Urn: Iron Will of Power (2019)

Okay, how the hell could I not jump at an album with a cover that looks like that?  Urn is a blackened thrash metal band from Finland that I am somehow just now hearing about, even though they released their debut full-length album way back in 2001.  And any time a band's sound gets compared to Deströyer 666, I am on top of it.

The album kicks off on a high note with the raging opener "Downfall of Idols".  After a short melodic intro, it lurches into high gear before the singer shouts "On your knees!" and we are off and running.  Urn's sound is caustic and hostile, built on speed and ugly riffs.  It is a primitive and animalistic sound, and yes it does call to mind Deströyer 666's Cold Steel, though it never quite reaches the same heights that album did.

The songs here are catchy and energetic, with some great hooks to keep interest going and spell-binding solos.  The instrumentation is tight and balanced without any instruments overshadowing the others.  Songwriting is a strength of Urn's.  "Funeral Oath" is particularly impressive as the song builds into an absolute frenzy that refuses to wane.  There are moments where the band slows things down, such as the instrumental interlude "Gates to Hyboria", which keeps the album from being one-dimensional. 

I am not sure Urn is quite up to the same level of quality as a group like Deströyer 666 honestly.  This is a very good album, but not to that level.  I would place them at the same level as a group like Bewitched though and that band is probably a more accurate comparison anyway.  I am a big fan of this style of metal and Urn is a very good example of it.  This is a worthy release.