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URNE “Setting Fire To The Sky”
URNE “Setting Fire To The Sky”
By Iron Sheik
URNE is spitting flames with their latest release “Setting Fire To The Sky”. Hailing from London the fire starters are Joe Nally on bass, Angus Neya on guitar and James Cook on drums. I had never heard of these guys before this promo came my way for review. Heavy, thrash, death, melodic, and progressive are the waters these guys tread with a bit of hardcore mixed in that will appeal to fans of METALLICA, SLAYER, PANTERA, and MACHINE HEAD.
URNE has most definitely lit the fuse of the future fire above in a melodic aggressive approach with “Setting Fire To The Sky”. The album opens like a classic 80s thrash album with “Be Not Dismayed”, acoustic guitar intro and all. It quickly evolves ala “Fight Fire With Fire” or even “Battery”. Make no mistake, this band finds themselves on the fringes of hardcore and death metal, and I doth sense some progressive elements which is not a bad thing. Some of the riffs bring to mind SLAYER. It all plays to the band's strengths. URNE is kicking and screaming their way into 2026 with this newest slab of melodic brutality.
Heavy, aggressive and unrelenting may define the album, but that opener not only was an opening of greatness but a welcoming 80s homage. Across the first four tracks URNE blazes a trail in an unrelenting pace. By track five “The Ancient Horizon” they slow the pace albeit it is still as pummeling with progressive elements. Similar can be said about “Towards The Harmony Hall” but with a “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)” feel to it. First single “Harken The Waves” is next and is a nine minute epic ride that has a three minute instrumental opening. Dual vocals also track here with Troy Sanders of Mastodon. This now sets us up for the ending “Breathe”, of the regular edition, or with “Nocturnal Forms” on the bonus edition. After surfing the waves with Troy we are able to Breathe. Excellent acoustic outro that includes piano with a “Planet Caravan” by BLACK SABBATH flair. With bonus track Nocturnal Forms it is the last ember of a heavy finish to the fire.
URNE's “Setting Fire To The Sky” is searing its way into 2026. Albums that go all over the heavy music spectrum like “Setting Fire…” does have a certain appeal to me. This album pounds, and even in its lightest moments still pummels the listener. A great way to start the new year! Every part that makes the whole is played to great strengths, and URNE kill it masterfully with a well polished heavy mix of styles while incorporating melody and aggression. Scorching and lofty, let the fire burn your ears!
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