There are bands that truly define what being progressive is all about. code is one of those bands. They began life as a black metal band and evolved into the prog rock band they are today. Unlike bands like Opeth, code did not go back and utilize old school prog to redefine themselves. Rather they embraced a fresh new sound rooted in avant garde and modern prog. It’s quirky, uncomfortable and yet ethereal.

“Lost Signal” is their new EP that works more as a bridge between styles. The band all but lost whatever traces of black metal that they had on their last album “mut,” which by the way is fucking amazing. Prior to that, “Augur Nox” still had an element of black metal bubbling to the surface every now and then. What “Lost Signal” does is to take 3 tracks from “mut” and add some grit and crust to them which in effect gives them more of a “Augur Nox” sound.

The remaining 3 tracks, from 3 previous albums, all get modernized to have more of a “mut” type arrangement. So what you have is a blending of everything that makes code so damn interesting. So each side of the band is explored by the other side of the band. Make sense? It’s the bridge back from “mut” in some ways. It also sounds very much live as well. It captures the raw energy that code has always had.

“Lost Signal” will definitely appeal to current fans like me. At the same time, it works REALLY well as an introduction to what code is all about. And not just lately but everything this complex band is about. It’s a brilliant idea by a brilliant band. Do check this one out!

Rating: 9.5/10

Release Date: January 25, 2017

Tracklist:
1. On Blinding Larks
2. Cocoon
3. Affliction
4. The Rattle Of Black Teeth
5. The Lazarus Cord
6. Brass Dogs

Label: Agonia Records
Bandcamp: agoniarecords.bandcamp.com/album/lost-signal