18th April 2024

Review: “Maelstrom” by Uragh

“This album happened out of the blue … just a few months ago, we would never have dreamt about making an entire album, but somehow we got to this place. We are proud of what we have achieved – irrespective of how many people hear it or like it – to us it means the world; our own humble bit of artistic immortality. It’s a work of passion and determination, and if it means just a little bit to a few of you out there, we couldn’t be happier.” ~ Craig Murphy, vocals

Hailing from Dublin Ireland and citing influences as wide ranging as Gojira, Sepultura and Cynic, Progressive Metal outfit Uragh burst onto the scene in February 2023 and progressed all the way to the final of the Metal 2 the Masses competition for a chance to play the New Blood stage at Bloodstock. Narrowly missing out to Hardcore titans LaVein, the band turned their attention to committing their first single to tape in “Decimate” with Josh Robinson (Archives, Neon Empire, Survivalist) at JSR Studio in Belfast which premiered in June 2023. Not prepared to go down without a fight, rather than begin work on an EP the band took the songs that comprised their live set alongside a few others and went the whole hog, recording a full length debut album titled “Maelstrom“…

…In truth, without knowing it at the time, the writing process for the album actually began before vocalist Craig Murphy was part of the project, evidenced by a trio of demos from late 2022 floating around in cyberspace. Two of those tracks, which feature guitarist Marcelo Varge, drummer Jason Hodgkins and bassist Sebastian Sparr have been reworked and appear here, the first being crushing opening cut “Monarch“. Giving the bass prominence in the mix so it becomes almost a rhythm guitar, the quartet pack a Groove Metal orientated punch with a powerful rhythmic dynamic. An almost ambient passage adds a touch of Post-Metal feel that sends a shiver down the spine and there are hints at Progressive Metal leanings throughout, the influences at times bleeding through the bandages. Building another burning atmospheric, the bone snapping “Apparition” offers something a little shorter and sharper without straying too far from the left hand path. Hodgkins crisp clean drum sound is immense, giving the record Jamie Graham era Heart Of A Coward vibes with Murphy’s intense vocals resonating on a thoughtful emotional level. Dark and brooding, instrumental interlude piece “Gewissensbiss” (from the German for “Remorse“) captures that feeling perfectly, giving a pause for thought…

… before the powerhouse “The Widening Gyre” finds Varge bringing a mighty fine selection of riffs to the Kings table. Fusing moments of Metallic Hardcore, Deathcore and Death Metal to an adamantium skeleton of Groove Metal, this mighty sea beast rises from the black depths with slick transitions that showcase a dedication to craft that is second to none. The band don’t sound like they were formed in 2022, the sound like a well oiled machine with a decade of aggression under their belts who have complete faith in the vision and the sound they are trying to create. There is a confidence in that which shines through the darkness of the material, especially on the longer cuts like the nine minute surpassing magnum opus that is “Capsize“. Generally speaking, with the odd exception, younger bands don’t tend to want to create a monolithic beast like this one, opting for shorter and more direct cuts. But Uragh defy convention and decimate the weak with engaging and captivating sonic abrasions that leave you feeling like Mike Tyson’s punch bag. When they’re done battering you into oblivion they bring out the nuances with Murphy offering up a couple of beautiful clean sung passages over melodic riffs and funky bass. The interplay between the musicians is wonderful and perfectly balanced, making you wonder just how far they could go if given the time and financial backing. A haunting whispered vocal in Irish Gaelic, “Ar An Trá Fholamh” (or “On An Empty Beach“) feels like poetry in motion, the ambient soundscape that accompanies it sending shivers down the spine once more.

Can a nine minute surpassing magnum opus of a track sound urgent? Absolutely it can and “Regrowth At The Mouth Of Sickness” evidences that in style with thunderous grooves and bouncy bass in the first half that delicately slides into an almost Jazz inspired melodic bridge in the centre. Whispered vocals once again add a haunting feel as the band continue into Progressive Death Metal territory with consummate ease and a tasteful solo; what’s impressive is that everything has its rightful place and there is no fat to be trimmed on the longer cuts. A savage mid tempo chugger “El Cazador” is one of those brutal offerings that has a name with Murphy showing great control in his unclean vocals and not letting emotion take hold. The band favour rhythmic gymnastics over virtuoso solos but have plenty of ideas, the polyrhythms of this one impressing greatly without losing any of the heaviness. Returning to the melodic and some glorious clean vocals, “Mo Dhia Maith” (or “My Good God“) aches as it burns before shifting into heavier sounds in dramatic style. Raw and emotive, Murphy cathartically vents his spleen but not in a woe is me fashion, accompanied by some Machine Head inspired riffs as he roars “Silence speaks more than words!“. Captivating and enthralling without floating too far into the arty abstract, the spoken word in the final third with hints at American accenting is delicately weighted, the monologue on escaping anxiety and depression one that resonates with anyone who has suffered. This isn’t just an album but a piece of art that cries out to be heard… [9/10]

Track Listing