With more than ten full-length albums to their name since 1998, Borgne from Lausanne, Switzerland, has certainly not been idle. This is even more impressive when you consider that main multi-instrumentalist Bornyhake is also involved in numerous other bands and projects, runs a label, and operates a studio. A relentless creative force, he has shaped Borgne into one of the most consistent and recognizable names in Industrial Black Metal. Since 2020, the band has been signed to the French label Les Acteurs de L’Ombre Productions, which released this full-length as a CD, tape, and double LP.
Industrial Black Metal has remained a relatively niche genre, expanding only gradually since the 1990s. The fusion of raw, aggressive Black Metal with the cold, mechanical intensity of Industrial might not be the most common pairing, but when executed well, it creates a sound that is both suffocating and immersive. Borgne has long mastered this balance, and their latest release is no exception.
This album defies a track-by-track breakdown and instead demands to be experienced as a singular, cohesive work of art. The raw, relentless guitar work conceals layers of hidden melody beneath its harsh surface, merging seamlessly with atmospheric keyboards and the commanding, versatile vocals of Bornyhake. The album constantly shifts between extremes, at times bordering on Symphonic Black Metal with grand, cinematic arrangements, only to be pulled back into the depths by droning industrial soundscapes and eerie ambient passages. The dark synth pads and orchestral flourishes from Lady Kaos’ keyboards contribute significantly to the album’s atmosphere, painting a sonic landscape of desolation where machines reign supreme and humanity has long since been erased.
What makes this album particularly striking is its complexity. There is so much happening at any given moment that it demands focused and repeated listening to fully appreciate its depth. With a runtime exceeding an hour, it is not a casual listen but rather an immersive experience that requires patience and dedication. Yet for those willing to surrender to its intricacies, this record offers an intense, hypnotic journey into the bleak, mechanical heart of Borgne’s world.
This is an absolute must-listen, even if you’re not particularly familiar with the Industrial side of Black Metal. The album’s strength lies in its ability to merge multiple influences, drawing from various Black Metal subgenres to create something that feels both expansive and cohesive. The balance between raw aggression, haunting atmospheres, and mechanical precision ensures that there is always something new to discover, making it an engaging experience even for those who typically gravitate toward more traditional Black Metal.
What sets this release apart is the sheer quality of its execution. Every element, from the intricate layering of guitars and synths to the dynamic shifts between intensity and atmosphere, is carefully crafted to pull the listener into its bleak and immersive world. Albums of this scope and depth don’t come along often, and when they do, they deserve attention. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or just curious to explore its more experimental side, this record is well worth your time.
90/100
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