Urza was born in 2015: there was a loose idea to create extreme doom when we started as a three piece. While writing songs and rehearsing together we got closer to the core of what Urza means to us in music and lyrics – a reflection of a dark world we are bound to. We call our music funeral death doom metal since it encloses all these elements. There is no limitation but when we write songs we all have to be convinced that this song, this riff and this single note pushes the pulse for the moment.
2.Recently you have released your first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording?
When we finished songwriting we decided to record everything by ourselves. With the help of a good friend of us (Stephan is a musician himself and has brilliant sound engineer skills) we set up everything and took all the time we needed until we were convinced with result. I still believe it was the right decision not to enter a professional studio with fix schedules. So everything was at our hands, we took all individual artistic freedom to create the raw version of the album. The fantastic mix was done by Chris at Cyphx-Audio: we wanted something both gloomy and crushing and he delivered more than we had expected.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?
Life has its dark moments and thoughts. We gather this themes in the lyrics for Urza. Marc is more into doomsday stuff and the impending apocalypse. Themes that I work with are personal reflections of existence itself. Thoughts about loss, death and everything that man has created.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Uzra'?
Urza is a figure of a trading card game. When the band got shape and we felt what the music would sound like we sought something less doom ladden and when our drummer Hannes came up with this character we chose the name.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
In the beginning we worked with an artist for a custom made cover for the album. As there was no consense in this cooperation we headed for something different and our bass player Marc found this great artwork. Some might find it a bit contradictory to the title of the album but the atmosphere completely caught everything you can hear on it. Even if you look closer you can find hints to Urza and the lyrics on The Omnipresence Of Loss.
6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We have played great gigs in our hometown Berlin and outside. Berlin Swamp Festival is a lovely DIY festival we were able to play twice and we had a great time supporting Ahab this February. We really enjoy the small clubs with very dedicated people that give us the feeling that the underground here is alive. We were able to play Haunting The Castle in Belgium at the Chateau de L'Avouerie and the famous Dutch Doom Days. All of the gigs were worth the efforts. Our shows are trips into total darkness: we try to take the audience into deepest fears. There is only emotion on stage. We are not trying to disguise ourselves but just deliver pure atmosphere.
7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
We have one festival ahead in fall – that's it for the moment. It seems that extreme doom needs extreme minds to put shows or festivals like this together. We are willing to play.
8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of funeral doom metal?
The reactions to The Omnipresence Of Loss have been predominantly positive and enthusiastic. Since we know that this subgenre of Doom Metal has its small audience we are glad that a lot of people took all the time to get into our songs and have absorbed the cloudy thoughts that we spread. We received very kind words both from the press as from fans from everywhere. Our expectations were down to earth and we are speechless about all the support.
9.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
Most of us have been in other bands before and even when we started Urza but in the moment only our guitar player Marcus has another active band. With Witch Ritual they released their first Album Death:Beyond just some weeks ago. If you are into female fronted Doom Metal, go for it.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Most of the songs on The Omnipresence Of Loss were written 2 or 3 years ago – the first ones even with one single guitar and bass. We have progressed a lot since then, especially in the songwriting with two guitars and bass. There is lot more that you can dig out of any simple riff. We got deeper into disharmonic stuff but on the other hand have a lot of melodic parts that can bring some more light in this sombre soundtrack. Two songs are already finished for our next album and sound what you might expect from Urza – just on a higher level of songwriting and musical synergy.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
We are five individuals with tastes that differ strongly – but when it comes to extreme doom we are all into it. There are lot more styles we listen to but if you want band names we are all into Evoken, Bell Witch, Un, Ataraxie, Mournful Congregation just to name a few.
12.What are some of your non musical interests?
Music means a lot in our lives: beyond creation of it we are continuous concert and festival goers and travellers. Besides this everyone has to make a living with 'normal' jobs & hobbies. No extremes.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thanks a lot for your interest in our music and our thoughts. Thanks a lot to all the people that took the time to get into Urza and even reached out to us or supported us in any way.
Olli & URZA
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