Wytch Hazel | |
---|---|
![]() Wytch Hazel performing at Hell Over Hammaburg in 2019 | |
Background information | |
Also known as | Jerusalem (2011–2012) [1] |
Origin | Lancaster, England |
Genres | Hard rock, [2] heavy metal, [3] folk metal, [4] Christian metal [5] |
Years active | 2012–present |
Labels | Bad Omen, Prosthetic |
Members |
|
Wytch Hazel are 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 was formed in 2011. [8] [9] Originally, the band went with the name Jerusalem, which was already taken. [10] Wytch Hazel began with Colin Hendra on guitars and vocals, Josh Winnard on guitars, Cornelius Corkery on bass, and Aaron Hay on drums. In 2012, the band independently released their debut EP, The Truth. [11] The band released two split releases in 2012, Vol. 1 with Asmovel, Eliminator, and Ascalon, and Borrowed Time / Wytch Hazel with Borrowed Time. [12] [13] By the time the band began to write and record their debut album, the lineup had changed, with Hendra and Corkery remaining and Winnard and Hay departing. [10] Winnard's replacement, Matt Gatley, also departing by 2015. Guitarist Alex Haslam joined the band in 2015 and Jack Spencer took over Hay in 2013. In 2016, the band released their debut album, Prelude, through Bad Omen Records. [4] [5] [14] In 2018, the band recorded and released their sophomore album, II: Sojourn, also through Bad Omen. It was well received. [15] In 2020, the band released their third album, III: Pentecost, highly praised by several reviewers. [9] [16] [17] [18] [19]
Founding member Colin Hendra states that Iron Maiden is one of the band's influences. [20] Alex Haslam 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]
Studio albums
EPs
Splits
Compilations