URN is one the Finnish underground's best-kept secrets. The band has been purveyors of blackened thrash since 1994. Now with a new line-up pulled together by frontman/bassist Sulphur, URN is back with the acidic style of the past, and epic, traditional heavy metal sound.

Around almost every corner of the album is an anthem. While the songs are relatively simple, they are potent due to there being no filler on any track. Here's a band that can edit! "Hail the King" opens with a little drum solo from Revenant. There's a demonic vocal performance from Sulphur, and MÖTÖRHEAD-like, driving riffs from TooLoud. The latter also lets fly with a great solo, which is super-speedy, yet precise. "Morbid Black Sorrow" is a mid-tempo number with a soaring riff in the chorus that's sure to linger in my mind. The riffs bubble over, and make for an interesting contrast with the staccato drum beats. The acoustic riffs are a pleasant surprise and add to a feeling of upliftment in the song.

The good stuff keeps coming with "Sons of the Northern Star", a faster track with an infectious harmonized chorus. The vocal phrasing gives an impression of a warlike people, while the guitar solo is like water running over stones. The beginning and end of the track are tied together well with a repeat of the grinding solo and thrashy rhythm riffs. "Wolves of Radiation" is a haunting track, with riffs that burn into the mind. Here, the vocals are a vehicle for human emotion, as are the melancholy, arpeggiated riffs. The solo is moving, and sweeps through a series of highs and lows. As for the closing track, "The Burning", the word "epic" is definitely fitting here. The powerful tom fills with high guitar notes build anticipation, and the unexpected clean chorus reminds me of old-school heavy metal in a good way. Poignant, slow clean riffs give a sense of sorrow. The track ends with a slow phrasing of the title, which makes for an effective ending.

I could honestly write about all 10 tracks on this stellar offering from URN. The new lineup has shown their mettle, and I can't help but say that I'm impressed. This album is a triumphant return after a 9-year absence of releases.