Wode

Wode sounds like the intersection of ancient, frost-bitten black metal and the muscular, melodic drive of classic British heavy metal. Their music is a dense wall of sound that somehow remains incredibly agile, shifting from blistering tremolo picking to triumphant, galloping riffs that wouldn't feel out of place on a NWOBHM record. There is a palpable sense of urgency and physical weight to their recordings that sets them apart from the more ethereal or 'pretty' side of atmospheric black metal.

What makes them distinctive is their refusal to choose between aggression and melody. They utilize a high-fidelity production style that highlights the technicality of the drumming and the intricate layering of the guitars, allowing for moments of genuine grandeur amidst the chaos. Subtle synth textures and occult atmospheres provide a cosmic backdrop to what is, at its core, a very visceral and earth-bound display of metal mastery.

Start with 'Burn in Many Mirrors' to hear them at their most refined and expansive. It captures their ability to weave complex, multi-part epics that never lose their momentum. If you prefer something a bit more raw and direct, their self-titled debut offers a masterclass in how to modernize the black metal template without losing its dangerous edge.