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Uada have been kicking around the Portland scene for only a few years, but this is already their second album, and it is so polished and tight that I would expect it from an outfit that have been together for a decade or more. Far from a Cascadian sound, this borrows much more heavily from European influences to make for a really entertaining listen.

Uada take influence from melodic second-wave bands like Dissection and classic Lord Belial, as well as from much more modern sounds like Mgla or late-period Immortal. There's even a touch of Agalloch in the song constructions and in the guitar sound, though just a hint. This is very melodic, layered stuff with a lot of harmonizing and hooky riff work. Even when they lay on the speed they keep the melodic guitar work front and center. The vocals are undistinguished, but they get the job done, and they don't overwhelm the good parts. Overall, I found this a massively satisfying album. Even if it's not super innovative, it's doing what it does really well.