ALBUM REVIEW
UADA - Devoid of Light
UADA’s timeless debut shines brighter once again.
I have always thought that debut albums hold a special place for both bands and listeners. More often than not, that first album is always among the best—and sometimes even the best. In the case of UADA’s 2016 debut, "Devoid of Light", I believe it is not only the band’s first album but also their best. That is why it was certainly an album that deserved to be revisited, and I think UADA made a very fitting decision for their fans by choosing to reissue it on its 10th anniversary.
Formed in 2014, Oregon-based UADA chose, on their 2016 debut, to steer the 90s black metal sound toward a guitar-driven, more melodic and atmospheric direction, allowing them to establish a strong connection with fans of the genre right away. With just five tracks and a running time of 33 minutes, the original "Devoid of Light" was a compact debut that never sacrificed its sense of identity or clarity as an album.
On the 2026 edition, the masterful touch of Arthur Rizk, who has also had a hand in the band’s subsequent work, gives the record a truly satisfying listening experience. The 2016 sound has been preserved almost exactly, yet given greater depth. Hearing songs we already know with more depth is genuinely something special. Alongside the original tracks presented here in full, the new edition also features "Our Dawn of Glory", a Vinterland cover selected as a bonus track, with Wraith Knight accompanying the band on keyboards. It is a genuinely successful track and a very fitting choice for the overall atmosphere of the album. You absolutely should listen to UADA’s take on Vinterland; I think you’ll agree with me.
As for the original tracks, though—which I think we should discuss one by one—I suppose it makes the most sense to start with my favorite song. "Black Autumn, White Spring" remains my favorite track on this album, just as it was on the original. The way a song can have such a perfect beginning, middle and end is remarkable. If someone asks, "What kind of band is UADA?", I think you could play them this song as a sample. It reflects all of the band’s fundamental characteristics and their sound to a T, and it gets a passing grade from me in every respect. The album’s title track, "Devoid of Light", is another one of my favorites, living up to its name in its own way. I think the vocal variety on this track gives it a very original character and makes it all the more enjoyable to listen to. The opening track, "Natus Eclipsim", immediately gives you a very clear sense of UADA’s signature sound through the guitar tone in its introduction. "S.N.M." and "Our Pale Departure", meanwhile, more than fulfill their roles and fit perfectly into the album’s overall cohesion.
Sometimes listening to an album you already know can feel like being reunited with an old friend. You and the album may have both changed, but your feelings remain the same. I think you will find that feeling here as well, and especially if you are a UADA fan, you may find yourself wanting to embrace that old friend as tightly as ever. This is an album tailor-made for those who love their comfort zone. I think you should go give this old friend another hug.
Stay metal!
