Those who wrote Depeche Mode off years ago as dour, pasty-faced synth-pop pansies might be shocked by the opening of “Playing The Angel,” the veteran band’s return after a four-year absence. Instead of delicate synths, the opening track, “A Pain That I’m Used To,” begins with an abrasive roar that sounds like a broken air-raid siren. While the song veers off into traditional DM territory, the noise returns midway through and at the end of the song, suggesting that maybe the members of Depeche Mode have sprouted testicles. Continuing to break the stereotypes, singer Dave Gahan sounds downright angry and aggressive on the electro-gospel of “John The Revelator.” Longtime fans needn’t worry too much, however, as “Precious” is trademark DM, with a sound so familiar you might think you’re listening to a greatest hits record. Still, with such a mix of material, “Playing The Angel” is bound to keep the Mode masses happy and just might convince others to give DM another chance.