Manchester's savage sons WODE return with their fourth album, "Uncrossing the Keys," marking a confident expansion of their already formidable sound built upon a shadowy foundation of feral black metal and ironclad heavy metal heft. Having evolved from the more straightforward methodology of the debut album, WODE has continuously added elements from various dark corners of the underground across its discography, with songwriting that has grown leaner yet more intricate, focused and melodic than ever. Conjuring visions of a world perpetually on the edge of twilight WODE casts a long, cold silhouette over the course of nine tracks. The result of a constant evolutionary process WODE has crafted a truly haunted and commanding blackened heavy metal that raises a dark banner high over a vast and desolate kingdom.

The album has nine sings, and "Two Crossed Keys" is first. It has a dark and aggressive sound, with a thrashy riff and harsh vocals. The intensity of the song is probably only matched by the filthy vocals. "Saturn Shadow" has a dark, slightly tentative opening that is augmented with guitar dissonance and the heavy thudding of bass guitar. It's weighted, aggressive, and harrowing. The vocals keep pace with the dirty music and both are treated with equal respect. "Transmutation" has more sorrowful tones, and aggression and depression both have a place in this genre. It's a slow, sludgy sound that holds contention and despair in equal doses. "Prisoner of the Moon" is a slow starter that transforms to a powerful sound, with meaty bass guitar notes, plenty of guitar aggression, and deadly harsh vocals.

"Fiery End" enters with a simply, crunchy riff, and segues into another commanding sound. The band seems to be able to turn it up at will, and offer some extra power whenever it is needed. "Phantom" is an instrumental that carries plenty of weight, but also some lighter melodies, and I love the sound. The band clearly knows how to use a bass player also, as his notes are prominent. "Dashed on the Rocks" is the final song. It begins with creepy, clean guitar tones, and transitions to another weighted and aggressive sound. There are also some fleeing moments of melody, but it isn't in the forefront. Overall, this was a solid album. The band presents power and might in their music, along with harrowing and aggressive tones, and just the right amount of despair.