UK hard rockers Wytch Hazel return with their fourth studio album, titled IV: Sacrament for Bad Omen/Metal Blade Records. This one closely follows on the heels of 2022's Chain Yourself, as the band have shown to be fairly prolific with four full length releases, an EP, some singles and other assorted tidbit, since their debut in 2016. Describing the music of Wytch Hazel is never an easy thing; are they metal, are they classic rock, are they something else? Plenty of twin guitars to be found in their music and on this album, bringing to mind Thin Lizzy and Wishbone Ash, and the latter is especially evident on tracks like "The Fire's Control", "Angel of Light", and "Time and Doubt", with the soaring vocal harmonies, use of folky elements under the hard rock arrangement, and the splendid twin guitar harmonies. The Arizona band Ashbury also comes to mind as well, especially when the band employ the acoustic guitars more. But, on the more riffy material, such as "Strong Heart", the epic sounding "Endless Battle", and the galloping, hook laden "A Thousand Years", there's a strong nod to the more melodic side of the NWOBHM. The blending of acoustic guitars and majestic twin electric leads works out really well on the closer "Digging Deeper", as the band toss in some crunchy riffs on the memorable chorus for added effect.
All in all, IV: Sacrament is a really solid album; I haven't been able to pinpoint why this one doesn't appeal to me more than it does. I should love this album based on all things I mentioned above, but as it is I like it a good amount, but not much more than that. The good news is that I've seen lots of people really connected with this album, so it might just be me, or, this one will be much more of a slow grower, which, does happen from time to time. You be the judge.
Colin Hendra: Drums, Guitars, Vocals, Piano & Organ
Alex Haslam: Guitars
Andrew Shackleton: Bass
special guest
Ed Turner: Mandolin & Mellotron
Track Listing
1.
The Fire's Control 03:49
2.
Angel of Light 04:50
3.
Time and Doubt 04:46
4.
Strong Heart 03:58 video
5.
Deliver Us 04:02
6.
A Thousand Years 04:43
7.
Gold Light 01:24
8.
Endless Battle 05:16
9.
Future Is Gold 03:46
10.
Digging Deeper 06:23
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