Blackning - Alienation

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In Brazil, we have a long and strong tradition in Thrash Metal. Indeed, since the affirmation of our Metal scene in the middle of the 80s, Thrash Metal is strong and bold here in these lands. You'll find some truly excellent bands in the style here, as with the trio BLACKNING that comes with their second album, "AlieNation". The band was formed by three experienced guys in Thrash Metal: Cleber Orsioli is the former vocalist/guitarist from ANDRALLS. Francisco "Chicão" Stanich played bass guitar in WOSLOM for many years, and Elvis "Hellvis" Santos played drums in POSTWAR. Then, we can wait for great things from these maniacs, and since "Order of Chaos", their first album, they are doing a massive, aggressive and catchy form of Thrash Metal. On "AlieNation", the formula is back, but done at the band's best form. The evolution they experienced between the albums is clear to us.

"AlieNation" was produced and mixed by Fabiano Penna (REBAELLIUN's guitarist), and the mastering was done by Neto Grous on Absolute Master studios. The result is an aggressive and dry sound quality that sounds extremely heavy, but clean as well. It is extremely near to how they usually sound on a live show, so be prepared for their musical fury. The art was created by Marcus Zema from Black Plague Design, and it was done on a three-fold digipack format, so the art for the cover is shown in its best, transpiring the band's acid lyrical content. The art as well is a reference to the art used on "Order of Chaos."

Having as guest Fabiano Penna on backing vocals and samples, the additional vocals of André Alves of STATUES ON FIRE on "Corporation" and Lohy Silveira (bassist/vocalist of REBAELLIUN) on "Devil's Child", obviously we can say that "AlieNation" had come to mark a new time on BLACKNING history. The album's finest moments: The fast songs "Street Justice" (with its excellent rhythmic changes and great drumming) and "Thru the Eyes" (a thunderous Thrash metal roar, showing aggressive vocals and excellent guitar riffs), the slow and bitter "Dark Days" and very good bass guitar arrangements; the short and savage "Devil's Child" (a furious song with some little bits of Death Metal elements on the guitars riffs, excellent drums and great guttural vocals from Lohy), the Crossover touch felt on "The Rotten Institution"; and the brutality of the guitars on "Corporation" (the bass guitar and vocals are excellent once more, with a Hardcore/Punk Rock scent given by André's guest vocals). "AlieNation" is an excellent album, so hope you can buy it, but prepare your necks!

Originality: 9
Songwriting: 10
Memorability: 10
Production: 9