BORROWER is (according to the info that came with the music) an Italian Progressive Metal band from Lecce in Italy, and has been a stop and start kind if band since 1993. In 2014 they reemerged for the fourth time, and they have been going since. Their release sheet is rather empty though, as until 2005 they only had four demos to their name. since their return they have given the audience an EP in 2018 ("A Plague Chapter…") and now, on 13 February 2026, they have brought us their actual debut album "Killerdemons". And as usual I can state that I hadn't heard of these Italians before now, so reviewing this is like entering new territory.

BORROWER and their record companies Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records state on the EPK that they play Progressive Metal, and I'll admit that this genre is part of their sound, but I need to add a bit of Alternative Rock, a bit of Sludge and a smidgeon of Industrial as well. That would make the description complete. And yes, I do agree with you that such a combination of factors can be very interesting and maybe even impressive if done in the right way. What "Killerdemons" does have is a production that really makes the songs stand out, makes them come to you in their optimal setting. I actually like the fact that the band is not afraid to sing in different languages. The pronunciation of it all might not always be perfect, but by doing this the gist of the message is always portrayed in a satisfactory manner.

And as I start to listen, I am hesitant as to what my true feelings are about what BORROWER brings. On the one hand I applaud that they are trying very hard not to be one-sided, that they are not afraid to roam the different musical styles in their songs. It makes "Killerdemons" into  a very diverse album musically. what really bugs me is that the band sounds very lacklustre, as if this is something that they were forced to make. And that is very disappointing. I don't know if this is down to the attitude of the band or if the producer has some input in this fact, but is what brings this album down big time. It prevents any song on "Killerdemons" to rise above the mediocre standing, and quite often below that. I wish I could be more positive, but alas, I just can't.