20/10/2025
-*INTERNATIONAL REVIEW*-
BAND: WODE
ALBUM: UNCROSSING THE KEYS
RECORD LABEL: 20 Buck Spin
The latest album by British Black Metal battalion WODE titled 'UNCROSSING THE KEYS', their 2nd releae for esteemed record label 20BUCKSPIN, is a masterclass in grand Black Metal that does not rely on orchestral arrangements or symphonic layering to establish presence.
Rather what WODE present us with is a steel plated, scalding confluence of classic NWOBHM, Thrash and volcanic Black Metal that is awe-inspiring.
Consisting of nine unique, propulsive, flawless songs that are furnished with fervent melodies, feverish riffs, dizzying double kick battery along with simultaneously snarling, coarse and commanding vocals, this, their follow up to the turbulent 'BURN IN MANY MIRRORS' is a work of wondrous wildfire.
'Two Crossed Keys' ignites the proceedings with its conflux of galloping rhythms, eerie leads and subtle layering.
'Under Lanternlight' hinges upon melodious songcraft and a rousing central riff. This midtempo, melliflous piece of music is peppered with searing solo work and reverb drenched theatrics.
Once its indulgent intro has run its course, `Saturn Shadow' surges ahead with some scintillating dual guitar work and a general sense of menace.
Tracks such as 'Transmutation', 'Prisoner Of The Moon' and 'Lash Of The Tyrant' with its opening tapestry of symphonic layering, much like the majority of the tracks that make up the tapestry of 'Uncrossing The Keys' smoulder with riff driven swagger where memorable melodies and churning chord constructs define the experience.
Last track 'Dashed On The Rocks' is an exercize in thorny, convulsive, dual guitar driven, blast-beat riddled beauty that concludes the emotive, captivating and nuanced 'Uncrossing The Keys' with aplomb.
The viciousness of the Black Metal Wode conjure forth is off set by a scintillating sense of melancholic splendor and euphonic melodies that result in an album that I am almost certain Wode went out to create and succeeded in accomplishing.
Peppered with dual guitar interay, scorching leads, blistering drumming, gravely vocals and churning riffs of the most memorable sort, 'UNCROSSING THE KEYS' is a crushing, infectious and captivating work of stellar musicianship culminating in high caliber impassioned Metal!
-ASHER LOCKETZ-
https://20buckspin.bandcamp.com/album/uncrossing-the-keys
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