While the attention of many would be on the likes of Rezn when it comes to out-of-the-box and superb heaviness in rock for what 2023 has thrown our way, there is always more to absorb should you simply look in the right place. Sure, there’s always talent to be had throughout the underground underneath some rocks and in some hidden nooks where the persistent find gems that are tantalizing in some form or another, but it takes a real stroke of majesty for an album to come around and immediately resonate with the masses. With their first full-length album, Ursular defies the odds and delivers something that has already made waves with the scene their’s for the taking after what’s been laid forth in these four bombastic pieces.

It would be a real tragedy for anyone to compare what’s been done here within “Preta” with anything that Rezn has accomplished even as there are more than a few parallels between the two bands, but I cannot stress enough just how much Ursular must be considered an entity all its own. In no possible way could this act be seen as a cheap copy, and I would implore any doubtful fools to pick any of the tracks that are to be found within “Preta” and not be swayed by the heavy magic that is woven throughout the entirety of the record. Driven by some of the most exquisite examples of saxophone in any work of rock or metal, the very nature of “Preta” is precisely the kind of excellence that pulls you further into the wonders that are at play in any given moment be it in the form of expansive atmospheres, intoxicating riffage, hypnotic vocals, compelling songwriting, or any combination of all that glory. This is the kind of record that makes a modern band a certifiable sensation. Ursular pulled no punches in the making of this record and it shows as the time spent since their last EP was taken immensely seriously in order to ensure that the album doesn’t just leave an impact but leave the listener in a state of euphoria that compels them to listen to the work over and over again. Once “Preta” comes to an end, the withdrawal kicks in, and you throw yourself into the majesty yet again.

I could sit here and put Ursular alongside the likes of many modern greats be it the likes of Messa, Rezn, or King Buffalo, but I cannot do that and feel as though the excellence of this creation is fully embodied. What’s been accomplished here is more than worthy of being considered some of the best that heavy psychedelia has given to us after the powerhouse of year for the sound that was 2022 with all that is “Preta” more than enough to be considered amongst the most awe-inspiring and gorgeous works that heavy psychedelia in 2023 has thrown our way thus far.

LISTEN to “Preta” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Ursular on Facebook here.