Album Review: Uada - Crepuscule Natura
UADAp, Citadelians! Are you yearning for a tasty new album to wrap your blackened mutant tentacles around? Well, thankfully, Portland heretics Uada have finally released their latest blackened opus, "Crepuscule Natura". After nearly three long years, this new album had some high expectations. Bear in mind that the last album, “Djinn” received a 3/5 from the most anal, uptight, elitist of review sites, Angry Metal Guy, which basically means the album is excellent! This release is definitely one that surprised me with its production and dynamism and venturing even into more traditional heavy metal territory; needless to say, Uada deserves a nod for their meticulousness.
In a world that demands instant gratification, they took a step back, scrapped their initial mix, and polished this gem. Their evolution is evident with this album. They've trimmed most of the fat and left only the finest of beefy metal cutlets for us to listen to. "Crepuscule Natura" is a harmonious blend of their earlier atmospheric darkness with the audacious spirit of "Djinn". I say, I say the album's production is so crisp it's got the Kentucky Fried Colonel jealous. And while some have described the album as mostly "muscular", I'd say it's more like a flexible bodybuilder flexing in the moonlight – raw, powerful, yet melodically enchanting, beautiful and stunning.
"The Abyss Gazing Back" kicks things off with a Nietzschean wink of looking into oneself and facing the abyss of our potentially doomed selves, as the song's final line goes: "The only way out is in". The guitar harmonies are like two dark sorcerers casting spells in tandem (Jake Superchi would know all about spells with his work in Ceremonial Castings). The tracks create a sonic tapestry that's both haunting and exhilarating, and the whole album dances between ethereal melodies and sheer aggression. While the offset of the opening track sounds like classic Uada, the vocals are more expansive, raspy and guttural yet harmonising brilliantly with the instrumental.
Now, let's talk about those leads. They're not just playing second fiddle to the riffs; they're stealing the damn show. And the solos on “Crepuscule Natura” and “Retraversing the Void” got me shaken, ya'll...I'm shook! The lead guitar resonates with melodic depth yet aggressiveness, and the whole thing harmonises brilliantly. There is a venture into the more traditional heavy metal territory, edging away from their usual blackedy black metal riffage. The rhythmic aspects and the blast beats meld together ideally and come through crystal clear, not hiding in any muddled shadowy production. This whole album is a more polished crystal, less raw and more developed.
“The Dark (Winter)” again highlights Jake's guttural yet sludgy vocal dynamics; it plays perfectly with the track's tone. The opening riff is pretty catchy; the track goes through a few changes and is ultimately carried by the rhythm section. The lyrics, meanwhile, touch on societal decay, misinformation, and the consequences of unchecked power and control, something your humble narrator loves to discuss.
Speaking of the dynamism I mentioned earlier, “Retraversing the Void” opens with an almost hardcore vibe before slipping into that signature Uada sound with those fantastic bellowing vocals in the background; ah! Chef's kiss! And that change up halfway through the track had me feeling nostalgic; as I said, this album is a departure from the more traditional and in a good way! It's also probably my favourite track as the lead, rhythm, and drums creating a metal gumbo at just the right temperature.
The album's 12-minute closer, "Through the Wax and Through the Wane", is an epic saga that builds and builds, teasing and tantalising. The creepy howl at the offset is a great opener. However, I felt this track would be building up to an epic explosion nearing the end, but it just kept me on edge without letting me climax.
"Crepuscule Natura" is a fantastic follow-up from Djinn. Uada took a turn from what most fans might expect and created something much more three-dimensional. It may not be their most original album, but the sheer performance, song writing, production alone is worthy of applause. I highly recommend this album Citadelians, go to Uada’s bandcamp and buy the digital album now or pre-order the sweet blue smoke vinyl!
