Gig Review: Uada Unleashes a Dark Ritual at The Underworld
Venue: The Underworld
|
Date: Oct 29, 2024
|
Location: London, UK
|
Venue: The Underworld | Date: Oct 29, 2024 | Location: London, UK |
So there I was on a spooky October evening–five-beers deep, stomach full of Wendy’s Junior Bacon cheeseburgers, as I geared up to FINALLY see Uada live and lemme tell yah it was…UADA THIS WORLD! I was walking in circles outside the venue, hoping to see Jake Superchi to thank him for setting up our gig review when I realised, I have no clue what he actually looks like. After casually loudly shouting out “Jake” for 15 straight minutes times, I decided it was a lost cause and headed down to enjoy the show.
After checking out the merch table and realising I had no more room on my battle jacket, I grabbed a beer and headed to the FRONT OF THE STAGE–there’s no pussin around at the Heavy Metal Citadel, lemme tell yah. As the show began smoke billowed out around us and I temporarily had a moment of panic, thinking I was having a stroke as I started to smell a strange scent. Turns out it was only the traditional incense that were lit to welcome us all into the dark realm that is Uada. Known for their atmospheric yet furious black metal, they brought a performance that was nothing short of a dark mass for those who revel in shadow and intensity. The eager crowd piled into the Underworld, and what unfolded was a communion of riffs, howls, and a heavy dose of theatrical darkness–and fog…looooots of fog!
As the lights came on we were greeted with the cloaked figures known as Uada! They initiated the night with “Natus Eclipsim”, a track that slapped my face like a New Brunswick Rainbow Trout. The tasty riffs reverberated across the room as if summoning something wicked from the depths of their souls. From the start, Uada’s production was incredible—their lighting, stage presence, and the unrelenting fury of their sound made it feel like The Underworld was a portal to realms beyond.
“Snakes & Vultures” followed, slithering through the crowd with menacing riffs and a sinister intensity….
“YOU AAAAAARRREEE……FUCKING SNAKES AAANNND VULTUUUUUURES!!!”
The band played with calculated precision, yet with an edge that felt wild….dangerous even! Each note took us deeper into the TRVE emotional content of each song—something we were all too happy to embrace. “In the Absence of Matter” and “Blood Sand Ash” continued this descent, with both songs stirring up a storm of hypnotic headbanging and, for the hardcore, some impressive windmilling.
By the time “Djinn” roared to life, I was fully cross armed feeling like I would follow Uada into another universe…or more likely to McDonalds after the show. This track, was definitely a fan favourite, and for good reason—it’s an aural force. Fast, aggressive, but with that atmospheric quality that’s uniquely theirs.
They then tore into “Retraversing the Void” and “Cult of a Dying Sun” MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE, a two-track combination that unleashed some real ferocity. It was visceral, raw, and, in TRVE black metal fashion, almost ritualistic. Fans were enraptured, feeding off the band’s energy and sending it right back.
The night closed with “Black Autumn, White Spring”, a track as epic as it is haunting. Uada channeled every ounce of their blackened sound into this final piece, leaving no soul unmarked.
Between the songs, we connected with other die-hard fans. One such fan, “E,” gave Uada high praise, stating:
“Dark, atmospheric, and aggressive, are three words that can describe Uada’s performance. The blend of atmospheric melodies and furious riggs spread the darkness over all forgotten corners of the room. Uada delivered an unforgettable experience, a communion with the darkness, a true black metal performance. If you have the chance to see them live, don’t miss it. Glad that I was there!”
You hear that Uada? You knocked him off his feet! And indeed, “E” wasn’t alone. The entire crowd was energised by the experience and left wanting more!
Setlist
1. Natus Eclipsim
2. Snakes & Vultures
3. In the Absence of Matter
4. Blood Sand Ash
5. Djinn
6. Retraversing the Void
7. Cult of a Dying Sun
8. Black Autumn, White Spring
These guys are one of my favourites and for good reason. Their relentless energy, incredible production, and sheer talent blew my socks off, and made me feel super cool so thanks Mr. Superchi for being a super cool guy!
If you haven’t already get yourself some Uada’s merch! Or at least what’s left, because everything is fucking sold out from demand. But do it! GO SUPPORT UADA NOW!
Written by: Chort the Crop Infestor
“Hi, I’m Chort I infest crops and listen to Black Metal. I’ve currently invested most of my life savings into Andrew Tate’s latest crypto coin: $Daddy Tate (DADDY). I recommend reaching out to me for more literature on the matter.”
