutes of richly done melody and gleaming harmonies to see Wytch Hazel put its tight as it gets affinities on display.  Again, the Hendra and Haslam duel guitar approach reveals a flattering Southern bent.  Lyric snippet:

You can be stronger, gentle and wise
You need not listen, to foolishness and lies
Lend not your ear to, assumption and pride
Your soul is sacred; let it be your guide

This meekness shall be your strength
Do not lament, do not resent
Oh see how this is your gift
Do not resist, be sensitive

Ballad “Heavy Load” mirrors the Wytch Hazel milder aspect.  Acoustic guitar plays a principle role the songs toiling length, gradually compelling through melancholic verse sections only to make room for sparse rhythm guitar and organ for the uniformly disconsolate refrain.  There is somewhat of a Shadow Gallery feel here.

V: Lamentations closes ton of its heavier cuts in “Healing Power”.  As albums lengthiest at six and half minutes, it touches upon a light progressiveness in trending the staunchly mid-tempo as hard rock riffs cut in and out of the mix over rolling drums.  Inspiring is the ‘He is Wytch Hazel healing power’ refrain.  Likewise, technical instrumental moments include the mid-point interlude running the gamut from melodic harmonies to bluesy soloing and closing minute and half trending the atmospheric.  Lyric snippet:

Bringing songs as offerings melodies so sweet
May they rise so fragrantly lay them at His feet

Ever with Him forever for I am tethered
Tethered and ever enthralled He holds it all

Though a solemn tune may rise deep within my soul
I shall bring it still and sing He will make it whole

Darkness out of the darkness,
His spirit it calls us rise up and hear His voice sing and rejoice

While not my favorite from Wytch Hazel, V: Lamentations proves consistent without a skip button among its ten tracks and strong vocal and musicianship performance.  As noted, Wytch Hazel might not reach the songwriting heights to predecessor IV: Sacrament in featuring material mostly in the good to very good range but only occasionally touches upon great.  Again, I wish the group would push its boundaries and extend beyond the medieval NWOBHM box it has done so well over its inaugural albums- give us an unexpected curveball or two.  That said, Wytch Hazel fans are encouraged to make V: Lamentations a priority purchase in that all things added up it is a solid work that will make a worthwhile addition to your collection.

Review by Andrew Rockwell

Track Listing: “I Lament” (4:11), “Run The Race” (4:59), “The Citadel” (5:09), “Elements” (4:33), “The Demon Within” (4:26), “Racing Forwards” (4:13), “Elixir” (1:41), “Woven” (4:50), “Heavy Load” (4:43), “Healing Power” (6:23)

Musicians
Colin Hendra - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Alex Haslam - Guitars
Andy Shackleton - Bass
Aaron Hay - Drums