This is the fourth album from UK black/doom/heavy metal band Wode.
This is the follow up to 2021’s Burn in Many Mirrors, and a record I’m pleased to see appear. Uncrossing the Keys is not more of the same from Wode though. This should be expected, as each Wode album so far has found the band adding to their musical framework.
Wode’s black metal has been souped up with some new ingredients, and has an altered trajectory – as you may have seen from the opening sentence above. Wode haven’t ever not developed from one release to the next, but this is a notable shift in emphasis.
Across these nine tracks – 43 minutes – Wode incorporate a few different ideas into their music,. They have broadened their sound in key places by either introducing something new, widening what was already there, or jettisoning what no longer fits. Gone, (mostly), are the thrash and death metal parts of their sound, and the second wave black metal has been toned down. Instead, the first wave influences have been given a louder voice, and the band have brought in elements of old-school Gothic doom metal. Think Paradise Lost as an obvious reference point for Wode’s reframed focus.
As a rough overview, think of Uncrossing the Keys as a mix of first and second wave black metal combined with Gothic doom metal. Blackened heavy metal or blackened doom metal, in essence. It’s not a perfect description, but it gets the idea across. In general, Wode have opted for an increase in melody and song-based composition. This manifests as songs that for the most part have less speed and aggression, and more dark atmosphere and hooks.
Wode’s change in direction won’t suit all of their fans I’m sure, but it’s a solid album that knows what it’s doing. Give Uncrossing the Keys a listen and see what you think.
Wonderbox Metal 