Black Light Burns is the new project featuring Wes Borland, formerly of Limp Bizkit. The group's new album is titled Cruel Melody, and is very well put together. We were looking forward to seeing how the complex song layers translated into a live performance.

Their stage set-up was visually stunning. The speaker cabinets were adorned with interesting paintings. It's an inexpensive but highly effective way to dress-up a set.

Wes Borland is one of the most energetic front-men I have ever seen. It was difficult to get a good photo because he simply wouldn't stand still, not even for a moment. As seems to be his calling-card, his face was painted, appearing almost serpent-like. By the third song Mr. Borland was shirtless, his body covered in what appeared to be axle grease.

The music played during the live performance does differ from the recordings. It's a more raw, and powerful representation of the music. Sometimes bands fail to reproduce the studio magic on the stage. Black Light Burns seems more intent on playing the hell out of their music.

| 07.18.2007 | Review by Kristen Pierson |