Written Before Listen
Without anyone asking for it, Limp Bizkit is back. The infamous nu-metal band hasn’t released anything since 2011 and they just released the most popular nu-metal record of 2021 (unless they have completely changed their sound.) Personally, I don’t like Limp Bizkit (except for “Break Stuff”). With the 6 or 7 songs I know, a majority of them are just gimmicky and filled to Dursts’ brim with douchebaggery. This is my first time listening to one of their albums in whole, so let’s see what they can do in the span of an album.
Limp Bizkit’s Placement In Metal
I should start by saying that Limp Bizkit is one of the most hated bands in metal. To be honest, their hate is self-explanatory. The riffs are cliche, Fred Durst is extremely hatable and is not lyrical or believable. In the genre of nu-metal, bands like Slipknot, Korn, and Linkin Park not only made more respectable music but did the blend of hip hop and metal effortlessly. The backwards hat, drum breaks, and sometimes hip-hop-inspired vocabulary made it a disgrace to the post-Rage Against The Machine rap metal.
Production
Now, let’s go to the music. The usual redeeming quality of Limp Bizkit’s music is the production. Back in the day, they got the production help from Ross Robinson. They actually get the producer of Poppy’s “I Disagree” Zakk Cervini to produce this album. They honestly couldn’t have chosen a better producer. The drop-like effects on “Out Of Style” and “Pill Popper” bring modernity to Limp Bizkit’s extremely outdated sound. The acoustic tracks are rich and the samples are super clean. The industrial sounds are a great addition to the mix too. The production is actually super well done on this album.
Genre-Bending
The main character trait of Limp Bizkit’s sound is the blend of metal and hip hop. There’s nothing else to the meat and potatoes of Limp Bizkit’s sound. On the other hand, there are places in this album where Limp Bizkit goes out of the ordinary. On the songs “Don’t Change” and “Empty Hole”, Limp Bizkit does their take on acoustic grunge and they turn out AWFUL. Easily the two worst songs on the album. The last track is a Timberlake-inspired song with boy band drums, chopped acoustic drums, and melodic vocals. Alongside that, there are hints of Industrial, Comedy, and Hardcore too. I will say that I didn’t realize that Limp Bizkit had this side to them.
Lyrics
Ok….WHAT ARE THESE LYRICS!?!? “I've been askin' for somethin’/While I'm askin' for nothin’”. “It's time to rock this motherfucker 'cause I'm always out of style/Never change my style 'cause my style is kinda fresh”. “It's Halloween/And I'm your ghost/I promise to haunt you the most/When love was dead”. “I know you've been hiding things/You've turned into my lying king”. Also, what the hell is a “guillotine canopy”? These lyrics are some of the worst lyrics of 2021.
Favorite Tracks
Despite some terrible lyrics and the entire Limp Bizkit gimmick, this album had some highlights. The songs “Out Of Style” and “Dad Vibes” are truly lovable. “Turn It Up Bitch” has a very catchy flow, hook and beat as it’s a 90s throwback to the days of Cypress Hill and Das EFX. Out of the love songs “You Bring Out The Worst In Me” and “Goodbye” are both tolerable. I also liked the song “Dirty Rotten Bizkit”. Yeah, this new Limp Bizkit album….it’s not bad.
Verdict
Although I said it’s not bad, it’s not good either, A lot of the gimmick sticks, and the lyrics are downright awful. Fred Durst is also a terrible singer. It’s the production, riffs, and versatility that honestly bring this album up.
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