Awakening Rage
Reviewed by: Jim Harrison
Rating: 8.5
Blackning, a Brazilian thrash metal band that hail from Santo Andrè, São Paulo are releasing thier third album via Black Lion Records on July 28, 2023. My first listen to this album blew me away and I had to do a review to get the word out that this is a “must listen” for thrash enthusiasts everywhere. A brutal assault of heavy thrash that doesn’t give in and pounds the senses to the very last note. The band consists of Clèber Orsioli vocalist/guitarist, Renan Pigmew drums, Richard Brigas bass/backing vocals and Zozi Fernando guitarist all talented musicians who have created such an individual, honest album.
The album has two instrumental tracks “Disfigured Trust” which sounds like it could have easily been on Slayer’s Seasons In the Abyss album and “Lex Talionis” that showcases a wicked drum beat. The first track “Violate” is one on my two favourite tracks and has a cool siren sound which sets the tone of the album that this will be a massive thrashing undertaking. The early releases of songs “Greed and Lies”, “ Never to be Free” and “ Eye For An Eye” all were smart choice’s to wet the listener’s appetite for what this album is about without giving away too much prior to the release. I love it when bands do that. “Lamb To the Slaughter “ is my second favourite track on this album which showcases Orsioli’s strong vocals and a fast pounding drum beat by Santos. The guitar work by Fernando absolutely speeds this song along. “Insanity of Power” starts slower with a cool guitar riff and then explodes into some darker vocals. “Vengeance Is Mine” is another massively sounding track that showcases how heavy this album is. “Unnamed Reality” has a killer bass sound by Brigas, coupled with the pounding drums makes this track the heaviest on the album. The vocals on this song are amazing. The last track “Lies That Bind” has a fantastic drum beat that makes this song very melodic. Orsiolis vocals again rip this track to shreds and really finishes the album off as heavy as it began.
The album art was created by Björn Goobes/Killustrations which is superb and awakens the rage of this album.
What I like about this band is they are consistent with the thrash movement, creating a unrelenting attack that doesn’t have any compromises and is an honest creation from start to finish. It has everything you want in a thrash album, speed, heavy, dark vocals, awesome musicianship and packs a punch. I strongly recommend this album.
Cléber Orsioli: Vocals /guitars
Renan Pigmew: Drums
Richard Brigas: Bass/backing vocals
Zozi Fernando: Guitars
https://www.facebook.com/blackning