Urluk – Memories In Fade
Release Date: 10th April 2026
Label: Pest Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Black-Doom, Atmospheric.
FFO: In the Woods…, early Katatonia, Anathema, Woods of Desolation.
Review By: Paul Cairney
Urluk are a blackened doom duo from Italy, and with their 2nd full-length release, Memories in Fade, they are seeking to, ‘expand their black-doom foundation with layers of ’90s alternative rock, ambient textures and neo-folk influences, creating a complex yet cohesive sonic narrative’. What this means is that you will encounter an enjoyable, well-constructed album that attempts to use a story-telling quality to get their message across.
What you will notice from their quoted goals, Urluk have lofty intentions. In trying to fuse together lots of distinct parts, they risk losing the listener. Thankfully, they have not fallen into the trap of losing their focus. Opening track, ‘Angles of Hauntology’ glides in with confidence, taking its time to use every last second of the 10-minute plus run-time. When the song starts proper, a doom-riff introduces itself and we are off. The main riff is more black metal than doom, but when the vocals hit, they are clean.
What can we say about the vocals? The clean vocals belong in 90s Britpop. Think Liam Gallagher from Manchester tosspots Oasis, but delivered by a far more talented vocalist and with far less arrogance than Liam provides. Suddenly, midway through the song, the structure changes, the riff becomes more intense and then dirty, grimy vocals hit us and the whole Britpop thing is gone. It is rather good.
The structure of the remaining tracks is very similar. Clean, sometimes nasally, vocals are superseded by growls that offer more gravitas. When the growls hit, the songs do seem to grow in stature, almost as if it is the true sound of the band.
Memories in Fade flows. It delivers a narrative that, despite having different elements including ambient, alternative and metal genres, never really challenges the listener. ‘Lying There’ is a treat for your ears. It is an effortless listen and that is the main joy Urluk bring you. They bring melancholy to their blend of atmospheric blackened doom that encompasses you as you listen.
Urluk have a fairly unique sound and approach and Memories in Fade delivers on this. Although this isn’t a top-tier release for 2026, it is an album that won’t let you down as it eases itself into your psyche.
(3.5 / 5)
