Pacific Northwest black metal mystics UADA have marked the first New Moon of 2026 with a striking reinvention of one of their most revered compositions. The band has released a haunting neo-folk acoustic version of “The Purging Fire”, originally appearing on their 2018 full-length Cult of a Dying Sun, accompanied by a new atmospheric music video.
Filmed and edited by Karl Whinnery and directed by Jake Superchi, with Evan Gandy co-directing photography, the video mirrors the stripped-down, ritualistic spirit of the performance. Featuring cello by guest musician C.E. Brown, the new rendition transforms the song into an intimate, elegiac torch hymn that highlights UADA’s deep ties to folk tradition and ancestral themes.
In a collective statement, UADA describe the piece as a spontaneous and liberating reinterpretation born from long-standing influences in folk art and ancient music. Recorded between 2023 and 2024 at Obsidian Spells and mastered by Arthur Rizk, the track reveals a different emotional dimension of the band’s sound—one rooted in introspection, atmosphere, and primal memory.
Alongside the release, UADA have announced a major co-headlining North American tour with MORTIIS, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their debut album Devoid of Light. Running from April 10 through May 16, the tour, dubbed The Witches of Dystopia Tour MMXXVI, will feature UADA performing Devoid of Light in its entirety, along with a special ceremonial casting set marking 30 years of Wraith Knight. Industrial pioneer MORTIIS will perform selections from The Smell of Rain and other works, with support from ROME and Wraith Knight.
UADA will also return to Milwaukee Metal Fest on June 7, following their acclaimed appearance at the 2024 edition.
With this spectral reinterpretation and an ambitious anniversary tour ahead, UADA once again demonstrate their ability to balance ferocity and reverence, bridging black metal tradition with timeless folk mysticism.
UADA links:
Bandcamp | Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Webstore
MORTIIS links:
Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | Official Shop