Rick McMurray of Ash Launches Solo Project Burned As Witches with Debut Album and New …

Rick McMurray, the celebrated drummer of the band Ash from Northern Ireland, has revealed his latest musical endeavor with the launch of his solo project called Burned As Witches. The project introduces its debut single, “Hold Your Nerve,” offering a sneak peek into the upcoming self-titled album by Burned As Witches slated for release on 17th April on various digital platforms and in a limited edition black vinyl pressing. This new project demonstrates a bold departure from McMurray’s work with Ash, delving deep into riff-driven rock and dark, ominous atmospheres, with McMurray showcasing his prowess by playing all the instruments on the record.

The creation of “Hold Your Nerve” took shape towards the latter stages of the songwriting process and, according to McMurray, almost organically fell into place. Thematically, the song explores the concepts of innocence and moral consciousness within a world tainted by corruption, questioning whether it is more beneficial to confront uncomfortable realities or remain blissfully ignorant. Musically, McMurray describes the track as a fusion of classic heavy rock influences, combining the attitude of Led Zeppelin with the weighty darkness of Black Sabbath while infusing elements of glam-infused drama.

While Ash has maintained an active presence with recent releases such as “Race The Night” in 2023 and last year’s “Ad Astra,” the Burned As Witches project sprouted during a brief hiatus from the band’s touring commitments. McMurray utilized this artistic outlet to explore heavier material that strays significantly from Ash’s trademark power-pop sound. The inception of the album bears a deeply personal resonance as it originated as McMurray’s creative response to the passing of longtime Ash collaborator Steve Strange in 2021. An esteemed figure in the rock touring industry and an ardent admirer of heavy music, Strange’s influence motivated McMurray to channel his grief into a darker, heavier musical direction.

Initially commencing as a collection of mournful riffs, the project organically evolved into a full-fledged album when McMurray revisited early demos and realized the potential for the music to transcend its initial inspiration. The resulting album serves as a homage of sorts, not only to Strange but also to the spirit of unapologetically loud rock music. To celebrate the release of the album, Burned As Witches will grace the stage with a series of intimate UK pre-release performances in April, granting fans the opportunity to experience the project’s thunderous riffs firsthand.