Live Review: Urne - Birmingham
12th December 2023
Support: Mountain Caller, tribe of Ghosts
Words: Cat Finch
Photos: Tim Finch
It’s not often you get to see a tour featuring three bands with the potential to be absolutely huge in the next few years, but tonight in Birmingham was one of those rare occasions. Urne have just released a sensational sophomore album, Mountain Caller are set to release their sophomore effort in January on Church Road Records and Tribe of Ghosts are building up huge momentum following their critically acclaimed set at Bloodstock Festival.
Opening the evening at the O2 Institute, Tribe of Ghosts cast a spell over the audience with their mesmerising performance. The band's ethereal blend of ambient melodies and haunting vocals created an otherworldly atmosphere, the perfecting lighting in the venue added to the ambience. Tribe of Ghosts left an indelible mark, setting the stage for a night where the music did all the talking.
Mountain Caller's performance was a captivating sonic expedition that showcased the trio's mastery of instrumental storytelling. Drummer Max may have been suffering with a bout of food poising but he battled through admirably, not dropping a single beat throughout.
Opening with the commanding ‘Trial by Combat’, the band immediately seized the audience's attention with intricate guitar work and shifts in tempo. As they delved into ‘The Archivist’, Mountain Caller demonstrated a remarkable ability to build and release tension using the music as their storyboard with not a single vocal to be heard.
New song, from the aforementioned forthcoming album, ‘March of the Göll’ introduced a hypnotic rhythm, navigating seamlessly between heavy and melodic elements, the performance reached its peak with the sprawling beauty of ‘Beyond This Black Horizon’. ‘Daybreak’ served as a fitting conclusion, its sound keeping the audience enthralled in some kind of hypnotic trance.
In a relentless assault of thunderous riffs and unbridled energy, Urne took centre stage, delivering a performance that was nothing short of a sonic rollercoaster. From the opening notes of ‘The Flood Comes Rushing In’ to the closing notes of ‘Where Do The Memories Go?’, Urne showcased a mix of raw power and melodic emotion.
Following on with ‘To Die Twice’, the band immediately demonstrated their musical skill with intricate guitar work and a rhythm section that packed a punch. Joe Nally's guttural vocals, paired with the band's tight performance set the stage for a performance of head-banging intensity. ‘Serpent & Spirit’ continued the onslaught, transitioning smoothly between aggressive riffs and moments of contemplative melody.
As the set unfolded, Urne explored the heavy terrain of ‘A Feast on Sorrow' and the atmospheric sounds of ‘Becoming the Ocean’ which was a highlight of the evening. The rhythmic pulse of ‘The Burden’ and the anthemic quality of ‘Peace’ had the audience captivated.
Closing the night with the introspective ‘Where Do The Memories Go?’, you’d be forgiven for having a tear in your eye, such was the strength of emotion the bands music garners. The haunting melodies and poignant lyrics underscoring the band's knack for balancing aggression with introspection.
Urne have come a long way fast, but they are only just getting going. Just as their peers – Green Lung, Svalbard, Conjurer, Malevolence – show strength, so do Urne. The British scene is thriving and this band are going to be huge!
Photo credits: Tim Finch Photography
