WYTCH HAZEL - Prelude

May 31, 2016, 7 years ago

(Bad Omen)

Kelley Simms

Rating: 8.0

review hard rock wytch hazel

WYTCH HAZEL - Prelude

UK hard rockers, Wytch Hazel, weaves a wonderful amalgamation of styles on its debut full-length release, Prelude. Its ten tracks are a hybrid of folky Jethro Tull-isms, Wishbone Ash-inspired dual harmonies and retro/stoner rock elements with a Southern rock swagger. In reference to the movie Office Space, Wytch Hazel has flair! Guitarist/vocalist Colin Hendra has a warm and inviting voice, giving each track a unique flavor. Opener “Freedom Battle” delivers some swashbuckling dual guitar harmonies and an uplifting chorus. Touches of Southern rock and some energetic back-and-forth dual guitar harmonies greet “Fight”, while “Mighty King”, “Dark Ages” and the acoustic ballad, “Psalm” captures the band’s Jethro Tull influences immensely, minus the flute. 

Wytch Hazel also delves into proto-rock influences reminiscent of Dust and slight NWOBHM elements recalling Angel Witch, such as on the title track. A Native American vibe with a touch of Kyuss influences creeps up on the lush instrumental, “Prelude”. Something that drags the album down a little bit is that many of the guitar harmonies sound too familiar, and there’s a lack of variety in tempo from track to track. However, the songs’ dramatic build ups and emotive dynamics is what drives them along. One thing’s for sure, Wytch Hazel is one bytchin’ band!



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