There’s an episode of King of the Hill where the show’s titular character, Hank Hill, confronts a Christian rock singer. He says, “Can’t you see you’re not making Christianity better? You’re just making rock n’ roll worse.” It’s too bad America’s favorite redneck never heard of Wytch Hazel. If he did, he’d eat his words. This English quartet has been doing the Lord’s work for close to a decade now. Their latest metallic adaption of the Good News comes in the form of III: Pentecost.
While Wytch Hazel’s message of virtue and glory is clear cut, their music is not. In a world of subgenres, niches, and collective geeking out via internet forum boards, they’re yet another band who’s been faced with the “Are they hard rock or metal?” dilemma. As they’ve evolved throughout the course of their career, this is a question I’ve asked myself. Overall, Pentecost tends to lean more on the hard rock side. If I’m being specific, I’d label it epic hard rock à la Ashbury and Wishbone Ash. The album is fleshed out by folksy arrangements, acoustic guitars, and the unorthodox vocals of frontman Colin Hendra.
This doesn’t mean there’s no metal to be found. “I Am Redeemed” and “Ancient of Days” evoke shades of old school power metal. Both feature “off to battle” gallop riffs. Speaking of riffs, get a load of the Sabbath worship on “Reap the Harvest”. Christianity has long been a common lyrical theme of doom metal, so I can’t say this song is too surprising. However, it’s always a treat when a band tries a different style, even if just for one song, and nails it. “Reap the Harvest” speaks volumes of Wytch Hazel’s musical versatility.
The band’s epic brand of hard rock is fueled by the dynamic guitar duo of Hendra and Alex Haslam. It’s easy to compare a twin lead riff to Thin Lizzy or Wishbone Ash, considering both bands pioneered the technique. But before making such a comparison, you must ask yourself: Do they merely sound like Lizzy/Ash? Or are they of the same caliber? In the case of Wytch Hazel, I’d put them in the latter. The riffs to songs such as “Archangel”, “I Will Not”, and my choice cut, “He is the Fight”, are absolutely addictive.
Perhaps Wytch Hazel’s biggest advantage is that their lyrics get the message across without alienating the secular/non-religious crowd. Their music is so accessible, it landed them a slot at the 2017 edition of Keep it True. I’m not one to make assumptions, but something tells me that crowd isn’t jumping out of bed to go to church on Sunday. The point is, whether or not you believe, if you’re a fan of metal, hard rock, or rock in general, Pentecost is 40 minutes of six string salvation for your soul. Rejoice and be glad!
7 out of 10
Label: Bad Omen Records
Genre: Heavy Metal/Hard Rock
For fans of: Wishbone Ash, Ashbury, The Lord Weird Slough Feg