INTERVIEW: WYTCH HAZEL (UK)

Wytch Hazel has been on a crusade since their formation in 2011. Based in Lancaster, UK, they’ve been carving their own unique sound and vision on the hard rock and heavy metal music scene.

Looking at the landscape of NWOTHM bands, there is always a generous helping of fantasy worlds, mythical creatures, sturdy weapons, dark magic, epic battles, and treasure to behold. For Wytch Hazel, many of those elements are present, but connecting these themes to the fight between the ultimate Good and Evil is what makes them special. This resoundingly connects to the medieval aesthetic, classic sound, and lyrical content they’ve built over the last decade plus of work. While influenced by many different genres, their work is uniquely their own and is evolving.

They are not a Christian band, rather they are adept at capturing the powerful imagery of good, evil, battles with demonic and eldritch forces, and the sacrifice to keep forces bent on ultimate destruction at bay. Across three studio records (Prelude, II: Sojourn, and III:Pentecost), the band has developed into a formidable hard rock and heavy metal storytelling machine that excites the imagination in a captivating manner.

Colin Hendra (drums, guitars, vocals, piano & organ), Alex Haslam (guitars), and Andrew Shackleton (bass guitar) are poised to release their fourth album, IV: Sacrament on June 2, 2023. They recently released the lead single from the record titled “Angel of Light”. It’s an expertly woven together hard rock anthem that features a sonic dance of dual guitars (worthy of the Thin Lizzy call out) paired with rock steady rhythm section. The dazzling leads take you right into the lyrical journey; you’ll be standing up and shouting “Faithful! Stand up and be faithful!” with Colin. This is a clear and positive sign of what is to come on the rest of the record!

Recently, TheNWOTHM.com contributor Mark Pruett was able to catch up with Colin Hendra for a few questions. Read on to find out more!

THE NWOTHM: Who are some bands that influenced you?

W.H: Initially, Iron Maiden completely changed the game for me! I’m aware that’s a pretty common story for lots of people, but it was really profound for me! Beyond that I’ve really connected with the music of Thin Lizzy, Jethro Tull and Wishbone Ash. I haven’t honestly moved much from these core influences, and I’d like to think of the other music I listen to in the classic rock genre as just an expansion! I love all the obvious culprits: Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Judas Priest, Blue Oyster Cult, Saxon, Kansas, UFO, Uriah Heap, etc., etc. Need I go on? I mean it’s just the good stuff really!

THE NWOTHM: Is there a band or artist outside of rock/metal that has influenced you?

W.H: I enjoy listening to folk, often folk-rock. I enjoy Seth Lakeman, Steeleye Span, Kate Rusby and things like that. I also really enjoy Steely Dan, Weather Report, John McLaughlin, and things like that. I’m up for a lot of different things really, I’ll always give things a listen and try and find something I enjoy about it.

THE NWOTHM: Are there influences outside of music that you draw from?

W.H: Apart from The Bible (which is where most inspiration is drawn) I find that my biggest sources of non-musical inspiration are little coincidental occurrences that I stumble upon. For example, someone will just say something, and it just stays with me. It can even just be a single word and it can form the foundation of lyrics for a new song. I feel like Inspiration is everywhere, there is just an unlimited supply everywhere you go! Sometimes it’s films and good lines – things just ‘stick’ and I can’t get them out of my mind!

THE NWOTHM: How has the sound evolved over their career?

W.H: It’s definitely evolved, but how much say I have had in the matter is another question! I feel like I’m not fully in control of the evolution. For example, when I analyze album 1 to album 4, there’s less of a folk influence as time goes on and there’s more of the hard rock/classic metal flair coming through. I really like a catchy chorus and a hook; it’s basically how I write songs. Looking for hooks! I can’t imagine writing and not looking for hooks! Your guess is as good as mine in terms of where it will go next!

THE NWOTHM: When writing a new song, how do you know when it’s “done”?

W.H: It’s been a bit of a long process, but I feel like I’m at the stage now that when I start putting the structure together, I already know it’s going to be a new song. I usually don’t even start putting the sections together unless I think there’s a song there. I tend to start by writing a one or two section musical idea with no lyrics. From that point the lyrics and the rest of the sections are what finishes it off.

W.H: The same was true for “IV: Sacrament”, it’s a continuation of the same process. I never had a ‘big picture’ for an album before starting the song writing process, the album only starts to make itself obvious once a few songs have been written. Lyrically, there are similarities to “III: Pentecost” but there is more of a reflection of where I am in my life personally. There’s a lot more honesty and doubt in there, and that’s just where I’ve been during this time! I can’t imagine the lock downs have particularly helped in that respect!

THE NWOTHM: Are you partial to a particular song on the record?

W.H: I really like ‘Digging Deeper’ there’s some of that aforementioned honesty there. My favourite keeps changing to be honest! I really enjoy ‘Endless Battle’ and ‘A Thousand Years’ at the moment, but I’m sure there’ll be different answers if you asked me at another time!

THE NWOTHM: Will there be a tour for the new album?

W.H: There will be some select shows to promote the album but no tour yet. We’re playing the main stage at Bloodstock Festival in the UK and London, Bristol, Sweden & Germany dates with more to follow! It’s often tricky with our work situations, but we’re working on that, primarily with the help of our amazing fan club! (Link: https://ko-fi.com/wytchhazel)

THE NWOTHM: How do you choose a set list for your live shows?

W.H: With great difficulty! Especially now that we have 10 new songs to add to the pile! We try and focus on the fan favourites and crowd pleasers, but it’s starts getting tricky when everyone has a different favourite! Bandcamp and Spotify listening data is also a useful guide.

THE NWOTHM: What is your favourite part of playing live?

W.H: It’s definitely the spiritual experience of playing the music ‘loud and proud!’ It’s also just a real pleasure to play with the excellent set of musicians that we have in the band. Also, that experience and privilege of being able to share the music and having our fans sing along is a very special thing indeed!

THE NWOTHM: Do you have a favourite city that you’ve played in so far?

W.H: To be honest, there’s just too many places that we’ve had such a good time! I would say highlights include Glasgow, Stockholm, and London!

THE NWOTHM: What is the plan for the remainder of 2023 and into 2024?

W.H: I am busy writing new music, which is the plan all the time anyway so there’s not much news there! Apart from that, we’re working on our live show and overall sound. In addition, we are working alongside our booking agents to get more shows in!

THE NWOTHM: What are some interests that you have outside of the band?

W.H: I’m pretty obsessed with music to be honest. I love to listen on my own and to go out to see live music when I can (which isn’t very often!) Pretty much all my spare time is dedicated to the band and general music making however, I do really enjoy watching films and series with my wife.

Thank you, Colin for connecting with TheNWOTHM and our readers!

Additional thanks go out to Alex, Andrew, and the rest of the Wytch Hazel team for partnering to make this happen.

Wytch Hazel is set to release their fourth studio album “IV: Sacrament” on June 2, 2023. If “Angel of Light” is any indication of what’s in store for fans, this record is going to be worthy of heavy support. Be sure to connect with the band across their official social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You can also visit their web site at: www.wytchhazel.com. Finally, be sure to check out their Bandcamp (https://wytchhazel.bandcamp.com/album/iv-sacrament) page where you can find official merchandise and connect with the community.