Joe Nally - Urne - Interview and Setting Fire To The Sky album walkthrough
Urne released their super powerful third full-length album in January and Derek and John had the great pleasure of sitting down again with Joe Nally and talking through the album. They also talk about the evolution of the band, the creative process behind their latest album.
In this exclusive episode of Sh!t Talk Reviews, we welcome back Joe Nally of the UK's rising metal titans, Urne. Following their massive success with A Feast On Sorrow (produced by Joe Duplantier of Gojira), the band has returned with their third full-length album, Setting Fire To The Sky.
A Track-by-Track Walkthrough
Joe takes us through a complete track-by-track walkthrough of the new record, released via Spinefarm Records. We discuss the technical evolution of the band’s sound, moving from sludge-heavy riffs to a more expansive, progressive landscape. Joe shares the stories behind key tracks like "Be Not Dismayed" and the title track, "Setting Fire To The Sky," as well as the creative process involved in their collaboration with Troy Sanders of Mastodon on "Harken The Waves."
Soul Music & Sludge Metal
One of the most fascinating parts of this conversation is Joe’s reflection on how soul music influences his vocal delivery in a metal context. We dig into the gear, the drum tones of James Cook, and the profound musical bond between Joe and guitarist Angus Neyra. Whether you're interested in the band's upcoming US tour plans or the intricacies of UK hardcore and progressive metal, this interview is a deep dive into one of the most important bands in the modern heavy music scene.
Looking for more album breakdowns?
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Chamber’s mathcore masterpiece 'this is goodbye...'
WATCH
LISTEN
STR Comics
00:00 Intro
01:23 Joe’s Vocals
05:10 1. Be Not Dismayed (& Joe’s writing process)
08:03 2. Weeping To The World
10:20 3. The Spirit, Alive
11:45 4. Setting Fire To The Sky (& James’s power and drum tones)
14:59 5. The Ancient Horizon (& gear talk)
19:07 6. Towards The Harmony Hall (& the band’s profound love for Angus Neyra)
28:50 7. Harken The Waves (& Troy Sanders and album artwork)
33:09 8. Breath
33:49 Bonus Track - Nocturnal Forms
36:00 Quickies
38:39 Visiting the United States and upcoming tour plans
URNE - Singer, Bass & Songwriter
Urne is a London-based, three-piece heavy metal band formed in 2016, known for mixing groove, hardcore, and progressive elements with a raw, emotional focus. Comprised of Joe Nally (vocals/bass), Angus Neyra (lead guitar), and James Cook (drums), the band has gained acclaim for their intense, riff-heavy sound, notably featuring on Spinefarm Records.
Key Details & History
Formation & Sound: Formed in 2016 in London, UK. Their sound is described as a mixture of modern, progressive metal and hardcore, noted for emotional songwriting.
Discography:
The Mountain of Gold (EP, 2018).
Serpent & Spirit (Debut Album, 2021).
A Feast on Sorrow (2023) - A critically acclaimed, emotionally intense album, partially inspired by personal loss, produced with Joe Duplantier of Gojira.
Setting Fire to the Sky (January 2026).
Members: Joe Nally (vocals/bass) and Angus Neyra (lead guitar) are the core songwriting duo. James Cook joined on drums in 2022 following the departure of Richard Harris.
Style & Impact: Described as "gigantic riffs" and emotionally heavy, their music often touches on deep personal themes, with Nally's vocals ranging from harsh to melodic. They are recognized as a "DIY" band that has toured with high-profile acts like Gojira.
