Sorry folks, I have missed this album entirely. The huge number of releases nowadays plus the fact that everything is thrown online makes it for me, yes, I am getting old, impossible to keep track of all the beautiful darkness released in the ether.
Normally, I will not review releases which have already been launched a few months ago. But with Borgne I will gladly make an exception. Ever since seeing them live in the Netherlands (I think 13 years ago) I have been discovering Borgne’s discography. Both on and off stage, and they managed to enthrall me with their distinctive dark sound.
With “Renaỉtre De Ses Fanges” this Swiss Industrial Black Metal outfit is already on its eleventh release. Once again founder Boneyshake and his comrade manage to catapult you in its cold, pitch black void like no other can. Borgne is operating in a niche, almost operating in the shadows, and they deserve more recognition. On the other hand, this band is not for the faint of heart; this is not for everyone. This album is gritty, dark, mechanical, suffocating, unsettling and best enjoyed in the dark where dark demons dwell in your mind.
“Renaỉtre De Ses Fanges” can be regarded as a singular work of art. Normally I discuss the tracks individually. I will discuss some tracks but this album, albeit quite lengthy, should be listened to in its whole. Because after the gloomy intro “Introspection du nẻant” the first full length track “Comme une tempête en moi qui gronde” makes an unsettling entrance. Starting slowly while building momentum with harsh guitars, synths, industrial soundscapes and threatening ambient tunes. The music shifts between Symphonic Black Metal and an (almost) cinematic soundtrack yet is always heavy and has impact. Borgne creates an unsettling and grim dystopia, where at times harsh, yet beautiful guitar melodies shine brightly. Together with Lady Kaos her keyboards they manage to create a distinctive, unique mood which no other band can. As said, within the layers of sonic electronic darkness there’s still plenty of Black Metal to be found. And that’s what makes Borgne so great: electronic soundscapes are there setting the mood but the almost epic guitar riffs (which are excellent!) make sure that (open minded) extreme metalheads get their kicks.
I have added the English translation with the song titles below. It shows how dark it gets on this album. It certainly is not a collection of merry tunes and sing-a-along songs, and that’s how I like it… at times…. because you need to have the right mood in order to listen to this; as said, preferably listened to in its entirety.
With gritty production it took me several spins to grasp this excellent album. But gradually, slowly “Renaỉtre Des Ses Fanges” crept under my skin. Like a slow working poison, it polluted my (already lost) soul and body and injected me into another world. A world where terror and darkness reigns, a world of despair.
I can easily write a page more about this excellent album. But if you are intrigued by this review and have an open mind: check this one out. It is not for everyone but when you like harsh Industrial Black Metal this is a must listen. And if you have the chance to see this band on stage go check them out. They manage to present their cold music in superb manner on stage. Good stuff!
Score: 8,6 – 10
Label: Les Acteurs de L’Ombre Productions
Release date: March 14th 2025
Reviewer: Erik
Track list:
01.Introspection du Néant (Introspection of Nothingness)
02. Comme une tempête en moi qui gronde (Like a Storm Rumbling Within Me)
03. Même si l’enfer m’attire dans sa perdition (Even If Hell Draws Me Into Its Perdition)
04. Condamnée à errer dans les méandres (Doomed To Wander in its Twists and Turns)
05. Ils me rongent de l’intérieur (They Gnaw at Me From the Inside)
06. Dans un tourbillon de douleur (In a Whirlwind of Pain)
07. Un espace hors du temps (A Space Outside of Time)
08. Royaumes de poussière et de cendre (Kingdoms of Dust and Ash)
