Fox Reviews Rock

Introduction

Wytch Hazel is a rock band known for blending classic 1970s rock, traditional heavy metal, and folk influences into a uniquely uplifting sound. Often featuring medieval themes, spiritual lyricism, and melodic guitar harmonies.

Formed in Lancashire the band has built a passionate following through both their studio albums and dynamic live performances. With each release, Wytch Hazel continues to refine their vintage-inspired style while carving out a distinctive place in modern rock.

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Interview

Band Origins & Evolution

At what stage in the band’s journey did you realise you had something special?

Wytch Hazel – I think perhaps, it was fairly early on — maybe even before we’d ‘earned it’! I always had this sense that the songs had something going for them. The moment it became real was probably when we played our first few shows and people reacted really well. That was the moment of: “Oh… this isn’t just in my head – people actually like this too!”

And then of course when ‘Prelude’ came out, a slightly wider scene than just the ‘underground’ picked it up, that sealed it — we realised we weren’t just shouting into the void. We had the backing of a record label who believed in us at that stage.

Looking back at Prelude, what obvious differences can you see between your sound then and now? Were the changes intentional? Would you revisit anything?

Wytch Hazel – The biggest shift is confidence and identity. On ‘Prelude’, I was still figuring out how to write Wytch Hazel songs – the ideas were there, but the delivery was rougher, more frantic, less refined.

Over the years the sound has become more refined, fuller, and more focused on craft. My voice has settled into itself, the guitar work is more intentional, and the production has become a huge part of the atmosphere.

Some of the changes in albums after Prelude came from just becoming a better musician and songwriter. Others – like leaning more into three part harmony, acoustic textures, and more spacious arrangements – were conscious decisions.

In terms of revisiting anything from Prelude – absolutely I would – there are riffs and motifs I’d love to rework now with what we’ve learned since. I like the idea of repurposing old ideas if they still shine – but this might actually be something more for an acoustic album in the future!

Local Scene & Influences

Could you give us a heads up about amazing bands local to Lancaster?

Wytch Hazel – Yes! Lancaster’s got a good scene: there’s the now legendary ‘Massive Wagons’, there’s our very own guitarist Alex who has his acoustic project: ‘Stringman’. There are even other Heavy Metal bands like Eliminator, who originate from Lancaster.

You clearly have influences like Wishbone Ash, Jethro Tull, etc. How do you honour them while evolving your own sound?

Wytch Hazel – I think you honour influences the same way you honour parents: you listen to them… and then you grow into your own person!

I don’t want to imitate those bands — that would be lifeless. Instead, I try to catch the spirit of what moved me: melody, harmony, sincerity, and storytelling. Then I filter that through my own worldview and limitations. Limitations are actually great — they force creativity I think.

Fantasy & Mythical Themes

If Wytch Hazel were characters in a fantasy film, what armour and weapons would each member have? What would your quest be?

Wytch Hazel – Me (Colin) — A Paladin Knight with a longsword engraved with hymns. I’d be the reluctant leader with way too many moral dilemmas.

Alex — A Heavy plate armoured Elf with a Magic Longbow.

Andy — A White Warlock with lightning powers.

Aaron — A Golden Axe Wielding Dwarf – The tank of the party.

If you had to pick a mythical beast to portray the band, what would it be and why?

Wytch Hazel – Probably something like one of the giant eagles from LOTR. Majestic and a sort of sacred help in a time of need! A hybrid of influences:  a part Tolkien, part Revelation-esque creature. Would also probably look great as a T-Shirt design!

Album-Specific Questions

On II: Sojourn, in “The Devil Is Here” — if you could ask the devil anything, what would it be?

Wytch Hazel – Probably: “Why do you bother?” That’s the real question. Why wage war on something you already know the ending of? There’s a strange tragedy in that.

Your 2020 album featured “I Am Redeemed” — what’s the background on that tune?

Wytch Hazel – ‘I Am Redeemed’ initially came out of one of those moments where the emotion arrives before the song. It wasn’t so much of an intellectual thing — it was a ‘feeling’, and I just sort of ‘followed’ it. Lyrically I wanted to write both about the nature of Christian redemption and Human regret/conviction/battling.

There’s this Truth but then there’s a response and how that works out practical terms. I think the song goes back and forth between those two ideas a lot. It’s now our biggest song I think, so it must be something that other people are relating to, which is really cool!

If each of you had to pinpoint one person who inspired your favourite music, who would it be?

Colin – Ian Anderson – his song writing has been transformative for me.
For the others, I’d guess (not speaking on their behalf):

Andy – most likely Ritchie Blackmore!

Aaron – probably something heavy and classic like John Bonham.

Alex – someone like Tommy Emmanuel or Billy Strings.

What has the feedback been since V: Lamentations came out?

Wytch Hazel – It’s been overwhelming in the best way. Some people have called it our most emotional and mature record, which is funny because it felt very raw and instinctive while making it. A lot of listeners have said it connected to them personally — that’s honestly the highest compliment.

How do you decide which songs to release as singles? Does it cause arguments?

Wytch Hazel – It’s a mix of instinct and label input. We usually know which songs have that immediate “single” energy — concise, memorable, good representation of the album’s tone.
Does it cause arguments?
Not usually. We’re pretty united on that front. Any disagreements are more along the lines of “Is this the second single… or the third?”

Live Shows & Touring

Any places you’d love to play but haven’t yet?

Wytch Hazel – Yeah loads! Japan would be amazing, and also South America, the passion there is legendary! I’d love to do a proper Canadian tour one day. Too many places to list really!

Fun / Personal Questions

If the band cooked me dinner, what would your specialty dish be?

Wytch Hazel – A hearty medieval feast, obviously.
Roast chicken, root vegetables, fresh bread, and something overly ambitious Alex insists on slow-cooking for eight hours. Followed by me over-thinking the seasoning!

Are there any songs you’ve written that still surprise you?

Wytch Hazel – “Archangel.”
I look at it and think: Where did that come from? Who wrote that?
Sometimes songs arrive almost fully formed, and you just try not to get in the way. Those are the ones that feel like they’re given to you rather than written.

All rights to the songs in this interview are retained by Wytch Hazel. This site claims no rights over them. All images were provided by Wytch Hazel. The images are by Elly Lucas.