diff --git a/ChangeLog b/ChangeLog
index d58b3a60..fa7bec9a 100644
--- a/ChangeLog
+++ b/ChangeLog
@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+Version 11.9.7
+--------------
+    * Do not use redis clients when no URL is provided.
+
 Version 11.9.6
 --------------
     * Refactor of redis client initialisation so it's easier to add new
diff --git a/VERSION b/VERSION
index e5416e49..2f9c5843 100644
--- a/VERSION
+++ b/VERSION
@@ -1 +1 @@
-11.9.6
+11.9.7
diff --git a/mettle/main.go b/mettle/main.go
index fcfc70c0..5cf7d06d 100644
--- a/mettle/main.go
+++ b/mettle/main.go
@@ -228,6 +228,10 @@ func one() error {
 }
 
 func (r RedisOpts) Clients() (primary, read *redis.Client) {
+	if r.URL == "" {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+
 	password := r.ReadPassword()
 	tlsConfig := r.ReadTLSConfig()