When we last heard from epic hard and heavy evangelists Wytch Hazel, the world was still essentially shuttered and hope had been lost. The everlasting light of their third album, III: Pentecost, was needed then more than ever. That isn’t to say their latest album, IV: Sacrament, isn’t needed as desperately now. If anything, life has only become more confusing post-2020, which is all the more reason why I’m open to a 40+ minute outing of Christian-centric spiritual philosophies, set of course to an old school metal soundtrack.
Before I even tackle the music on this album, I’d like to start by saying IV: Sacrament is a sonic marvel; an absolute wonder to behold over the right pair of headphones. The entire album boasts that warm, engulfing sound characteristic of classic 70s albums, and every little facet is mixed to perfection. At no point do the guitars or vocals or drums or any other instrument come off as too far up in the mix. No, this is about as perfectly balanced of an album you’ll hear in 2023, which is especially important considering the sound Wytch Hazel is going for.
Whereas III: Pentecost seemed to lie more on the folksy epic hard rock side of the spectrum, IV: Sacrament balances this approach with a more rough and tumble early metal sound, characteristic of what would come out of England right before the advent of the NWOBHM. Hard driving numbers like “The Fire’s Control”, “Angel of Light”, and “Strong Heart” boast high voltage riffs, a powerful rhythm section, and anthemic choruses that are further broadened by a wall of harmony vocals. Standing head and shoulders above these fist-pumpers is the proto-power metal blitz of “Time and Doubt”, an absolute rager reminiscent of Rainbow and Uli Jon Roth era Scorpions.
As IV: Sacrament progresses, its tapestry of retro influences becomes richer and more complex. The epic folk leanings of the last album come to the forefront on “Deliver Us” (not to be confused with the Warlord hymn of the same title), and remain a cornerstone from there. It’s easy to draw comparisons to pioneers Wishbone Ash and cult legends Ashbury on cuts like “A Thousand Years” and “Endless Battle”, as both balance mellow, pastoral passages with heavy handed riffage. “Future Is Gold” serves as the obligatory dreamy early 70s folk rock ballad, before the overly emotional “Digging Deeper” closes things with a bang.
As much as I’d love to say Wytch Hazel have progressed as songwriters, musicians, arrangers, and so forth, I really can’t. This is a rare case of a band who found their groove from the get-go and have been doing exemplary well ever since. Call it determination, call it drive. Heck, call it a God-given gift (and they have me convinced). As long as they’re armed with two guitars and their sweet voices in unison, there’s no stopping the onslaught of light that is Wytch Hazel. In the words of Wishbone Ash, “Throw Down the Sword” and immerse yourself in the trvest of white metal.
7 out of 10
Label: Bad Omen Records
Genre: Heavy Metal/Hard Rock
For fans of: Thin Lizzy, Wishbone Ash, Ashbury
I think this one has leapfrogged into my album of the year position.