Formed in Bristol, back in 2020 just before the pandemic hit, progressive sludge metal band Urzah have a new single out in ‘Infernal Star’ ahead of their second album, A Tranquil Void, due 5th June through APF Records.
‘Infernal Star I’ reflects on the power of memory and connection to cast light in the darkness of a vast and uncharted universe. You can listen to the track here and check out the video here at RAMzine.
Intensely collaborative and productive in their writing process, Urzah released the EPs Urzah I (2020) and Urzah II (2022) in quick succession, then 2024’s debut album The Scorching Gaze on APF Records and have played live headlining, in support, and at festivals.
Their forward-looking sound combines the abrasive elements of punk and post-hardcore with atmospheric post-metal passages and soaring melodies.
A Tranquil Void is said to mark a defining moment for the band. Conceptually, this and their debut album function as a visual, musical and thematic diptych; where The Scorching Gaze burned brightly with the rage and destruction of an erupting volcano, their new LP captures the cathartic, contemplative still that follows. It is also said to draw inspiration “from both personal introspection and awe in the face of the vast cosmos”.
Pushing Urzah’s sound even further, the record combines brutal riffs, complicated meter and searing guitar tone with deeper explorations of space, dynamics and atmosphere, incorporating folk influences and drones built from cello and guitar. 13-minute album closer ‘Entwined, Twisted Roots Of Chaos’ apparently finds the band at their most ambitious; across multiple interlocking sections, enriched by guest vocals from friends in the Bristol scene, the song builds from a haunting whisper to a planet-obliterating roar.
A Tranquil Void features Ed Fairman and Tom McElveen on vocals and guitars, Dan Bradley on bass and James Brown on drums; cello was provided by Luke Clemenger, and additional vocals from Dave Cook (Empire Of Dust), Chris Wilson (Row Of Ashes) and Victoria Bourne (The Spark’s Desire). It was recorded at Stage 2 Studios in Bath in November last year and produced, mixed and mastered by Josh Gallop.
Tracks featured are: ‘At The Mouth Of The Cave’, ‘The Call Beneath’, ‘Infernal Star I’, ‘Infernal Star II’, ‘Bark & Branches’, ‘In The Mouth Of The Wolf’, ‘Hunter In The Veil’ (which will be the band’s second single) and ‘Entwined, Twisted Roots Of Chaos’. It will feature album artwork by Indonesian artist Putra Satria Nugraha and can be ordered through APF Records here and Bandcamp.
To celebrate the release of their new album, Urzah will host a launch party at Exchange Bristol on Saturday 25th July with a specially curated lineup of guests in Hundred Year Old Man, Mountainscape and Dead Space Chamber Music. The band also has a number of live dates around the UK planned through to August.
URZAH LIVE DATES
Saturday 28th March – Hitchin, Club 85
Saturday 23rd May – Bristol, Loco Klub (Temple of Doom festival)
Friday 29th May – Bath, The Bell
Wednesday 10th June – Portsmouth, Edge of the Wedge
Thursday 11th June – Brighton, The Pipeline
Friday 12th June – Kent, Poco Loco, Chatham
Saturday 13th June – London, The Devonshire Arms, Camden
Friday June 26th – Newport, McCann’s Rock N Ale Bar
Sunday June 28th – Torquay, Arena
Saturday 25th July – Bristol Album Launch Party, Exchange
Saturday 1st August – Chelmsford – Bay Days Festival
