Lancashire’s Traditional Hard Rock / Metal heroes return with this, their 4th album. I’ve now reviewed each of their releases, and I’ve been a huge fan of their knack of writing classic, timeless tunes that have a way of worming their way into your brain and not letting go. I’ve always thought that they managed to combine the best traditions of twin-guitar legends like Thin Lizzy with the reflective rock of, say, Wishbone Ash. At some point though, bands have to have the confidence to record songs that re undeniably all their own.
Is IV:Sacrament the sound of Wytch Hazel reaching full maturity? Very possibly, though I would hope not. Whether intentional or not, there’s a little more grit and a slightly less euphoric tone to their songs. The lads are an unapologetically Christian band, and while that might put off some of our more “edgy” readers, personally, I quite like the personal view of the lyrics and placing their faith in the context of their every day.
Now we’ve got that bit out of the way, what about the music? “The Fire’s Control” is a traditional metal banger – a really strong melodic riff that opens the song stands as the motif throughout the track. “Angel of Light” brings the NWOBHM vibes like it’s from a Neat Records sampler, even though the vocal melody is quite melancholic. “Time and Doubt” demonstrates the grittier sound of the band; the questioning lyrics with open, searching lyrics.
“Strong Heart” would be an absolute belter at a festival – with an opening section that begs to have the audience clap along, while “Deliver Us” brings more than the required allotment of cowbell abuse. “A Thousand Years” has an almost Saxon-like knack of hitting a satisfying gallop.
After a brief interlude (“Gold Light”), what could have been the standout track of the album, “Endless Battle” vaults from the speakers. With a triumphant main riff, it threatens to break out into a powerful riff…but never quite gets there. In fact, the album just really limps to a finish from this point. Both “Future is Gold” and “Digging Deeper” stray dangerously close to the power ballad end of the spectrum at times. The introspection might be great lyrically, but actually this for me seems to sound like Wytch Hazel are running out of fun. One of their great defining characteristics has always been their unbridled joy, and yet here everything is darker – but not particularly in an enjoyable way.
The album, I’m sad to say, doesn’t sound as inspired as their earlier works, nor are the grit or the darker tones very engaging to listen to. It’s almost as if the band were in a bit of a funk as they wrote and recorded it. I get the impression that they were running on empty here. There’s no “Save My Life”, “Mighty King” or “Spirit and Fire” to be found on this record. I’m really sad to have to write this – as a fan of the band and their back catalogue – but I’m hoping that Sacrament isn’t the blueprint for the future of the lads. It’s not a bad album by any means, but there’s a certain lack of direction that permeates the whole thing.
(6/10 Chris Davison)
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