AN NCS PREMIERE: BORGNE — “JE DEVIENS MON PROPRE ABYSSE”

 

Originally the solo project of Bornyhake (whose name has been associated with a significant number of other groups), but eventually expanding into a full band, the Swiss entity Borgne released their first album in 1998, and their path since then has resulted in eight more full-lengths. The most recent of those, entitled Y, will be released by Borgne‘s new label Les Acteurs de l’Ombre Productions on March 6th.

Borgne‘s musical hallmark has been the integration of industrial music into black metal, with an increasingly atmospheric quality that combines with the compulsive mechanical rhythms and intense, ravaging aggression. We have a prime example of these aspects of Borgne‘s music to share with you today, as we premiere the new album’s second track, “Je Deviens Mon Propre Abysse” (I Become My Own Abyss).

 

photo by vrphotography.ch

 

The title of this new song may provide a good clue to the music’s penetrating emotional power, which manages to combine sensations that are majestic and ethereal, but also depressive and despairing. And of course the song also provokes a strong physical response.

In this track Borgne set the stage with booming drums, a heaving undercurrent in the low end, and a sweeping synth melody that sounds both regal and bleak, and then the drums begin blasting as the melody continues to cascade. When the livid vocals arrive, venting the lyrics in a vicious howl, the music seems to take on a different resonance — even more beleaguered and freighted with dejection, but also even more intense.

The song is a dynamic combination of musical experiences, and more are coming. That dark, ethereal melody disappears, replaced by a jolting industrial rhythm and a neck-cracking snare beat, and after that head-moving interlude the synths and scorching vocals return, but now the music has a fearsome and imperious mien. That too disappears, replaced by the syncopated tick of cymbals and ominous electronic tones.

The energy of the music begins to rise again through a riveting percussive rhythm, and carries through into sweeping waves of incandescent power, both searing and sorrowing, anchored by pulse-pounding rhythms that are punctuated by a final round of booming detonations.

 

Y is the first of two Borgne albums that Les Acteurs de l’Ombre Productions will release (and, as a sign of its respect, the first time the label has signed a two-album deal with any band.) It was recorded and mixed at Chaos studio by Bornyhake. Mastering and additional samples were done by Raphaël Bovey at MyRoom studio in Lausanne. Credit for the layout and artwork goes to Saros Collective.

On March 6th, Les Acteurs de l’Ombre Productions will release Y on CD, LP, and Digital), along with related merch. Pre-orders may be placed now via the links below. We’re also including a stream of the previously released track “Qui Serais je Si Je Ne Le Tentais Pas?“, in addition to today’s premiere.

PRE-ORDER:
CD, LP & Merch: https://lesacteursdelombre.net/product-category/bands/borgne/
Digital: https://borgne.bandcamp.com/album/y

BORGNE:
https://www.facebook.com/borgneblackmetal/