Wode – Uncrossing the Keys Review
Bold statement up front: Wode’s music often feels like a plunge into wild, chaotic energy that borders on madness. But what exactly is “wode”? Beyond a playground for puns, a quick look at Wiktionary reveals that “wode” relates to rage, insanity, and frenzy. This definition perfectly matches the vibe of Wode’s sound across their four full-length albums. They burst onto the underground metal scene with an impact in 2016 with their self-titled debut, quickly building a loyal following. Although enthusiasm waned slightly with their 2021 release Burn in Many Mirrors, which caused some mixed feelings for fans like El Cuervo, it still stood as one of the top sellers from their label 20 Buck Spin. Now, four years on, Wode returns with Uncrossing the Keys, a follow-up eagerly awaited by fans. The question you probably want answered is: wode you want to know if this new album lives up to the hype?
Right from the start, Uncrossing the Keys promises an electrifying experience. It opens with “Two Crossed Keys,” featuring the sound of keys unlocking a boisterous door, launching into a melodic lead that’s downright infectious. Fast-paced blast beats and razor-sharp riffs make this opener a sheer blast. Next up, “Under Lanternlight” keeps the momentum alive with another catchy but distinctive melody and relentless energy. This track showcases Wode’s dynamic approach, adopting a more complex song structure that still loops back to memorable hooks before wrapping up. A major critique of their last album was the lack of memorable hooks, so it’s clear they aimed to fix that issue here right out of the gate. But here’s where it gets controversial: instead of continuing down this melodic path, the band suddenly shifts gears into various other styles. These detours aren’t bad by any means, but they don’t quite reach the thrilling highs of the first two tracks.
Wode’s sound reveals more layers than you might assume at first listen. While aggressive black metal elements reminiscent of bands like Sarastus are present, they also weave in layers of post-metal with ethereal, dreamy sequences and even touches of doom metal. The doom elements work well, evoking the spirit of Paradise Lost, though they don’t quite match the polish of that band’s latest work. Tracks like “Transmutation” and “Prisoner of the Moon” blend mournful melodies with the band’s signature edge. On the less melodic side, the longer post-metal pieces are structurally complex, filled with tempo changes and intricate dual guitar riffs, as found in “Saturn Shadow” and “Lash of the Tyrant.” Although these songs lack the catchy hooks of the album’s openers, the atmospheric guitar reverb paired with the vocalist’s distinctive delivery more than make up for it. This mix of styles can be seen as a strength or a frustration depending on what you crave from your black metal experience—in other words, Uncrossing the Keys either enchants or alienates.
From my perspective, listening to this album felt like a bit of a rollercoaster. The choice to follow the album’s catchiest songs with “Saturn Shadow,” which meanders without strong hooks, unfortunately stalls the momentum. Despite clocking in at just 42 minutes, similar in length to Burn in Many Mirrors, the album often feels stretched out. The longer tracks, in particular, tend to drift without a clear anchor, making it easy to get lost in aimless sonic exploration. Adding to this are some puzzling elements that detract from cohesion—such as the purely instrumental track “Phantom,” which adds little to the album’s flow, and slow-building intros like on “Dashed on the Rocks,” which wait too long to deliver their payoff. At times, it genuinely feels like the instruments are searching for songs that aren’t fully formed. Even when Wode hits on great hooks, they sometimes abandon them early, leaving potential unexplored, as with “Dashed on the Rocks” and “Fiery End.” It almost seems like the band actively resists traditional song structures typical of black and traditional metal.
I say all this with genuine affection because there’s a lot to appreciate in what Wode delivers. “Two Crossed Keys” and “Under Lanternlight” rank among my favorite songs of the year. However, as a whole, Uncrossing the Keys struggles to maintain its grip on the listener during deep dives. Even in casual, background listening sessions, a noticeable drop-off becomes clear in the second half. If you were a fan of Burn in Many Mirrors, you’ll likely find enjoyment here as well. When at its peak, this album eclipses its predecessor, but it remains hampered by Wode’s inconsistent ability to anchor songs with memorable hooks. It’s a real shame—when these musicians focus, they craft excellent riffs. What could catapult them to the next level is more disciplined songwriting.
How do you feel about albums that prioritize atmosphere and experimentation over catchy hooks? Do you find this approach thrilling or frustrating? Share your thoughts below!
Rating: 2.5/5.0
DR: 6 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: 20 Buck Spin
Websites: Bandcamp | Facebook
Release Date: October 3, 2025
