I reviewed Wytch Hazel's last album, IV: Sacrament, even though it is closer to hard rock than heavy metal, and I'm happy to say their fifth album, V: Lamentations, finds the pendulum swinging toward heavy metal. This band will always have a sound full of '70s hard and occult rock, but the riffing this time out is heavier and crunchier, in line with how the bands of the NWOBHM took that '70s music to the next level. "I Lament" is a great opener with a rambunctious riff and quick tempo, like one of UFO's classic rockers, and I love the guitar sound on "Woven," which is NWOBHM gold. The vocals have always been solid and there are plenty of catchy choruses on V: Lamentations, like on "Healing Power," which leans into a crusty, arcane vibe. Their hard rock influences are still there, like on the lovely, acoustic instrumental "Elixir," but then you have "Heavy Load" and "Run the Race" that bring the heavy metal rumbling in. Songwriting has been a strength for Wytch Hazel, regardless of the direction of their music, and that is no different on V: Lamentations, where there isn't a bad song to be found. If you are a fan of '70s hard and heavy rock like UFO and Uriah Heep, along with eccentric NWOBHM bands like Pagan Altar and Demon, this is an album for you.
