Since their emergence from London’s vibrant metal scene, Urne have carved a distinctive path through the world of heavy music. Their third full-length, Setting Fire To The Sky, arrives amid considerable anticipation, promising to elevate their already formidable reputation. Urne formed in 2016 and the members brought together a potent fusion of experience and ambition. Their debut, Serpent and Spirit (2021), established Urne as a force to be reckoned with, blending sludge, groove, and progressive metal elements. The follow-up, A Feast on Sorrow (2023), deepened their sonic palette, introducing more melodic and dynamic shifts. Over time, Urne have become known for their willingness to experiment while retaining a core of crushing heaviness and emotional resonance.
Urne’s sound is a beguiling mix of genres: sludge’s weight, groove metal’s swagger, and the intricacy of progressive metal. Their music is defined by tight, muscular riffing, dexterous basslines, and thundering drums. Yet, what truly sets Urne apart is their ability to weave melody through the tumult, creating moments of catharsis amid the chaos. Their voice is uniquely their own; epic yet personal, brutal yet beautiful.
The album opens with “Be Not Dismayed”, a brooding, atmospheric intro consisting of acoustic guitar before it quickly erupts into a barrage of guitars and pummeling drums complete with infectious groove. Joe Nally’s vocals oscillate between guttural roars and soaring cleans, setting the tone for the journey ahead. The music shifts effortlessly from relentless heaviness to a haunting, melodic bridge. The track brilliantly establishes the album’s mood and showcases Urne’s mastery of dynamics.
“Weeping To The World” leans into the band’s groove metal roots. The main riff drives the song forward with muscular swagger and an explosive presence. The vocal style here is poignant, focusing on brooding cleans and anguished cries. The guitar work shines, weaving intricate leads through the track’s dense rhythmic framework.
If you like what we do, consider joining us on Patreon for as little as £1 per month!
“The Spirit Alive” is a sprawling, ambitious centrepiece. An ominous opening gradually builds into a cathartic and melodically grand chorus that balances fury with despair. The drumming drives the band through complex time changes whilst the guitar solo spirals and flies. The title track commands your attention and allegiance without question. Progressive aggression and mid-tempo groove stomps drive the track forward with unrelenting fury, whilst the interplay between melody and ferocity demonstrates Urne’s ability to craft songs that are as catchy as they are crushing.
With “The Ancient Horizon”, Urne delve into darker, more atmospheric territory. The song slowly builds, layering foreboding textures and complex compositions with emotive cleans and tormented growls until it erupts into an intricate guitar solo. This track certainly stands out for its cinematic scope and emotional depth. “Towards the Harmony Hall” explodes with thunderous grandeur and sinister riffs. The band’s chemistry is on full display with each member contributing to the song’s muscular ebb and flow. Heavy on their groove metal tendencies with chugging riffs, slamming basslines and rampaging drums, the instrumental interplay here is particularly impressive with subtle shifts in tempo and mood.
“Harken The Waves” features a guest spot from Mastodon’s vocalist Troy Sanders, a slow-burning monster of a track at over nine minutes long. It is characterised by mournful, churning melodies and crushing heaviness. Sanders and Nally’s vocals blend with one another to create an alluring yet unforgiving dynamic. The song’s structure is unconventional, taking the form of a narration rather than a traditional verse-chorus pattern. It’s powerful as the band layers harmonies and textures with stunning guitar work and thunderous energy. Finally, the album draws to a conclusion with “Breathe” featuring acclaimed cellist and composer extraordinaire Jo Quail. The track is both melancholic and thought-provoking, building to an emotive and climactic crescendo before gradually fading out.
Compared to Serpent and Spirit, Setting Fire To The Sky feels both more focused and more expansive. Where the previous album explored grief and rage with raw intensity, the new record refines these emotions, offering greater nuance and a broader emotional palette. The songwriting is tighter, the production more polished, and the band’s willingness to experiment is matched by a newfound sense of cohesion. Urne continue to push the boundaries of their sound but do so with an assurance that speaks to their growth as artists.
Setting Fire To The Sky is a triumph for Urne; a record that balances ferocity with finesse, and introspection with catharsis. The band’s evolution is evident in every aspect, from the ambitious songwriting to the emotional depth of the performances. Each track offers a unique perspective, while the whole stands as proof of the enduring power of heavy music. For fans of modern metal, this album is not just recommended; it’s essential listening. Urne have set their sights high, and with Setting Fire To The Sky, they have truly ignited the sky.
Don’t fancy Patreon? Buy us a one-off beverage!
Setting Fire To The Sky is out on January 30th via Spinefarm Records.
Check out all the bands we review in 2026 on our Spotify and YouTube
Urne: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | spotify | bandcamp | youtube
