Belgian progressive metal band URSA has thrived on intricate compositions, shifting time signatures, and powerful atmospheric moments. With Call of the Infinite, the band marks a turning point, reintroducing their previously instrumental work with the raw intensity of newly added vocalist Jan Buekers (ex-Sons of a Wanted Man). The result? A record that feels urgent, cohesive, and undeniably heavy; a true statement of where URSA stands today.
After gaining recognition through instrumental singles, the band’s decision to incorporate vocals was a bold one. With Call of the Infinite, URSA ensures their music isn’t just revisited but fully realized, pushing their sound into even more intense and emotionally charged territory. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by guitarist and founding member Alexandre Belli, this album cements the band’s identity while also paving the way for their future.
Right from the start, Call of the Infinite sets a gripping tone. The album opens with 'Hitch', a brief yet eerie 26-second track featuring a distorted speech snippet that disorients before plunging headfirst into 'Deconstruct'. The first full song wastes no time, overwhelming the listener with dense, intricate guitars and Buekers’ ferocious screams. Just over a minute in, the track takes a momentary step back, shifting into a rhythmic guitar section with the repeated lyric “you hold on” serving as an emotional anchor - before diving back into the chaos with Buekers’ growled delivery. It’s an intense, gripping opener that lays the groundwork for what’s to come.
Following immediately behind is 'Erase', which begins with an abrupt, jagged guitar riff that cuts through the air like a blade. Buekers’ vocals maintain their aggressive edge throughout the song’s early moments, only to give way to a melodic, almost hypnotic guitar solo. Just as the listener settles into this brief moment of calm, the track shifts back into its heavier elements, creating a sense of push-and-pull tension that keeps things unpredictable. Next comes 'Major', the second shortest track on the album at just under four minutes. It passes by in a blur, keeping the intensity high but allowing for moments of striking guitar work to break up the relentless aggression. The balance between heaviness and melody remains a defining feature, showing URSA’s ability to weave intricate soundscapes without losing their visceral energy.
The album continues with three more full-length tracks, each offering its own twists and turns, before reaching 'Arcas' - a short, haunting instrumental piece that acts as a prelude to 'Primordial Crown'. This final song, first introduced to audiences as the band’s debut single with vocals, serves as a climactic ending. The balance of blistering riffs, crushing vocals, and atmospheric elements makes it a fitting closer, encapsulating everything Call of the Infinite represents.
With Call of the Infinite, URSA proves that they’re not just refining their sound but redefining it. The decision to add vocals to their already intricate compositions was a risk, but one that pays off - Jan Buekers brings an emotional depth and intensity that elevates the music to a new level. From gut-punching heaviness to haunting melodic interludes, this album delivers a listening experience that is both immersive and relentless. For fans of bands like The Ocean, Intronaut, and ERRA, URSA’s latest offering is a must-listen, and with live shows planned across Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, there’s no doubt that Call of the Infinite is just the beginning of a bold new chapter for the Belgians.
Score: 8/10
Call of the Infinite will be released on March 15th 2025.
Words: Jason De Mendonca
Photos: URSA
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