Wytch Hazel
Wytch Hazel is an English hard rock and heavy metal band that originated in 2011. The band is currently signed to Bad Omen Records. History. Wytch Hazel is an English hard rock band that started in 2011. Originally, the band went with the name Jerusalem, which of course, had already been taken. Wytch Hazel began with the lineup of Colin Hendra on guitars and vocals, Josh Winnard on guitars, Cornelius Corkery on bass, and Aaron Ray on drums. In 2012, the band released their debut EP, titled "The Truth", which came out independently. 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. 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 Ray departing, as well as Winnard's replacement Matt Gatley, also departing by 2015. Alex Haslam joined the band in 2015 on guitars, with Jack Spencer taking over Ray's position in 2013. In 2016, the band released their debut album, titled "Prelude", which was released through Bad Omen  Records. 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. In 2020, the band released their third album, "III: Pentecost", which was highly praised by several reviewers. Influences, style, and beliefs. Founding member Colin Hendra states that Iron Maiden is one of the band's influences. 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. 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. Hendra states that he is a Christian, Corkery is a Roman Catholic, and Winnard and Spencer are Agnostics. The theme is very present in a majority of their songs, with many reviewers pointing this out.