Wytch Hazel: V - Lamentations | Back to the Sources
(2025 – Bad Omen Records/Metal Blade Records)
My God! Where did these guys come from? Where was I that I was missing out on these crazy guys from the UK who set out to blow more than one person’s mind? A band that dedicates itself to sounding like the ’70s, with the aesthetics of that brilliant era but with a contemporary sound and a certain epic tendency, which makes their music a kind of elixir for the times we live in, is not something common. It’s true, Ghost is out there, but Wytch Hazel’s approach is more Hard Rock/Heavy Metal, which sets them apart from their Swedish counterparts. Their influences are on the side of the Hard Rock bands of the ’70s and the beginnings of the NWBOHM. Thus, it is impossible to describe Wytch Hazel without mentioning bands from those times such as Thin Lizzy, Angel Witch, Tarot, and so many others.
It’s sad for me to discover that Wytch Hazel has been around for a few years, and therefore, I’ve been missing out on them, as I’ve discovered that they have a few albums released before this excellent “V: Lamentations,” but it’s a good thing we can now get our hands on this album that not only surprised me, but also really moved me. Beyond the concept, if there are no songs, there is nothing, and that is one of the successes (among many others) of Wytch Hazel, who manages to have great songs among the 10 tracks that make up this, their latest album. No song on the album bores you, and that says a lot about it.
“I Lament” is the first track that opens the album, and Wytch Hazel fills us with almost hypnotic riffs and a frenetic rhythm that contrasts with Colin Hendra’s vocals, which set a rather melancholic and melodic mood, opening into “Run The Race,” another track that smells like a classic, riding high and one of our favorites on an album full of good things. On the other hand, “The Citadel” is a mid-tempo track, whose melodic choruses create a different, perhaps epic atmosphere. Want more riffs? Then there’s “Elements,” another highlight of the album, with its acoustic guitar base and electric riffs, and as if that weren’t enough, “The Demon Within” has a ballad-like feel with beautiful strumming and solos that are truly moving.
In the second half of “V: Lamentations,” we find “Racing Forwards,” a mid-tempo track orchestrated with guitar strums and riffs. Next comes an intermezzo called “Elixir,” a classical guitar instrumental that gives way to another of the gems on this album, “Woven,” continuing with the beautiful “Heavy Load” and ending with the climactic “Healing Power.”
Wytch Hazel knows how to combine the power of old-school metal with melody, guitar orchestrations, and a simplicity that reminds us that good songs don’t necessarily need sophistication or technology, but rather genius and quality in composition and execution. This album not only evokes nostalgia for the old sound, but also marks a return to simplicity with well-structured songs that transport you to a different world.
Another highlight of “V: Lamentations” is its sound; the careful work in recording, mixing, and mastering manages to draw us into a warm and fresh atmosphere that takes us back to old times but still maintains a contemporary sound quality. Both combinations, good songs and sound, are an unbeatable combo, and Wytch Hazel fulfills both requirements. In addition, there is Wytch Hazel itself, a band that plays its instruments masterfully. I would especially highlight the unmissable riffs, string arrangements, and guitar solos, which, without reaching brutal distortion, are more than enough to give each song an incredible sound.
In terms of graphics, the album follows the line of Wytch Hazel’s previous releases, maintaining a unity of concept with what the album and the songs convey, in a medieval style if you will. Logically, inside the sleeve we find the lyrics of the songs, technical details of the recording, and a couple of photographs of the band members. We didn’t like the digipack packaging, as we prefer the classic acrylic box edition, although it should be noted that the edition has a very good design. I almost forgot, this album also has a vinyl edition, which makes it almost mandatory to listen to in that format.
To find out how to get your hands on this new gem from these British geniuses, check out https://www.bad-omen-records.com/ or https://www.metalblade.com. We also suggest following the band on social media. Finally, here are two video clips from this album so you can see what I’m talking about, and well, in the meantime… I’ll see how I can get my hands on this incredible band’s previous albums…
https://www.facebook.com/wytchhazel
https://www.instagram.com/wytchhazel
