Some bands take a lifetime to release their next record, Eldritch releases Blackenday not more than a year later from it’s predecessor Neighbourhell. I really liked that album, especially the track 'Save Me' being my personal favourite. So I was pretty excited when I received these twelve brand new tracks in my mail. They are developing a strong fan base, which led them to the Chicago Powerfest 2006, the first North-American gig for these Italians. When you’re going at this rate it’s a good thing to keep releasing fresh material. But it better be good material.

 

The album opens with a ballad-like song ‘Silent Flame’, it gives me the impression they’re heading towards a more commercial direction. When the next few songs burst out of my speakers, Eldritch heads back to the technical and melodic metal lane. Well, they’ve been around for 12 years and after 7 releases you can imagine that a band would like to go commercial. Blackenday actually lives up to its title, the album is quite dark compared to its predecessor.

For instance ‘The Blackened Day’, opens up gently and calmly, becomes a little heavier and singer Terence Holler sings in the lower regions. On the other hand ‘Why’ and ‘Black Rain’ are modern, progressive songs with thrash riffs. Oh yes it’s filled with great playing and it is clear how they managed to propel themselves to the forefront of Italian progressive metal. 

The fans will like this record, even though the album is clearly darker. Personally, I'd say it’s not an album I’ll put on easily. It’s just that for me the songs sound just a little too depressed.

 

The album will also be released on digipack format with no less than three extra tracks. Also the video for ‘The Blackened Day’ will be on it.