back in 2012: Wytch Hazel - "The Truth"

Recently, I have been studying the 2012 debut EP titled The Truth by the British band vintage heavy metal band Wytch Hazel. According to the information found on Metal Archives, the EP was released independently. This time around, I would first like to focus on the second song on the EP, the title track. Second, I would like to share with you, dear reader, some information that I think you may find of interest, given that this particular band elicits reactions of surprise and curiosity. It is common to ask or wonder whence this music really originates. Therefore, I believe that it may be illuminating to hear from the band how this music went from being an idea in the mind of Colin Hendra to being brought to life. To put it in simple terms, Wytch Hazel makes people ask questions because (1) the music sounds like it is from another time, you could say, and (2) the songwriting is very memorable, paired with lyrics based on the Bible, as well as the band wearing what most people seem to consider medieval clothing of some type, perhaps battle-like clothing or something along those lines.

Lyrics for the song "The Truth."

Able judge of Joy

He will save, destroy

It forever more

It's your mess he bore

Beware Satan he

Will entagle thee

Purify your heart

Oh how wise thou art

You'll bow down, surrender now

It's your life, so sacrifice

Time is running short

Let no truth distort

It is pure and bare

For he loves thee so

Unto death he'll go

There's no greater thing

Oh tis why I sing

Damn you Satan, slave to you I'll never be

Fight the Gospel, of truth you will never see

COMMENTARY on the song "The Truth"

As you see above, there is a lot of contemplation going on, even though the lyrics are pretty straightforward. Wytch Hazel’s songwriting often reflects a thoughtful approach. Vocally, the song is warm and heartfelt, with a style that is gentle and confident. One doesn't get the feeling of vocal aggression, but that doesn't mean that listeners won't feel the conviction of the singing. The melodies are gentle and also memorable, sounding very smooth, and fitting very well with the overall feel of the song. (Well, maybe a bit of aggression, as there is a tiny bit of screaming!)

The guitars on "The Truth" feature that vintage tone, that vibe that makes people do a double take, that makes people think of classic folk and rock sounds. The rhythm section remains pretty steady, with a moderate tempo that fosters a feeling of calm in some way. The bass is a warm, grounding presence, while the drums keep a simple, unobtrusive beat. I would say that the measured rhythm section allows the focus to remain on the lyrical and melodic elements.

Overall, in my view, "The Truth" creates an atmosphere of introspection. It combines sincere vocals, warm guitar, and a gentle rhythm to evoke a sense of spiritual yearning. The mood feels peaceful and also uplifting.

THE ORIGINS OF WYTCH HAZEL

One insightful interview that I have come across on the topic of the origins of Wytch Hazel is a 2020 interview with the publication Old Man's Mettle. You could say that the foundations of Wytch Hazel were there early for singer, guitarist, and songwriter Colin Hendra:

I started playing guitar at 15 so that’s nearly 14 years I’ve been playing now! Drums is my main instrument and I’ve been playing since the age of 6. I also had Piano lessons when I was young but I didn’t really work hard like I did with Drums and Guitar! It makes so much difference if you really want to get better, however I do wish I had just worked harder on my piano playing so I could play more proficiently. I wouldn’t say that I was inspired by a particular guitarist at the beginning, I was always more interested in bands and the songs than the players. Iron Maiden was a big influence and was the main reason I wanted to play Electric Guitar!

Colin explained how this all began to take some shape more concretely, and his role in the band.

Wytch Hazel was formed whilst Josh Winnard and I were at university around 2010/2011. The focus was to start a heavy metal band with early music and folk influences. Josh and I were listening to NWOBHM bands and I think Pagan Altar and Ashbury were probably the closest to what we were thinking for Wytch Hazel. I was also influenced by classic rock music too such as Uriah Heep, UFO, Deep Purple etc. One unusual thing for a Heavy Metal band was that as the songwriter, I was getting into Early Music (which sort of covers Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music). Melodically that’s where I was thinking, but stylistically it had to be a proper Heavy Metal band. Dressing sort of Robin Hood meets Knights Templar became the thing and we stuck with it! We self-released a Demo and an EP between 2011 and 2012. We’ve been signed to Bad Omen Records since 2014 and we’ve released two studio albums with them.

We’re fairly unusual in the sense that I have always been the songwriter for the band. This tends to immediately prompt people to ask why any of the members or past members have not been involved in the song writing! I’ve never said that I’m the only one that can write songs, I just think it’s how it’s panned out for us as a band. You’ve got to remember that once you start a band with a sound and style so specific, it’s difficult for someone else to bring something that a.) Isn’t too stylistically different from the original intention of the band or b.) Sounds like a parody of that style. That said I’ve always been open to it but no-one has come up with any songs so far apart from myself! I mean, I’m writing Early Music inspired Classic Hard Rock with lyrics from the bible! The way the band have described has been along the lines of: “this is your creative project really” and “we’ve got our own specific things going on, people should focus on what they’re best at”.

On the topic of The Truth EP's vintage sound, which has been described as charming:

‘Charming’ is a nice way to put it! I think it was more ‘DIY’ and not really knowing what we were doing to be honest! I’m regularly surprised by how many people really like the production on those first two recordings! It’s a matter of taste I suppose. I’ve always tried to make sure the production doesn’t sound too contemporary as I just feel that it wouldn’t age well, whereas a ‘classic’ sounding recording should age much better and it just really goes with the classic rock thing.

The Truth (EP) by Wytch Hazel

https://www.facebook.com/wytchhazel