Urne – A Feast on Sorrow (Review)

Urne are a metal band from the UK and this is their second album.

Having loved Urne’s 2021 debut album Serpent & Spirit, it’s safe to assume that A Feast on Sorrow has been one of my most anticipated albums of 2023. I’m very pleased to say that it has not disappointed.

Once again Urne take us on a compelling journey through heaviness, although A Feast on Sorrow offers a different experience than Serpent & Spirit. Crushingly aggressive, yet also achingly emotive, Urne’s new album takes the strengths of its predecessor and turns them darker and angrier. A Feast on Sorrow, as the name might suggest, is driven by pain. It’s a different record to Serpent & Spirit, but one that shares the same DNA. A Feast on Sorrow is more dynamic, filled with more despondent emotion and heartfelt rage, and showcases a band increasingly finding their own voice amidst their influences. There’s a newfound intensity here that’s visceral and sharp.

Powered by furious riffs and structured with impassioned skill, these songs combine atmosphere, brutality, nuance, and hooks with enviable ease. Elements of thrash, doom, hardcore, and sludge metal are all capably combined into a progressive thrash metal work that’s as enjoyable as it is emotive. Urne’s seamless blending of old and new into songs that have a timeless feel is impressive. However, even more impressive is the fact that they seemingly accomplish this while pushing themselves almost to breaking point. This is reflected in the band’s performances. All are notable, but I have to mention two in particular. The first is the drumming, which is much more percussive and varied this time around, (the band now have a new drummer on this album). The second is the vocal delivery in particular; it’s clear from the start that the singer has pushed himself immensely, and his wider-ranging voice drips with feeling throughout.

The production is in some ways rawer than the debut’s, although still highly professional. It highlights Urne’s energy, dynamic power, and emotional weight, allowing for imperfections to bring the songs to life. It contributes to the music’s character and the development of its updated personality when compared to the first record.

A Feast on Sorrow is not Serpent & Spirit 2.0,and that’s to Urne’s credit. Only time will tell which one I end up preferring in the long run, (it’s hard to know at this stage as I’ve listened to Serpent & Spirit so much), but what I can say is that A Feast on Sorrow is a superlative record that’s a more than worthy successor. Urne have produced a record that’s honest, shockingly good, and incredibly enjoyable. Urne rule.

Essential listening for any fan of heavy music.