BLACKNING hailing from Sao Paulo, Brazil were formed in 2013. The Thrash Metal outfit released one EP and "Awakening Rage" is their third full-length album. It was mixed and mastered by Marcos Cerutti (DEPRESSED; NEMESIUM) at Hellpass Studio. The album has a length of about 42 minutes, and it was released via Swedish extreme Metal specialists Black Lion Records. The album starts fast and aggressive. The opening guitar riffs of "Violate" are sharp and hard-hitting. "Violate" is a track that switches between a fast pace during the verse parts and mid-tempo during the bridge and the break. The vocals are harsh and around the medium end of the vocal range with some slight vocal shifts in either direction. The mid-tempo break has traditional Thrash Metal vibes and is, including the lead guitars, the highlight of the track. Altogether, "Violate" is an opener, which spreads some excitement for more.

"Greed And Lies" starts with powerful riffing at a measured tempo and dark melodies. The song is a mixture of a slow tempo during the verse parts and a sharp transition towards mid-tempo for the chorus parts. The break is introduced by tight riffing and crunching basslines at blistering pace, paving the way for the two-part lead guitar solo. The concept of steadily increasing pace fits perfectly to the grim melodic framework. "Greed And Lies" is the official video release, and the YouTube link is provided below. "Disfigured Trust" is a short instrumental driven by the guitars transitioning into the high-speed "Lamb To The Slaughter". The riffing is simple and direct and there are a few switches in tempo and rhythm throughout the track. The transitions between the frantic verse parts and the up-tempo chorus parts are sharp. The break for the lead guitar solo also undergoes various tempo and rhythm changes, gradually increasing speed. The extended lead guitar solo is very contributing and playful.

"Never To Be Free" is a fast song with a lot of lead guitar contributions right from the start. The track lacks a bit the aggression and face-kicking of the opening tracks, but is still a good Thrash Metal song. Opposite to most album tracks, "Never To Be Free" has no changes in tempo and rhythm. It is a direct and simple track. "Insanity In Power" has a powerful and spine-chilling start with dark riffing and lead guitars at a stomping, head-banging rhythm. It is a crushing track, where the grim melodic framework is the focal point. The chorus parts are almost anthemic, and altogether, it is one of the catchiest songs on the album and surely a contender to become a fan favorite. "Lex Talionis" is another short, tension-building instrumental setting the melodic framework for "Vengeance Is Mine", which has written traditional Thrash Metal vibes all over it. The riffing is tight and aggressive, the pace is frantic from the start to the finish, and the lead guitars are excellent. "Vengeance Is Mine" is one of the album highlights.

"Eye For An Eye" has a powerful start with crushing riffs and basslines. It is a mid-tempo track with a lot of aggression in the riffing and vocals. Most notably, there is more double-bass drumming compared to the other album songs. The track does not have any tempo changes during the verse and chorus parts and there is only a subtle shift in rhythm at the beginning of the break introducing the lead guitar solo. The chorus melodies have a few oriental vibes. The extended lead guitar solo is the highlight of the track. "Unnamed Reality" starts with a short, drum and bass driven intro. When the guitars and vocals join in, the track develops into an aggressive mid-tempo track. There is a slow building up in tempo during the verse part with a seamless transition into an up-tempo chorus part driven by the double-bass drumming.

"Unnamed Reality" is a track where in particular drums and bass can shine as they drive the song forward. The album finishes with "Lies That Blind", which has an extended doom-laden start with the guitars, then transitioning into a fast verse part with classical Thrash Metal riffing. There are sharp transitions between the fast verse parts and the slow chorus parts. Highlight of the track is the cool extended lead guitar solo. "Lies That Blind" is one of the best songs and an excellent way to finish the album. BLACKNING deliver a very good Thrash Metal album. "Awakening Rage" is a mixture of traditional Thrash Metal and modern elements, driven by the guitar riffing and the lead guitars. Although the sound on the album is based on a well-tried Thrash Metal concept, BLACKNING still find their way to implement their very own sound, which gives the album its own and unique character. The album is well produced. Thrash Metal fans will be happy with "Awakening Rage" and will look forward to some exciting live shows of BLACKNING.