Urne: The Spirit, Alive
To refer to a metal band in this day and age as a best kept secret feels like an oxymoron. Not least because secret implies the use of whispers and hushed tones and a metal band of any stature is anything other than quiet. However, it appears that URNE have been flying under the radar for several years now, being revered within the underground but have as yet, been unable to break through into the limelight. URNE are arguably the most exciting thing in the UK scene at the moment. They’ve struck upon a formula that is compelling and accessible.
When discussing the new album and the wider setting in which URNE find themselves. It’s clear through vocalist Joe Nally that they are a band passionate about music. Individually, Joe explains “I’m the big soul guy in the band, I was very lucky with my musical upbringing. Angus [Neya, guitars], he has a Filipino background but his dad was a big acid rock fan. We’re a band that love a variety of music and want to include as much as possible.”
With this eclectic influence providing a foundation, it’s easy to understand how they are able to create heavy music with such wide-ranging appeal. When it comes to metal though, Joe is as fervent a fan as he is of soul. Understanding the roots of the genre, the elements that made it wildly popular in the first instance. Recognising how the contemporary scene doesn’t always rate the legacy artists that form the bedrock of where the scene is now. Vehemently explaining, “too many modern artists focus on the immediate sounds or pick a specific artist to sound like and come across as a poor imitation. There are bands that have been going for forty odd years and we need to recognise that while also looking forward.” This combination has enabled them to develop a fresh, exhilarating sound that has won them critical acclaim and they can count names such as GOJIRA’s Joe Duplantier and MASTADON’s Troy Sanders among their admirers.
With this kind of support, it would be easy for a band to let the kudos lead to over confidence. However, Joe is humble, with zero trace of an ego as we discuss the current feedback. “Every review so far has been mental.” With an air of almost disbelief at the wider recognition that URNE are now getting. Joe continues, “with us it’s about the music, the songs that is the main thing, and I think that perhaps we’ve been a bit unlucky so far, I mean we are a good band but perhaps we’re a bit unlucky to not be a bit further along.” There’s not a trace of false humility or woe is me at the fact that it has taken the time that it has for URNE to reach this stage. Nor is there any self-smugness when Joe states the fact “that whale there is a lot of self-doubt, we can’t be too bad if we’re getting picked up by the likes of GOJIRA.” This authentic nature runs all the way through to the music of URNE and it’s what fans have connected with so readily.
A key part of the band’s story is confidence but that confidence comes from the hard work in the background. “I’ve been at this for some time,” Joe explains. “My path has been a bit different and it’s a shame that we haven’t been on tour with the big in crowds. But working with Joe Duplantier on the previous record and going out with GOJIRA for some shows falling that was so good for our confidence.”
When it comes to writing, this conviction in what they do gets to find an outlet. The previous album, A Feast On Sorrow, was conceptually a very dark album and had a focus on mortality. As Joe puts it, “for personal reasons it was lyrically very dark, the artwork was very bleak.” Setting Fire to The Sky represents a bold opposite to this. If the predecessor was a memento mori, the new record is a celebration of life. “It’s bright, it’s uplifting, I had the vision of the artwork. I wanted to send a photographer up the top of the alps, there’ll be fire sticks. People looked at me like I was mad, and I was saying trust me it’ll look great!” While that may not have come to fruition, the artwork created by painter Dan Zollinger encapsulates the power that Joe was looking for.
For those familiar with the URNE sound will not be disappointed to know that the new album features big beefy riffs that have become part of their DNA. The creation is collaborative and this allows for them to draw together a formidable sound. As Joe explains, “with a lot of bands it’s down to one person, this can lead to only a singular vision being heard. What’s great with how we work, is it’s me and Angus who write the riffs together.” This togetherness is the keystone of URNE. They come across as an underdog band, a group working tirelessly together to create the best music they can and deliver on all fronts. Joe is excited when he discusses the mood in the band. “Our relationship in the band is in an amazing place and everything works right.”
What next for URNE following the release of this hotly anticipated album? Joe is determined that Setting Fire to The Sky is only going to spur them on. “This is the album where we’ve got a clear vision, but I already know what the next one is going to be.” Predictably more dedicated hard work, “We’re trying our best to get to as many places and play as many shows as possible. We’re gonna work so hard to make it happen.”
Setting Fire To The Sky is out now via Spinefarm Records. View this interview, alongside dozens of other killer bands, in glorious print magazine fashion in DS127 here:
For more information on URNE like their official page on Facebook.