Wytch Hazel - IV: Sacrament

Angry Metal Guy 70

Every since I stumbled on Wytch Hazel’s sophomore opus, II: Sojourn, I’ve been enchanted by their breezy retro style that borrows from the likes of Angel Witch, Thin Lizzy, and Slough Feg. While bands dabbling in retro metal are a dime a dozen, Wytch Hazel bring an earnestness to what they do that somehow makes their output feel fresh and timeless. Hooks are ever present and there’s a special something in their writing. So much so in fact, that I don’t even mind their tendency to preach the power of Christ so forcefully. 2020s III: Pentecost was an absolute smoke show of an album with cut after cut that stuck in my head and still linger nearly three years on. It scored the #3 spot in my Top Ten(ish) of 2020 and I return to it regularly when I need uplifting, positive sounds. That makes it an especially tough act to follow, but here comes IV: Sacrament nonetheless. Can the Wytch Hazel white magic conjure another spellbinding opus? Do you have a moment to talk about our Lord and Savior? Don’t even try to close that door on my ape foot, chumbo.

Mere seconds into enormous opener “The Fire’s Control” I felt I was hearing a hidden track from III: Pentecost. It’s in that same exact framework – simple, stripped-down 70s rock mixed with NWoBHM ideas, carried by basic, gloriously catchy riffs and slick vocal lines that act like Crazy Glue on your brain. It feels like prime Blue Oyster Cult fused with Angel Witch and that’s a recipe I’ll put my trust in every time. It’s such a simple little song but you won’t want it to end. The chorus is like flypaper and the whole construct is hot tar. “Angel of Light” is the same recipe with a different fruit topping and it too cannot be denied or resisted. That lead riff is fire and Colin Hendra’s soothing vocals could tame a rampaging Cyclops Viking. It feels worshipful and uplifting and yes, it isn’t far from what I imagine a Christian rock band would be cranking out in the rec center on a Saturday afternoon, but damn if it isn’t awesome! The first four cuts are all excellent, with the might and majesty of “Strong Heart” being another unstoppable paeon to piousness and purity, and even my ungodly soul is here for it. It’s like AC/DC doing church rock and you should want that in your sinner’s veins. So uplifting, so catchy, so damn good, it angers the Devil in me.

From there, Sacrament undergoes a slight slip in quality, but the album doesn’t come close to crashing and burning. “A Thousand Years” has a chorus that’s sneaky infectious and becomes troubling when it takes hold, as you do NOT want to be singing it as you walk the aisles in Whole Foods or the Pudding Emporium. “Endless Battle” is a stout, endearing ode to spilling blood in the name of the Sweet and Fluffy Lord that makes me want to pick up the Sword of Holy Wengeance, and that chorus is low-key massive (all things in moderation, my son). My biggest complaint is the way the album winds out with two very tame, introspective pieces. “Future is Gold” is effective and brooding with a touch of melancholy, and I like it a lot. Closer “Digging Deeper” is a lesser chestnut though, not quite as essential as its companions. It ends things on an understated note though the sparkling guitar work is lovely. At a super tight 43 minutes, there’s not much fat on this holy cow. Only the closer exceeds the 5-minute mark whereas most selections dwell in the 3-4 minute window. The production is lovingly warm and old timey, with the guitars sounding bright and vibrant.

Once again the guitar tandem of Alex Haslan and Colin Hendra pave the way to Heaven. They find an elusive sweet spot between minimalism and effective riffing and live there, with bare-bones but memorable leads and sweet harmonies carrying the day. They aren’t showy and forsake prideful excess, layering in simple but essential harmonies that do a lot by doing little. It’s a wonder to behold and should be a lesson to many other bands. Colin Hendra’s vocals shine as always, his restrained, somewhat folksy delivery perfect for what Wytch Hazel do. He’s emotive and expressive without ever sounding forced or maudlin. These guys have a very regimented songwriting formula and rarely deviate from it. So far that’s been a godsend for them, but in time it could become a problem.

Wytch Hazel should be more widely known with several high-quality releases already to their credit, Add IV: Sacrament to the list, as it’s a joy to experience. It’s a bit mellower and softer than III: Pentecost, and there’s a decline on the back half, but damn, that first half is so so good. This would be a terrific companion piece for the recent Tanith album and I strongly recommend you get on board with the Lord.

Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 8 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: Bad Omen
Websites: wytchhazel.bandcamp.com | facebook.com/wytchhazel
Releases Worldwide: June 2nd, 2023

Maddog

I may be younge, but I’m as olde as Steele at hearte. Growing up on a diet of Maiden and Rainbow, I grew fond of the 1970s and 80s. A meager few modern bands have scratched my traditional heavy metal itch to nearly the same extent as those older heavyweights: Satan’s Hallow, Kryptos, LiveWire, and, yes, Wytch Hazel. While I didn’t love 2020’s III: Pentecost as much as Steel did, 2018’s II: Sojourn was a revelation. Wytch Hazel’s mix of old-timey hard rock and gorgeous ballads transfixed me and never let me go. IV: Sacrament threatened to be my favorite album or my biggest disappointment of 2023. It turned out to be neither. Wytch Hazel isn’t at the top of their game, but IV: Sacrament is a damn good time regardless.

Those familiar with Wytch Hazel should know what to expect. Wytch Hazel’s brand of hard rock reminds me most of the underrated Ashbury. Alternatively, they’re like a slowed-down Thin Lizzy, or like Jethro Tull without the flutes and prog. Guitarists Alex Haslam and Colin Hendra alternate between acoustic passages, heavier riffs, and sweet melodies, staying tame throughout. Andrew Shackleton’s bass lines provide a memorable backbone for tracks like “Strong Heart,” playing a larger role than in Wytch Hazel’s prior work. Hendra’s vocals have also become a more dominant part of Wytch Hazel’s sound. His melodies are the undisputed star of the verses throughout Sacrament, as the guitars take a back seat. As always, the real centerpiece is Jesus. Listening to Sacrament’s lyrics requires a belief in God, a willingness to ignore preachy lyrics, or a puke bucket. If you struggled with this in the past, Sacrament is no different.

Wytch Hazel is still one of the hookiest bands around. Sacrament unleashes infectious riffs of every ilk, like the rhythmic “Strong Heart,” the energetic banger “A Thousand Years,” and the delightfully swingy “Angel of Light.” The guitars fare just as well in melodic territory. For instance, the beautiful “Endless Battle” revolves around an unforgettable melodic line and a harmonized solo that could rival the best parts of Sojourn. Even so, Sacrament’s vocal melodies are its greatest strength. Hendra’s vocal parts claw into your brain as effectively as the catchiest pop around, especially during the choruses and climaxes. After the album ends, it’s impossible to resist belting out “Are you afraid of the fire” (“The Fire’s Control”), “Stand and be faithful” (“Angel of Light”), and “Always digging deeper” (“Digging Deeper”). Sacrament aims to be more emotive than its predecessors; while this doesn’t always land, songs like “Strong Heart” and “Endless Battle” sound uplifting even to a nonbeliever. Wytch Hazel’s knack for compelling melodies has only grown with time.

While impressive, the songwriting on Sacrament lacks the dynamism of Sojourn. The magic of Sojourn is that five years later, the ballad “Angel Take Me” still makes me cry¹ and the rocking “Still We Fight” still makes me want to drop-kick Satan. In comparison, Sacrament feels more one-track. The heavier sections are less heavy and the emotive sections are less emotive, which blunts the album’s impact. Moreover, nearly every song consists of a strong opening riff, two verses and choruses, a soft bridge, a solo, and some rehashing. While a verse-chorus structure is helpful for this style, this precise formula grows predictable over the course of Sacrament. Even many of the verses sound too similar, pairing a driving vocal line with sparse instrumentals that fall short of Wytch Hazel’s potential. However, when Wytch Hazel changes things up, the results are spectacular. “A Thousand Years” outmatches its peers’ energy with the record’s greatest riff and heaviest solo, while “Digging Deeper” stuns by contrasting serene keys and a bass-led verse with powerful guitar harmonies and a vocal climax. Both stand among the best tracks of 2023, showcasing Wytch Hazel at their finest.

IV: Sacrament’s biggest misfortune is that II: Sojourn is a classic. Sacrament has room for improvement, and would hit even harder if it took a more varied approach. The miracle is that despite this flaw, every track is an engaging listen and worthy of your time, even including the soft interlude “Gold Light.” Wytch Hazel’s best melodies are even stronger than they were five years ago, and their bass and vocal lines have evolved alongside. With tweaks to their writing, they might not only reclaim their former glory, but manage the herculean task of dethroning II: Sojourn.

Rating: 3.5/5.0

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