Urzah unleash second single »Of Decay« taken from the forthcoming debut album »The Scorching Gaze«; out on May 3rd via APF Records!
UK progressive/post-sludge/metalcore group Urzah has released the second single taken from their forthcoming debut album, »The Scorching Gaze«, due out on May 3rd, 2024 via APF Records.
Tracklist:
01. I, Empyrean
02. Lacrimare (Misery’s Shadow)
03. Immateria Noir
04. (Interlude)
05. A Storm Is Ever Approaching
06. The Aesthetic
07. Of Decay
08. Thera I: Sea Of Flames
09. Thera II: Embers Of Descent
Courtesy of PR Trail:
APF Records’ latest signing Urzah deliver a powerful and gargantuan storm of savage riffs on their blistering debut album »The Scorching Gaze«!
Post/progressive sludge metal newcomers Urzah present their fiery debut album »The Scorching Gaze«. After only a few short years of actively recording and gigging, Urzah have set Bristol’s stacked heavy underground scene ablaze and captured the attention of Manchester’s beloved APF Records, home of Desert Storm, Goblinsmoker, The Hyena Kill, Video Nasties et al. Through a commanding and captivating album of complex and wildly fluctuating songs brimming with sharp melodies, Urzah deliver a barrage of dynamic and intricate riffs boasting influences of post-metal, sludge, metalcore and moments of pure surprise.
From the second you hit play, opening track and leading single »I, Empyrean« entices the listener and grabs them by the throat, kick starting a sprawling web of chugging guitars, soaring leads, stabbing bass and commanding powerhouse drumming. Progressive and lengthy cuts such as riff workout »Immateria Noir« sit comfortably alongside the sheer face-melting gut-punch attack »Of Decay«. »The Scorching Gaze« isn’t without brilliant and daring curveballs, including the sweetly nested ballad »The Aesthetic«, lead by contemplative clean guitars and guest vocalist Eleanor Tinlin’s expressive singing. »The Scorching Gaze« is a record guided by thought-provoking lyrics and titles, inspired strongly by both the cosmic horror writings of HP Lovecraft and more directly, the late Cormac McCarthy’s novel »The Crossing«. Akin to these works, Urzah’s songs channel a narrative of inward cerebral odyssey – life’s cycles through desolation and joy, triumph and pain, violence and beauty, as well as the permanency of choice and consequence. All of this culminates in Urzah’s grand finale, the fifteen minute two-part »Thera« suite, where the quartet go balls to the wall, slowing down to a sensational sludgy pace and confronting us with their heaviest and most crushing onslaught of all.
Photo by Naomi Jane Photography
In order to capture more density, texture and sonic space in their sound, Urzah recorded »The Scorching Gaze« with producer, engineer and Phoxjaw guitarist Josh Gallop at his own Stage 2 Studios in Bath. This has resulted in a thickened and balanced soundscape across these winding and complex songs that are always evolving and changing. The quartet have brought in key additional players into the studio space, with Eleanor Tinlin of Choir Noir (who have performed live and recorded with Bring Me The Horizon and Frank Turner) providing dreamy clean vocals, as well as cellist (and bassist of stoner metallers Froglord) Luke Clemenger to lay down sorrowful strings. Topping everything off is the vibrant cover art by the talented Indonesian gig poster and album cover illustrator Putra Satria Nugraha, expertly evoking the tapestry of layers, depths and mysteries that this album holds. »The Scorching Gaze« is a brightly ambitious and rewarding listen that reveals new layers and intricacies through repeat listens, boldly striding its maze of blistering riffs, dynamic song structures and flaming intensity.
»The Scorching Gaze« will be released on May 3rd on CD, Cassette Tape and Digital formats by APF Records.
But it from:
APF Records: apfrecords.co.uk/bands/urzah
Bandcamp: urzahband.bandcamp.com
Formed in 2020 just before the pandemic hit, Urzah have persevered to become an exciting live spectacle across the south of the UK. As early as their second live performance, Urzah supported US stoner metal heavyweights Bongzilla, and have also shared the stage with the likes of OHHMS, Grave Lines, Tuskar, Dopelord, Acid Throne, Made Of Teeth and more. The band have also appeared at Stoomfest, Abyssal Fest and reached the grand finale of Bloodstock’s Metal 2 The Masses. Urzah will soon be announcing headlining UK dates in support of this album.
FFO: Cult Leader, Elder, Converge, Gojira, Cave In.
Credits:
Written, composed and performed by Urzah.
Additional vocals by Eleanor Tinlin (tracks 1, 2 & 6).
Cello arranged and performed by Luke Clemenger (tracks 6 & 8).
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Josh Gallop at Stage 2 Studios, Bath.
Cover artwork by Putra Satria Nugraha.
Art direction, layout and logo by Ed Fairman.
Urzah are:
James Brown – Drums
Ed Fairman – Vocals and Guitar
Les Grodek – Bass
Tom McElveen – Guitar
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well