Cruel Melody
Black Light Burns · 2007
62 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
A dark and brooding exploration of angst, layered with industrial textures and haunting melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cruel Melody — This title track encapsulates the album's emotional depth, blending introspective lyrics with a dynamic sound that showcases Borland's unique style.
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Animal — The aggressive tone and driving beat of this track reflect the inner turmoil explored throughout the album, making it a standout representation of its themes.
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Coward — With its contrasting softer verses and explosive chorus, this track exemplifies the album's ability to oscillate between vulnerability and intensity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends aggressive and atmospheric elements effectively but lacks some cohesion in its latter half.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features aggressive guitar riffs and driving percussion, while the second half shifts to more atmospheric and introspective soundscapes.
- Several tracks incorporate electronic elements, with layered synths creating a dense texture that complements the heavy instrumentation.
- The vocal delivery varies from melodic singing to harsh, spoken-word sections, emphasizing the emotional intensity of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dark explorations of inner turmoil
- brooding soundscapes for introspection
- haunting melodies that linger
- patient builds towards cathartic release
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, energetic tracks
- seek lighthearted listening experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Cruel Melody is Black Light Burns' debut album, released in 2007 following the band's formation by Wes Borland after his time in Limp Bizkit. This project marked a significant shift for Borland, showcasing his artistic vision outside of his previous band while establishing a unique identity within the alternative and industrial rock scenes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nine Inch Nails· Marilyn Manson· Filter
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Mesopotamia 4:27
- 2 Animal 4:08
- 3 Lie 4:19
- 4 Coward 4:36
- 5 Cruel Melody 5:00
- 6 The Mark 3:13
- 7 I Have a Need 4:24
- 8 4 Walls 3:51
- 9 Stop a Bullet 3:37
- 10 One of Yours 4:51
- 11 New Hunger 5:25
- 12 I Am Where It Takes Me 6:10
- 13 Iodine Sky 8:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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