Review Summary: Black Light Burns' concept album is an unpredictable ride filled with tons of experimentation and chilling ambiance.
Perhaps the biggest reason why Wes Borland and Black Light Burns are easily overlooked is because of the fact that Wes is the lead guitarist of Limp Bizkit: one of the most infamous nu metal bands out there. Just because this is a Wes Borland band, that sometimes triggers instant skepticism because of his affiliation with the former. I assure you that Black Light Burns showcases Wes' talent as a musician and it is nothing like Limp Bizkit. Their debut was an angsty alternative rock album with Nine Inch Nails like qualities, but this album is entirely different. "Lotus Island" is a concept album that is meant to be another soundtrack to the 1973 film "The Holy Mountain" and what a strange and creative soundtrack it is. Chock full of disturbing ambiance, brilliant rhythms, and an overall creepy atmosphere, "Lotus Island" is one of the most unique albums anyone could find out there. It's essentially Wes Borland leading the band into an extremely experimental direction that opens the door for many other unpredictable albums to come in the future.
Once the ominous sound effects and atmospheric acoustic guitar playing starts in the album opener 'The Alchemist,' the listener knows this is going to be a very unique listen. The song sets the mood beautifully for the entire album and it really delivers a feeling of subtle dread that is so unexpected considering how blunt and to the point Black Light Burns' previous albums are in terms of songwriting and music. Rest assured, for those who are still searching for those industrial elements that their previous albums also contained, they remain intact and better than ever here. 'The City' boasts a stellar industrial build up and the industrial elements carry over into 'It's Good To Be Gold.' It may not be the best track on the album due to its somewhat cringe worthy vocals, but it features a chilling guitar riff in the beginning that would be perfect in a western movie and a very accessible beat. The vocals of "Lotus Island" is its biggest downfall, but thankfully they are minimal and the ambient sections is where the album excels the most.
Take 'The Opportunists' for example. The song is about as ambient as it is unpredictable. The beginning delivers in making the listener imagine a sense of danger due to its driving rhythm and dark atmosphere, but it all changes in an unexpected way. The synthesizers start to swell and another gentle guitar riff sets the stage for the strings that lead into an incredible ending filled with feelings of darkness and sorrow that is best experienced for yourself. The album may capitalize on these feelings the best, but there is light found in another album highlight known as 'The Dancers.' With the exception of the disturbing minimal drums that end the song, it boasts an incredibly soothing and inspiring guitar riff with amazing rising synthesizers in the background.
Every song brings something new to the table on this record. From the very accessible nature of 'It Rapes All In It's Path' and the strangeness of 'The Parasite,' it boasts so much variety that anyone with an open mind will never get bored. Granted this album is not for everyone. The album contains some accessible songs, but everything as a whole could be very tough to swallow for some. Plus whatever vocals there are, though very minimal, may turn many people away from the album. However, any fans of ambient industrial music should not pass this unknown gem up. It really showcases Wes Borland's talent as a musician and don't let the fact that he is in Limp Bizkit make you skeptical about giving this a listen. You'll fall in love with its creativity and experimentation right from the start.
