Urisk is a black metal duo from Bonn, Germany, formed in 2023 by Benedikt Brixius (instruments, composition) and Marleen Bügener (vocals, lyrical composition). What began as a spontaneous collaboration soon evolved into a focused project, shaped by a shared interest in bleak atmospheres, melodic depth and storytelling through sound.

Urisk combines raw black metal with progressive and atmospheric elements. Influenced by bands like Ulver, Urfaust, and Ragana, their music builds on layered guitar work and shifting song structures. Marleen’s vocals range from anguished screams and growls to clear, ghostlike passages, giving the songs a distinct emotional weight. Each track stands on its own, drawing thematically from both personal despair and dark folklore.

Shrivelling Lights (2025)

Their debut album Shrivelling Lights will be released on May 10, 2025 on CD, following an earlier digital release. The six tracks explore themes of fading light, death, and mystery – reflecting on the loss of myth and nature as sacred refuge in a world that seeks to expose everything. The Urisk becomes a figure of the outcast, searching for shelter in the depths. This lyrical depth is mirrored in the sound itself. The drums were recorded by Filip Gäddnäs from Finland, whom the band connected with via Instagram. The detailed cover artwork was created by illustrator Joan Llopis Doménech, whose work has also been featured by underground acts such as Lustre, Sojourner, and Wardruna.