Wytch Hazel

Wytch Hazel is an English hard rock and heavy metal band that originated in 2011.[6] The band is currently signed to Bad Omen Records.[7]

Wytch Hazel
Also known asJerusalem (2011–2012)[1]
OriginLancaster, England
GenresHard rock,[2] heavy metal,[3] folk metal,[4] Christian metal[5]
Years active2012-present
LabelsBad Omen, Prosthetic
MembersColin Hendra (Christian Col)
Alex Haslam (Big Al)
Aaron Hay
Andrew Shackleton

History

Wytch Hazel was formed in 2011.[8][9] Originally, the band went with the name Jerusalem which had already been taken.[10] Wytch Hazel began with the lineup of Colin Hendra on guitars and vocals, Josh Winnard on guitars, Cornelius Corkery on bass, and Aaron Hay on drums. In 2012, the band released their debut EP, titled The Truth, which came out independently.[11] The band released two other split releases in 2012, one titled Vol. 1, which also featured Asmovel, Eliminator, and Ascalon, and Borrowed Time / Wytch Hazel, which featured Borrowed Time.[12][13] By the time the band began to write and record their debut album, a majority of the lineup changed, with Hendra and Corkery remaining, with Winnard and Hay departing,[10] as well as Winnard's replacement Matt Gatley, also departing by 2015. Alex Haslam (Big Al) joined the band in 2015 on guitars, with Jack Spencer taking over Hay’s position in 2013. In 2016, the band released their debut album, titled Prelude, which was released through Bad Omen Records.[4][5][14] In 2018, the band recorded and released their sophomore album, which was titled II: Sojourn, also being released through Bad Omen, and was well received.[15] In 2020, the band released their third album, III: Pentecost, which was highly praised by several reviewers.[9][16][17][18][19]

Influences, style and beliefs

Founding member Colin Hendra states that Iron Maiden is one of the band's influences.[20] Alex Haslam (Big Al) confirmed that other influences included Led Zeppelin, Wishbone Ash and Jethro Tull. Several reviewers compared the band to other artists like Blue Öyster Cult, Thin Lizzy, and Deep Purple.[17][18]

While Wytch Hazel's lyrical content is very much oriented by themes of Christianity of lyrics, written by Hendra, they do not claim to be a Christian band.[10] Hendra states that he is a Christian, Corkery is a Roman Catholic, and Winnard and Spencer are agnostics.[10] The theme is very present in a majority of their songs, with many reviewers pointing this out.[10][21]

Members
Last known line up
  • Colin Hendra – guitar, vocals (2011–present)
  • Alex Haslam (Big Al) – guitar (2015–present)
  • Andrew Shackleton – bass (2019–present)
  • Aaron Hay (2011-2013, 2022-present)

Former;

  • Jack Spencer – drums (2013–present)
  • Josh Winnard – guitar, vocals (2011–2013)
  • Matt Gatley – guitar (2013–2015)
  • Cornelius "Neil" Corkery – bass (2011–2017)
Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

  • Prelude (2016)[4][5]
  • II: Sojourn (2018)[15]
  • III: Pentecost (2020)[22]
  • IV: Sacrament (2023)

EPs

  • The Truth (2012)
  • Strong Heart (2023)

Splits

  • Vol. 1 (2012)
  • Borrowed Time / Wytch Hazel (2012)

Compilations

  • Surrender & the Truth (2013)[3]

References
  1. "WYTC HAZEL: Otherworldly and magical". Metal Squadron. 11 April 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  2. Chantler, Chris (23 May 2016). "New Noise: Wytch Hazel". Metal Hammer. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  3. Mader, Mattias. "Wytch Hazel – Surrender and the Truth MLP". HRRecords.De. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  4. Ashby, Mark (14 April 2016). "Wytch Hazel – Prelude". Planet Mosh. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  5. Varley, Alex (9 March 2016). "Wytch Hazel – Prelude". The Sleeping Shaman. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  6. Sword, Harry (26 April 2016). "Axe Apothecary: An Interview With Wytch Hazel". The Quiteus. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  7. Jorgensen, Eddie (21 April 2016). "Interview: Wytch Hazel Talk New Records, U.K. Prog". Metal Insider. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  8. Valish, Frank (22 April 2016). "Premiere: Wytch Hazel Prelude Album Stream". Under the Radar Magazine. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  9. Latta, Chris (28 October 2020). "Album Review: Wytch Hazel- III: Pentecost". Ghost Cult Magazine. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  10. "Wytch Hazel: Otherworldly and magical". Metal Squadron. 11 April 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  11. Sword, Harry (26 April 2016). "Axe Apothecary: An Interview With Wytch Hazel". The Quietus. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  12. "Vol. 1". Encyclopedia Metallum. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  13. "Borrowed Time / Wytch Hazel". Encyclopedia Metallum. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  14. Rockwell, Andrew. "Wytch Hazel – Prelude". Angelic Warlord. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  15. Druhm, Steel (15 December 2018). "Wytch Hazel – II: Sojourn [Things You Might Have Missed 2018]". Angry Metal Guy. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  16. Perkins, Steve (30 December 2020). "Wytch Hazel – III: Pentecost (2020)". Classic Christian Rock Zine. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  17. Quorton (2 November 2020). "New Release Highlight: Wytch Hazel – III: Pentecostal Review". Ride Into Glory. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  18. Druhm, Steel (30 October 2020). "Wytch Hazel: Wytch Hazel – III: Pentecostal Review". Angry Metal Guy. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  19. Williams, Pete (7 December 2020). "Wytch Hazel – III: Pentecost". Heavy Blog is Heavy. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  20. Hall, Tim (12 April 2016). "Wytch Hazel – Prelude". Kalyr.com. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  21. "Colin Hendra of Wytch Hazel on Christian (Dis)content, Robin Hood outfits, and Valve Amps". Old Man's Mettle. 22 April 2020. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  22. "III: Pentecost, by Wytch Hazel". Wytchhazel.bandcamp.com. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
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