With a name like Urine Hell, any assumptions of this Chicago quartet holding back are obliterated the moment you hit play. Their sludge-infused noise rock is an uneasy dive into all things guttural, grim, and, well, a bit grotesque.
Formed in 2019, this group has carved a space that resonates somewhere between raw, visceral emotion and churning, groove-laden sonic punishment. The sound they’ve built is a mess of sludge and post-hardcore weight, unapologetically ugly in the best possible way, mirroring the metal grit of bands like Godflesh and the jagged rhythm shifts of Meshuggah, while occasionally tipping into territories reminiscent of screamo or black metal undertones, especially in their vocalist’s bleakest moments.
Zach Lockwood’s panicked, abrasive delivery and chaotic stage presence further feed the band’s unnerving energy, his vocals spilling like a scream-scape that’s part lament, part frantic confession.
Backed by bassist Dave Jr., guitarist Dave Sr., and relentless drumming, their sound oscillates between punishing dissonance and some surprising rhythmic complexity—crucial moments for fans of technical metal’s precision or the volatile math-rock scene.
Their influences are threaded throughout: the primal pulse of Godflesh, the frenetic breakdowns of KEN Mode, and the genre-straddling dynamics of Chat Pile, yet Urine Hell has a sonic cocktail that’s entirely their own, fortified by blistering angst and existential weight.
Engineered by Andy Nelson at Bricktop Recording and mastered by Carl Saff, this EP encapsulates Urine Hell’s journey through paranoia, self-loathing, and a world darkened by inner battles.
Their track-by-track commentary is a testament to the complexity they’ve brewed within this noise-soaked, sludgy landscape—an unyielding sound built to provoke, unsettle, and ultimately, reveal. For those ready to take on the weight, the full commentary from Zach and Dave awaits.
The track-by-track analysis from Zach and Dave, the band’s vocalist and guitarist.
1. The Weight of Me
Zach (vocals): Addiction, particularly with alcohol, is something I’ve struggled with for a long time and continue to deal with today. The weight of it all can be a lot for anybody.
Dave Sr. (guitar): I was going for Deftones-style mood and simplicity here. The long end section kind of reminds me of Meshuggah.
2. Nothing of Interest
Zach: It just wouldn’t be Urine Hell without a song about feeling hopeless, lonely and worthless.
Dave Sr.: This track reminds me of Meshuggah. I’ve been listening to them since the early 2000s. It’s embedded in my bones. I’d like to think that I’m not just doing a shitty version of what they do.
3. Hometown
Zach: An angsty tune about growing up in small town America. There are people who contributed to my suffering who seem to think we still have some sort of connection.
Dave Sr.: This one does NOT remind me of Meshuggah. Our bassist Dave Jr. wrote this one. He pitched us a complete song that required no revisions. I wrote my guitar parts around the bass which forced me to think a bit differently than if I was pitching a song on guitar.
4. Disappear Here
Zach: Another song about addiction; title and lyrics inspired by the novel Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis. The violent, visceral lyrics are meant to contrast with the quiet admission that you’ve got a problem.
Dave Sr.: This was my attempt at a Kiss It Goodbye mid-tempo grinding feel. KIG was a criminally underrated band featuring Keith Huckins and Tim Singer of Deadguy on guitar and vocals, respectively. Both bands are massively influential for me.
5. The Gospel Singer
Zach: It wouldn’t be Urine Hell without some references to Southern Gothic literature. The title is taken from a novel by Harry Crews. The lyrics are inspired by, “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor.
Dave Sr.: This song is a single riff that’s looped “X” number of times. Power through repetition. Like Wayne Static of Static-X once sang, “the trance is the motion.”
