Urskumug - Biography
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Biography
Urskumug, formerly known as Raven, came to be in 2001 when the twosome of Krauklis (vocals, guitar) and Slayorda (keyboards) were joined by Maero (guitar). Ever since, the sound of the band has evolved towards rapid and atmospheric black metal with an intention to avoid live drums, hence the use of a drum machine. In 2002 the band chose its current name, which represents the primordial mythago and the earliest stage of the so-called "human mold" - a character, depicted as a bear/boar-like half-animal, half-human creature in a cycle of mytho-poetical fantasy fiction novels written by English author Robert Holdstock. During the band's first years of pre-conceived existence, Urskumug tested out several other musicians; however, none met the conditions vital to remain with the band.
Late 2002 saw the band's first live appearances and rehearsal/studio recordings. The song "When Water Becomes Ice" was featured in the only Latvian metal compilation CD and in August 2003 Urskumug entered the infamous studio Phoenix in Riga to record their first full-length album, Pāreja (Passage). The self-released demo CD received critical acclaim and established Urskumug among the most-wanted metal bands in Latvia.
The next 2 years passed with Urskumug performing live, working on songs and looking out for the missing links in the chain. The long search was rewarded in the beginning of 2005, when Kriviks (ex-Moonveil) was finally unearthed as permanent bassist for Urskumug. Unfortunately, in Autumn the band members were abandoned by keyboard mainstay Slayorda, whose replacement was soon found in Draake (Heresiarh). Urskumug then accepted a deal with Lithuanian label Ledo Takas Records and headed for the studio. The result: Am Nodr (The Other Side) - a tribal black metal cycle, representing a seeker's inner spiritual journey and exploring the subjects of shamanism, time and the shadow.
Shortly after the release of Am Nodr, both Draake and Kriwix decide to cease their membership with Urskumug and Krauklis with Maero were left to seek out new members for the band. Half a year later the band's new line-up came to pass, with drummer Balrogh (Huskvarn), bassist Ilze, and keyboardist Mythago.
In 2007 Pāreja was re-released in Russia as the album's English translation, Passover through Haarbn Productions, a division of Metalism Records.
As of late 2009 the band has been reverted to the duo of Krauklis (vocals, guitar) and Maero (guitar).
(Source: MySpace)
Late 2002 saw the band's first live appearances and rehearsal/studio recordings. The song "When Water Becomes Ice" was featured in the only Latvian metal compilation CD and in August 2003 Urskumug entered the infamous studio Phoenix in Riga to record their first full-length album, Pāreja (Passage). The self-released demo CD received critical acclaim and established Urskumug among the most-wanted metal bands in Latvia.
The next 2 years passed with Urskumug performing live, working on songs and looking out for the missing links in the chain. The long search was rewarded in the beginning of 2005, when Kriviks (ex-Moonveil) was finally unearthed as permanent bassist for Urskumug. Unfortunately, in Autumn the band members were abandoned by keyboard mainstay Slayorda, whose replacement was soon found in Draake (Heresiarh). Urskumug then accepted a deal with Lithuanian label Ledo Takas Records and headed for the studio. The result: Am Nodr (The Other Side) - a tribal black metal cycle, representing a seeker's inner spiritual journey and exploring the subjects of shamanism, time and the shadow.
Shortly after the release of Am Nodr, both Draake and Kriwix decide to cease their membership with Urskumug and Krauklis with Maero were left to seek out new members for the band. Half a year later the band's new line-up came to pass, with drummer Balrogh (Huskvarn), bassist Ilze, and keyboardist Mythago.
In 2007 Pāreja was re-released in Russia as the album's English translation, Passover through Haarbn Productions, a division of Metalism Records.
As of late 2009 the band has been reverted to the duo of Krauklis (vocals, guitar) and Maero (guitar).
(Source: MySpace)