Bristol-based progressive sludge quartet Urzah have released their new single, Hunter in the Veil, from their upcoming new album, A Tranquil Void. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
Formed in 2020, Urzah are Ed Fairman (vocals/guitar), Tom McElveen (vocals/guitar), Dan Bradley (bass), and James Brown (drums).
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According to the band, Hunter in the Veil, "draws on mythic symbolism and elemental imagery to explore cycles of power, death, and renewal. A graceful but menacing feminine presence, the Wolfess, evoked in the track exists between worlds as an archetypal force.
"Death and transformation are portrayed as sacred processes rather than endings, and the sombre outro expresses how our bodily ash returns to the soil and our memories feed rebirth."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Dan: We're Urzah, a progressive sludge band from Bristol. Our sound combines the abrasive elements of punk, doom and post-hardcore with atmospheric post-metal passages and soaring melodies and is inspired by personal experience and awe at the celestial and natural worlds. Our second album, A Tranquil Void, is out on 5th June, which we’re really excited to share with people when we go on tour in mid-June.
How would you describe your music?
Ed: We blend heavy, low-end driven riffs with atmospheric build-ups and shifting, technical structures. Our sound moves between crushing weight and expansive post-metal textures, balancing aggression with layered dynamics to create something dense and deliberate.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Tom: We all have very different beginnings as musicians, but as a band, we first united over a shared interest in acts like Elder, Russian Circles, and Cult of Luna. Bands who all use heaviness, melody and rhythm in unique and interesting ways. I think you can hear a bit of influence from each of those artists in our music today.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
James: PJ Harvey at Brixton Academy in 2004. I was 12 and just discovering alternative music. I left knowing that alternative music would be a huge part of my life.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Dan: A cassette of Pocket Full of Kryptonite by Spin Doctors. I remember buying it from Woolworths when I was 12ish, around the time I was getting fully obsessed with guitar and music. Listening to it as I type my answers, can confirm it still holds up.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Tom: I have a few songs on repeat at the moment: Love Henry by ØXN, Phish Pepsi by Wednesday and Fabienk by Angine de Poitrine.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Ed: "Come sail your ships around me and burn your bridges down" - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Ship Song.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
James: Right In Two by Tool is a strong contender. 10,000 Days was my introduction to progressive metal and I still can't believe the journey that song takes you on. There's a lot of subtlety in the percussion that builds to some of the most immense and creative drumming I've ever heard. It blew my mind as a teenager and continues to blow my mind today.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Tom: People can find our social media, music and upcoming shows at our website.
Alan Corr
