Whilst their subject matter is centred on spirituality and Christianity, it’s the quality of the music in this album that caught the ear. The fourth album from Lancaster’s Wytch hazel, IV: Sacrament is the follow up to the well-received III: Pentecost, released in 2020. The band’s current line-up features Alex Haslem on guitars alongside fellow six-stringer and singer Colin Hendra (ex-Angel Witch live), drummer Aaron Hay and bassist Andy Shackleton who ed the band in 2019, although Hendra plays drums on this release following the departure of drummer Jack Spencer.
I realised that I’d spent some time with the band’s second album, II: Sojourn back in 2018 which had meet with my approval, so it was with enthusiasm that I’d started listening to this release. I wasn’t disappointed. There’s a pleasing retro style to Wytch Hazel, a combination of Graveyard and Ghost, with a but of Audrey Horne thrown in for good measure. Released on vinyl, the songs are enticing, enchanting, full of melody with a nice chunk of melody. Well crafted, this is some of Wytch Hazel’s best work to date.
From the opening bars of “The Fire’s Control”, there’s something undeniably British about this record. Whether it’s the nods to the NWOBHM feel of bands like Angel Witch, the harmonies that bring the likes of Steeleye Span into the mix, or the solid metal undercurrent of Maiden and Priest that provide the backbone to the album, it’s music that is crafted in the UK. The production is delicious, the album recorded in a Baptist chapel in rural Wales, using vintage equipment. By all s, it was a challenging recording, with Hendra having to step in at the last minute to record the drums, as well as several unexplained happenings with blown cabs and amps pushing further obstacles in their way. “I don’t know why we have such bad luck,” commented Hendra “Engineers were scratching their heads, like ‘how have you done this?’”
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Whatever the challenges, Sacrament is a fantastic album. Sure, there is faith weaved throughout the lyrics, but it’s not down your throat in style, and that makes this an album that is well worth a listen, regardless of your position. “The Fire’s Control” is the ideal opener, and it’s followed by two tracks that really sink those hooks in deep. “The chorus on “Angel of Light” will be in your head for days, whilst the melodies that flood through “Time and Doubt” make it almost radio friendly.
Journey onwards, through “Strong Heart” and “Deliver Us”, both sturdy, anthemic, and uplifting songs into the heart of the album and there’s a lot to enjoy. The musicianship is high, the songs are wonderfully composed, and although the lyrics are a challenge at times, they don’t detract from the retro sound that Wytch Hazel bring so well. The medieval tinged interlude of “Golden Light” bridges into the final section of the album which concludes with the semi-pop vibes of “Digging Deeper”. It’s a semi-acoustic song that builds to a crescendo that concludes what is undoubtedly the best album that Wytch Hazel have released so far.
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IV: Sacrament is out on June 2nd
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