VULCANO is a Blackened Thrash Metal band from São Paulo, Brazil. "Stone Orange" is the group's twelfth full-length album, released by Emanzipation Productions on April 29, 2022.

Given that this band has been around since the 80s, it is no surprise that the music on this album is as old school as it gets. The riffs, energy and raw attitude of this record places it squarely within the ranks of other classic Brazilian Metal bands like "Morbid Visions"-era SEPULTURA and "I.N.R.I."-era SARCÓFAGO. This album feels like a throwback to those humble beginnings of the Brazilian Metal movement in the best way possible.

It would be nice, however, if the production didn't feel so stilted, for lack of a better word. The drums feel either overly compressed or like they were replaced with garbage samples. Additionally, when the guitars do certain stop-start movements, like on "A Night In A Metal Gig," you can you hear the parts where they have been edited and it feels a little bizarre. However, these factors alone are not enough to give this album a bad review.

In terms of musicianship, the group is clearly in fine form here. Luiz Carlos Louzada's voice is positively terrifying, especially when he layers it on tracks like "Trigger Of Violence." Zhema Rodero and Gerson Farjado's riffs are fast, furious and fear-inducing, eliciting classic Black and Thrash Metal vibes in particular on such songs as "Tear Gas." Carlos Diaz's bass playing is understated; as a player he seems to be more concerned with anchoring the groove than standing out melodically, which is fine considering the genre he plays in. And, last but not least, Bruno Conrado's drumming at times feels like a runaway train but with just enough to control to let you know he's truly in charge ("Ship Of Dead" is a great example of this).

Other highlights include "Putrid Angel Ritual," a particular ferocious and morbid number that is over before you can say "Trve Kvlt,"; "Witches Don't Lie," a dissonant and deadly track that shows Luiz Carlos Louzada at his most evil; and the title track, which features some of the most blunt-force riffs on the whole record.

Overall, this album is a strong continuation in VULCANO's brutal discography. Production qualms aside, I could see myself enjoying "Stone Orange" more and more over future listens. Fans of old school 80s Underground Metal, you will all rejoice upon hearing this record!