Name: Limp Bizkit
Album: The Unquestionable Truth [Pt 1]
Label: Geffen Records
Band:
Fred Durst - Vocals
Wes Borland - Guitar
Sam Rivers - Bass
John Otto – Drums
DJ Lethal - Turntables
Limp Bizkit was formed in 1994 by Durst, Rivers, and Otto. They toured in and around their hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. About this time, they became friends with rap music House of Pain, of which DJ Lethal was a member. Soon after House of Pain broke up, DJ Lethal joined the band.
In 1996 they released a five song-EP featuring songs such as "Pollution" and "Sour". 1997 saw the release of their first full-length album Three Dollar Bill ya’ll. The album had a slow start. It wasn't until Limp Bizkit made an association with the band Korn that they made any progress. Due largely to Korn they were able to promote with appearances on MTV and The Family Values Tour as well as Ozzfest (and Wes Borland's outlandish stage clothes didn't hurt either). Their break-out single was a cover of George Michael’s hit “Faith”.
Review:
Limp Bizkit was never really a great band in my opinion. There first three albums "Three Dollar Bill Ya’ll" (1997), Significant Other (1999) and "Chocolate Starfish" (2000) were ok (C.S been my personal favourite of there’s) but they were one of the better bands of the Nu-Metal genre, and cranked out heavy songs, with good hooks, and sing-along-choruses.
After reaching their plateau with "Chocolate Starfish," Limp Bizkit basically started to crumble. First, guitarist Wes Borland left the band. Basically his was the only member with any ‘real’ musical talent. Then there was Fred Durst's embarrassing public craze with Britney Spears. The bands search for a new guitar player, in which they had the contenders sign a contract forfeiting any music they played at the tryout, damaged their reputation more. Then after hooking up with guitarist Mike Smith, the band released the horrific "Results May Vary" album. With the release of “Results May Vary” they looked they finished..
Wes Borland then returned to the band, so it seemed that all was not lost. Could his return revitalize the band? The answer is, yes… to a certain extent.
"The Unquestionable Truth, Part I, is a strong comeback for the band. One thing that "Results May Vary" lacked was good riffs. Well, "The Unquestionable Truth, Part 1" is not lacking there. In fact, this album contains some of their finest, most catchy collection of songs to date. It's mostly fast and furious. The ending ballad, "The Surrender" is one of the best, most honest songs they've ever written. These songs sound less fun, more urgent, and darker than their previous releases. The band has both returned to their roots, and also matured. Wes Borland's presence is what ultimately makes this CD work. Say what you will about Limp Bizkit, but there is no denying that Borland is a creative guy.
What annoys me with this album is that Fred Durst is basically trying to imitate Zach De La Rocha from Rage Against The Machine. Personally I think that they should concentrate on their own style rather than stealing others.. and that is what the major letdown is on this CD.
Only one questionable aspect to this is that it only consists of 7 songs (They intend to sell their new albums in parts.. this been part 1). It is a bit of a ‘con’ when some music stores sell this the same price as regular albums, but Limp Bizkit have stated that it’s the shops that are conning the customers, not them.
Recommended Tracks:
The Truth
The Surrender
Overview
I’m still kind of 50-50 about this CD. It’s good that Wes is back for them, as his the main driving force of this band. BUT..and this is a big but… Durst just sounds like his imitating R.A.T.M too much for my liking (Especially when I’m a huge R.A.T.M fan myself). I guess only you can decide if you like this CD or not.. but I’m not to sure to be honest.
Rating : 2-2.5/5
