V: Lamentations
Introduction and band profile
There’s something magical when a band manages to sound like a lost relic from the past while still being fully grounded in the present. That’s exactly how I felt when I discovered the sound of Wytch Hazel, as if I had stumbled upon a forgotten sonic tapestry, woven with the golden threads of ’70s hard rock and the luminous spirit of faith.
Hailing from Lancaster, England, the band led by Colin Hendra doesn’t just imitate the past, they embody it. With twin guitars, crystalline melodies, and purpose-driven lyrics, they form the beating heart of V: Lamentations, the fifth chapter in a discography built with consistency, passion, and a striking sense of identity.
Living the album
From the moment the first note spilled into the room, I felt like I had opened a window into a parallel world where traditional metal is treated with almost liturgical reverence. The opening track, “I Lament,” grabbed me, not with brute force, but with precision. That kind of energy that doesn’t explode but envelops, like a firm embrace. The intertwining guitars create a sonic embroidery that recalls Thin Lizzy, yet never feels like mere tribute.
Soon after, tracks like “Run the Race” and “Elements” prove the band’s mastery in balancing weight and grace, rock energy paired with refined pop melodies, always walking a tightrope of elegance. The production is clean and clear, but never cold. Every instrument has room to shine, and everything flows like a well-oiled machine.
In more contemplative moments like “The Citadel” and “Heavy Load,” the album dives deeper, there’s an emotional gravity that hovers over these tracks, like walking through a stone temple by candlelight. Subtle use of Mellotron and vocal harmonies add a medieval texture, while still firmly rooted in rock.
Coherence and overall atmosphere
V: Lamentations is an album where nothing feels out of place. Even in its gentlest moments, there's an emotional tension simmering underneath, like a taut string ready to vibrate. The whole album feels designed to be experienced as a ritual, from start to finish and even the interludes, like the beautiful “Elixir,” act as intentional pauses in this sonic journey.
The shift to a softer tone compared to previous albums is noticeable. It may not please those seeking immediate impact, but here that softness translates into refinement. The songs flow like a calm yet deep river. That said, I did find myself missing a few moments of shock, something to disrupt the polished structure and stir the waters a bit.
Still, by the time we reach the final track, “Healing Power,” it all comes together. The song closes the album like a sung prayer not a bang, but a rise. It doesn’t try to be explosive, it tries to elevate and in that context, maybe the album never wanted to be anything else.
Final verdict
V: Lamentations isn’t an album you just listen to, it asks you to be present, to engage, to surrender. It’s a near-spiritual experience in the realm of heavy metal, something rare and precious. Wytch Hazel has polished their identity to the point where their sound, though deeply rooted in the past, feels incredibly authentic in the now.
This isn’t a record of catchy hooks or shouted choruses. It’s an invitation to contemplate, through clean riffs, vocal harmonies, and arrangements that aim to uplift rather than crush. It’s the kind of album that grows with each listen and, before you know it, becomes part of your personal journey.
If you’re looking for metal with soul, purpose, and beauty, without giving up strength, V: Lamentations is a gift. Or perhaps, a confession in the form of music.
