With the release date of April 19th nearing, Uragh’s debut album, Maelstrom is going to be a massive treat for not only metal fans but for fans that like their music heavy and edgy. Uragh has masterfully blended progressive and alternative metal with intense emotional depth. That depth also applies to the members of Uragh. With Craig Murphy on vocals, Marcelo Varge on guitar, Sebastian Sparr on bass, and Jason Hodgkins on drums, Maelstrom is intricate in its compositions and smartly explores emotions through its lyrics.
With its commanding presence, “Monarch” immediately grabs ones attention with its brutal riffs and demonic (harsh) vocals from Craig. From here on out, Maelstrom is fast, furious and aggressive.
What I like about Uragh is they are not one note. Maelstrom could have easily been an album of harsh vocals, heavy riffs, and blast beats, but the four piece create an atmosphere of brutal and beautiful melodies and harmonies.
Two moments of stunning beauty that stand out are the bass interlude “Gewissensbiss” and “Ar An Trá Fholamh.” The latter sung in Gaelic is quiet, reflective, and haunting. Meanwhile their single, “The Widening Gyre” balances heavy instrumentation with poignant lyrics that creates a powerful emotional connection to the soul.
Driven by aggression and fueled by the intensity of all four members, “Capsize” may be the shining star of Maelstrom. It’s equal parts heavy in music and vocals, but it’s perhaps the bridge that is the best part of the song. The thundering bassline and haunting vocals permeate through one’s being.
Clocking in at ten minutes and twenty-six seconds, the closing track, “Mo Dhia Maith,” opens with a riffy bass line before delving into a heavy, mesmerising journey that showcases the band’s musical depth and Craig’s vocal depth between harsh and clean vocals.
Behind the scenes, Uragh‘s writing and recording process involved each member contributing their talents to shape the album’s sound. Recorded in Belfast’s JSR studio with producer Josh Robinson, Uragh worked tirelessly to create a thick, multilayered sound that they’re proud to call their own.
Maelstrom is not only a testament to Uragh’s talent and ambition, but proof that heavy can be harmonious, melodic,and still retain its power to melt one’s ears!
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Monarch,”Gewissensbiss,” “The Widening Gyre,” “Capsize,” “Ar An Trá Fholam,” “El Cazado,” “Mo Dhia Maith”
