BLACK LIGHT BURNS / Lotus Island [2013]

 

Released only 6 months after their previous record, Black Light Burns starts 2013 off with mostly instrumental soundscapes on Lotus Island.

Frontman Wes Borland considers it more a "thing" rather than an album or EP and curiously refers to it as an alternative score to the bizarre cult classic film The Holy Mountain.   It's more like a big ol' canvas of sound for Borland to paint whatever he desires without really worrying what the outcome would be.  Darker and moodier than previous BLB albums, it surprisingly brings in some lighter acoustic tones than usual, reminiscent of the late 60's psychedelic movement.  It will mostly leave you scratching your head but nevertheless a fascinating listen, like watching an artist paint in his own private quarters.

3 songs from the Underworld out of 5

Songs Of Note: The City; It's Good To Be Gold

BLACK LIGHT BURNS / The Moment You Realize You're Going to Fall [2012]

5 years later, due to obligations with Limp Bizkit & Marilyn Manson, Wes Borland finally returns to his Black Light Burns project with a sophomore effort, 2012's The Moment You Realize You're Going To Fall. 

A quirky hybrid of nu metal, industrial & punk music, BLB cranks up the distortion on the bass and doesn't take it self as seriously as on 2005's Cruel Melody.  Borland's allowed his songwriting skills to organically flow & loosen up and it really shows for the better.  Clocking in at over an hour might be a bit much for some folks but for anyone who's been anxiously waiting 5 years for a new album will be pleased.

4 chapters out of 5

Songs Of Note: Torch From The Sky; The Moment You Realize You're Going To Fall