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URAGH Reveal Both Sides of Their Identity
Two Sides, One Sound
Irish progressive metal outfit URAGH are preparing to return with their new single "Tempest / Wisp", set for digital release on 31 July 2026. Bringing together two tracks with vastly different characters, the band aims to showcase the two extremes of their musical identity within a single release.
The first track, "Tempest", stands out as one of URAGH's heaviest and most aggressive works to date. Built around progressive structures infused with black metal influences, sudden rhythmic shifts, and a complex compositional approach, the song pairs vocalist Craig Murphy's ferocious delivery with cello contributions from Anaïs Chareyre-Méjan of Belfast-based DOMHAIN. Lyrically, the track explores themes of destruction, guilt, and an inevitable collapse.
Standing in complete contrast, "Wisp" highlights the band's more atmospheric and experimental side. Shaped by folk-inspired textures, unconventional time signatures, and French-language passages written by Anaïs Chareyre-Méjan, the track brings a quieter aspect of URAGH that has occasionally surfaced in their previous work fully into focus.
Guitarist Marcelo Varge explained that releasing the two songs together was a deliberate choice, with "Tempest" representing a familiar side of the band pushed to a more intense level, while "Wisp" sees them exploring a creative direction they had not previously allowed themselves to pursue. Bassist Sebastian Sparr also noted that Anaïs Chareyre-Méjan was involved from the very beginning of the recording process and that her contributions played a decisive role in shaping both tracks.
Although "Tempest / Wisp" will be released as a standalone single, the band describe it as a glimpse into more extensive work currently taking shape. URAGH emphasise that future compositions will maintain a thematic connection with these two songs while avoiding a repetition of the same musical approach.
The recordings were completed at JSR Audio in Belfast with producer Josh Sid Robinson, who previously worked with the band on their 2025 EP "Stalemate". The single's artwork was created using an ocean photograph captured along the Irish coastline by Irish photographer Kirk Kelly.
Formed in 2022, URAGH gained attention with their debut album "Maelstrom" and the follow-up "Stalemate" EP, later earning a place at Wacken Open Air after winning Wacken Metal Battle Ireland in 2024. The band have continued to build their reputation within Ireland's progressive metal scene, particularly through their intense and energetic live performances.