Three piece band URNE are from London, England (UK) and they came together to form their band in 2016, as they are influenced by the likes of METALLICA, MASTODON, DEATH and ALICE IN CHAINS mostly. They would see themselves as a mixture of sludge, doom, hardcore and technical metal, the band are led by vocalist/bassist JOE NALLY, lead guitarist ANGUS NEYRA and on the drums smacking those skins and cymbals is JAMES COOK. They released a single in 2018, two years after forming the band, this same single was featured on their EP which was titled THE MOUNTAIN OF GOLD as this arrived in 2018 also containing four tracks altogether. In 2021 was to be the arrival of their debut album titled SERPENT & SPIRIT which contained eight tracks altogether sounding very heavy metal and full of progressive rock influences as well.

So after the success of their debut album, two years have passed and now the band are ready to release their second album to date titled A FEAST ON SORROW. There are eight tracks on this album as there was on their debut album and their second album has been released through Candlelight Records so let’s take a closer look and see what this album has in store for us. Starting with the first track which is “The Flood Came Rushing In” as a subtle blow is heard before guitar kicks off the album with cymbal hits before the full band comes in with strength and heavy bass toned guitars together with vocals projecting well. There is so much thumping from the drums and guitars even the vocals become melodic at one point, which is a nice touch to this first track of the album.

The lead guitar does play some very nice solo riffs as well, with drums supporting them and as the track progresses, the tempo does vary as this allows each instrument to go faster and then slow down for more clarity. The next track “To Die Twice” comes in with lead guitar and drums cutting straight through the mix like a knife, as vocals roar and speak aggressively. So much devastation and doom from all the instrumentation in this track as we hear so much of the heavy rock side of guitars and drums, vocals do add so much of a bite and crunch. Lead guitar once more gets more time for its own solo work as well as drums punching their way through before an ominous soundscape gives way to the next track which is “A Stumble Words”.

A gradual crescendo as lead guitar plays a mid range riff as an intro and drums slowly creep in with a buildup of glorious rhythm. Lead guitar and drums take the front seat from here on and even some accenting is such a cool way of creating a vibe that makes you want to headbang to or tap your foot. Vocals do eventually find their way, as there are some nice articulations with cymbal strikes and vocals gritting their teeth as they sing so ferociously and without stepping on the toes of the other instrumentation. A short pause before we go from whispering vocals and then the full unison of the band is back to terrorise the listener as we hear evil vocals too. A repeat of the guitar intro sound we heard is what brings us into the next track as we come to “The Burden”.

Drums and guitar begin the fourth track, bass guitar can be heard as well, it is certainly vital that bass guitar can be heard as this brings out the heavy rock and lower end of the audio spectrum as it should sound. Vocals come back tearing through the tracks mix with its gnashing teeth and pulse racing drums adds so much of nasty or doom metal twist to the track. Even a short crescendo on drums comes at an interesting time, but does well to pave the way for the next track which is “Becoming Of The Ocean”. So the clattering of drums and hardcore attitude of guitars comes first as vocals continue to sweep the listener off their feet as an attacking drum pattern combines with guitars to feed the vocals as they speak clearly before lead guitar has a solo riff again.

Drums expand their part in this track with some soloistic movements and then a much faster and pulsating section is at hand as we head on into the next track which is “A Feast On Sorrow”. A short piano motif can be heard and then it is back to business for the drums and guitars to show their inner self as vocals are literally so versatile as we hear the contrast between the more subtle vocal part and the harsher vocal part that packs a punch. The melodic solo as well from lead guitar is fantastic and very much a great contribution to the track before we hear a breakdown section for drums to solo with lead guitar as one unit, as vocals come back again.

The breakdown section was just an absolute masterclass in musicianship from lead guitar and drums as well as bass guitar. As the closing outro has guitar leading us into the next track which is “Peace”, a short one minute soundscape as a voice can be heard in the distance. Guitar can be heard but it plays so quietly and this is a nice way of bringing in the final track of this wonderful album. The final track is “The Long Goodbye, Where Do The Memories Go?” as we hear melodic guitar and drums opening as a prolonged guitar ring allows drums to play dynamically and take the spotlight for now. Vocals do come in after a minute and then drums breaks down the barrier with faster rhythms and attack in the most vicious manner.

Lead guitar has a short solo part to play later on in the track, there is also a percussive pattern lurking in the background at one point as a backing vocal part is active too. Then the lead vocal part comes back in with such filth and cunning ideas as the tempo slows down to give drums another opportunity to produce some soloistic patterns and cymbal hits. Then vocals sing more in a mellow manner and lead guitar strums along, as drums give their full backing, as we approach the end of this album, we hear more melodic guitar solo work. This is such a great way of closing the album and drums set the path for vocals and lead guitar to follow until vocals and subtle guitar play the closing outro.

So there you have it, the band’s second album and of course I couldn’t have been more delighted with what I heard, everything that was done in terms of the instrumentation, the arrangement and tone of each track was epic. I can certainly recommend these guys if you do find yourself looking for a big heavy rock and metal mania to endure as I am sure you will enjoy this album as much as I did. I look forward to hearing more from these guys and I salute the band members for doing such a good job on this album.