Death metal has grown grander in scope ever since its disgusting birth more than three decades ago. There are bands that have taken the sound to outer space and beyond and have completely transformed what is possible with this style of music. All the while, it has kept the guttural stuff just as misery inducing, so everyone still gets what they want.

English death metal band Wode have been pretty consistent the last decade, releasing four records in that span, the latest being “Uncrossing the Keys,” their second for 20 Buck Spin. This is their most ambitious record so far, at least musically, and over nine tracks and 43 minutes, the band—vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist M. Czerwoniuk, guitarist/backing vocalist D. Shaw, bassist E. Troup, drummer/guitarist/keyboardist T. Horrocks—kind of heads in a similar direction as Tribulation about a decade ago (though not nearly as far into toying with mainstream acceptance). The playing adds more goth elements, the guitars explore more, and the vocals remain just as acidic. It’s a different aura for them, one that might not hit home for everyone.

The title track opens, firing up as cavernous howls jar, a dark, stormy vibe becoming apparent. The playing turns creaky and fiery, guitars swell, and a vicious exclamation point is stamped at the end. “Under Lanternlight” has catchy riffs, sootier melodies, and growls smearing. There is a gothy undertone, which again brings up that Tribulation comparison, guitars swimming amid the chaos. Wails sicken as cold punishment is dealt, the leads taking control with the vocals lashing out. “Saturn Shadow” has liquifying leads that create a steam bath, echoes calls, and a blistering force leaves marks. The pace lights up as guitars go on an adventure, punching and stirring until melting with fire. “Transmutation” enters amid burning leads, and a smoking, steamy feel, trucking hard and flattening. The leads then cool as melodies soar, howls scowling as the force peels tires into the asphalt.

“Prisoner of the Moon” is the most like Wode’s older material, the leads melting bone, howls belting, and powerful dual leads taking control. The growls thunder as the playing darts in and out of shadows, giving off exhaust as the track storms to a finish. “Fiery End” has jerky riffs, bells chiming, and growls lurching, all elements churning into filth. The leads angle and race while the growls bubble to the surface, ending in a pit of misery. “Lash of the Tyrant” has a fantastical start that lathers, fluid and glorious guitars spilling, and vocals delivering the brutality. Riffs cut as the playing encircles, the drums maul, and everything ends viciously. “Phantom” is an instrumental piece that bleeds in with guitars swarming, the fog getting thicker and more immersive, blazing out into closer “Dashed on the Rocks” that starts in eerie clouds. The pace picks up quickly and boils, the howls rampaging over elegant leads. Savage howls continue to punch holes while the intensity spikes, speeding up and crashing out into morbidity.

Wode certainly are headed in a different direction on “Uncrossing the Keys,” and while the band remains steeped in death metal, the expanded direction is clear pretty much from the start. It’s unquestionably a good record musically, but it’s the hardest it’s ever taken me to get into a Wode album, and I’m still not there yet. Maybe it eventually sinks in, or perhaps this is enough of a transition that it keeps the album slightly at arm’s length. 

For more on the band, go here: https://wode.bandcamp.com/

To buy the album, go here: https://www.20buckspin.com/collections/wode

For more on the label, go here: https://www.20buckspin.com/