The Lancastrian Rock band with that middle-ages flair just released their fifth album, “V: Lamentations.” I find Wytch Hazel a very curious act in that they swim quite easily in the broader metal world without the typical scolding for overt Christian imagery. Maybe akin to Warlord. But it might be they landed on something in how they share the good news that resonates with everyone.
WH has been around since 2011 channeling a folksy meet early metal style with middle-ages imagery. Colin Hendra, the lead writer for the band, shares his own personal journey using the imagery of knights, kings, and battles as allegory for deeper spiritual realities. Although the lyrics have abundant scriptural allusions, the band doesn’t speak of themselves as a faith-based band, but rather as their own self-expression, focusing on positivity. Although their lyrical substance is rooted in the gospel, their sound channels the best of British folk rock and early metal and it is quite unique in the sea of modern acts.
“Lamentations” shows a subtle shift from their previous outings, staying close to their winning formula. Their sound is defined by Colin’s folk rock timbre, twin guitars, metallic galloping anthems, folksy ballads, and medieval charm. “Lamentations” dials in different levels, with a little less twin guitar and shifting the gallopin to the bass and drums on the higher energy songs with a smidge more of the folksier edge. It feels more breezy than “Pentecost” or “Sacrament,” somewhat on par with “Sojourn” with its laid back approach, which is not a bad place for me.
What makes it worth the listen? Two reasons: their rather unique sound in the metal universe and the lyrics that are healing for the soul. The production has a warm yesteryear quality without sounding old. It is like an alternate universe where the loudness wars and antiseptic production never existed. It is organic with its smooth sailing twin guitars and energetic galloping on the heavy tracks and earthy acoustic guitars that show little hurry.
The chief reason I turn often to WH is the lyrics that provide solace in the midst of trials of the hectic modern world. Whether I am commiserating with “I Lament,” needing encouragement with “Run The Race,” or contemplating my unworthiness of grace in “The Citadel” or “Elements,” there is eternal truth that I need to be reminded of. The enemy helps us forget. “The Demon Within” illustrates well the ugly dance with sin we struggle with, often in the lazy laid back moments of life, but there is “Healing Power” in the Son and in His gifts, like music.
Even with the similarities with the previous efforts, this album has unique cuts worth noting. My favorite is “Elements” with a Blue Öyster Cult feel to the opening riff that resonates well with me. There is great use of both electric and acoustic elements in this energetic setting for some encouraging lyrics telling of the kingdom and glory awaiting us all. “Elixer” is the customary mid-album instrumental oasis that makes curious use of banjo and a melody that hearkens to the olden days of castles. It is a relaxing respite before launching into a classic WH track in “Woven” with soaring twin guitars and melodic riffs that focuses on the inherent worth and value within each of us since we are woven in love. The closing track “Healing Power” is a mission statement of sorts for the band, using as analogy the healing powers of Witch Hazel to the healing power of music. The song is similar to previous albums in that it slowly builds to a majestic and triumphant end, with an acoustic afterglow.
I don’t have any complaints of what this album is, but maybe what it isn’t. It is similar to their previous outings, which is excellent music, but my proclivity for the novel is not fully satiated. Maybe that’s not the point they’re making. That said, “Lamentations” fits cozily in many a space between heavy or light listening. I’ve never regretted putting this one on as each track has something worth checking out. “Lamentations” is a great intro to WH with a good-sized back catalog if you are craving more. Five albums in and with this consistency, I kinda know what to expect going forward. We’ll see if they prove me wrong.
Rating: 8.5/10
Written by Sean Bailey
Tracklist
1 – I Lament
2 – Run The Race
3 – The Citadel
4 – Elements
5 – The Demon Within
6 – Racing Forwards
7 – Elixer
8 – Woven
9 – Heavy Load
10 – Healing Power
Wytch Hazel is:
Colin Hendra – vocals and guitars
Alex Haslam – guitars
Andrew Shackleton – bass guitar
Aaron Hay – drums
Release Date: July 4, 2025
Record Label: Bad Omen Records
Discography:
Prelude (2016)
II: Sojourn (2018)
III: Pentecost (2020)
IV: Sacrament (2023) [review]
V: Lamentations (2025)
Social Media: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Bandcamp
Video for Elements
Video for Woven