Metal Debate Album Review - Crepuscule Natura (Uada)

The Great Metal Debate Podcast

Welcome back metal heads to another episode of The Great Metal debate podcast. It's your man Xander yet again, back with another album review. Today, we'll be looking at the brand new record from Portland based melodic black metalers Uada with their 4th full-length titled Crepuscule Natura. I have been a fan since 2018 when I first heard their 2nd album Cult Of A Dying Sun. That album has become an all-time favorite. I have defended this band for years now against all the internet trolls who consistently bash this band over weird accusations about Uada supposedly copying other bands. Sure, some things might have similarity, but there has always been differences in both musical structures and stage presence. 2020's Djinn album was a fantastic follow-up to Cult and definitely outdid their Devoid of Light debut. Back in late 2019 I had the pleasure of seeing these guys at Zanzabar in Louisville, Kentucky. After the show I got my picture with the whole band but looking back now it's embarrassing. Maybe I can redeem myself one day when I see them live again. But for now, let's dissect Crepuscule Natura. Starting things long and strong, we got the album opener "The Abyss Gazing Back". It's worth pointing out in advance that this album only has 5 songs but each of them account for the nearly 42 minute runtime. Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Jake Superchi crushes it yet again with his beautifully written melodic riffs and harrowing bellows. One thing that I noticed immediately was a musical return to form as this new record reminds me so much of their Devoid of Light debut. The winding guitar tune in this one especially toward this track's conclusion is the good kind of earworm hook that you won't mind getting stuck in your head. Hearing this full album on repeat for a total of 5 times has made me appreciate the hard work each member of the current line-up has put into this breathtaking release. Two new members have stepped in as the secondary guitarist Kevin Bedra and Trevor McCain who is now pounding away at the skins. Both of which are seemingly a perfect fit for this band and I must compliment them for a job well done. Then we have the album title track "Crepuscule Natura" which takes you on another hypnotic journey. This is followed up with "The Dark (Winter)". The opening riffs alone are enough to make you enter a meditative state. This is precisely the kind of music I want to hear emanating from my ear buds when I take a nature walk. Just like the previous album Djinn, the bass is audible in most areas but throughout certain areas in the mixing I have noticed the absence. This is my minute gripe with this album. This of course is no shade being thrown toward Nate Verschoor as I think he does a phenomenal job. But again, I feel like his abilities could've stood out just a little more in the sound mixing. Maybe with future efforts, the volume can be turned up just a hair. Next is "Retraversing The Void" which had a lyric video released on YouTube. I won't spoil too much here as I believe fans should check it out for themselves. Closing things out we got the band's 12 minute long epic titled "Through The Wax and Through The Wane". I must criticize one thing about this track. It's too long and lacks variety as the same long windy riff seems to go on for a long time. It's still a good tune but certainly has some fat that could benefit from being trimmed just a little. Crepuscule Natura is yet another solid release from an incredible band but I must say this album is not really my favorite. It is definitely better than Devoid of Light despite my earlier comparison and praise. But I still love Djinn as 2nd best and I believe Cult Of A Dying Sun is their magnum opus. Sometimes when you catch lightning in a bottle; it's extremely difficult to top such an impressive feat. All things considered, I'm going to rate this album as 8/10.