Limp Bizkit's Three Dollar Bill,Yall$ (1997)

This post has taken a long time to come out, but I'm glad.You can say I've rediscovered this album in the past few weeks,and the review I'll put out now will be a great deal richer than if I had done this earlier.

Album Art

Well, as far as debut albums go, 'Three Dollar..' accomplished what it was made to do - get Limp Bizkit noticed in the music world.The aggressive sound dubbed as 'Rapcore' and 'Nu-metal' [so far immortalised by their mentors KoRn] made heads turn.

Wes Borland doing what he does best!

Agreed,the song writing had a shaky foundation, but the eccentric brilliance of their lone guitarist Wes Borland pulled them through with some memorable,inspiring playing.He didn't use a pick, and instead showed off his two handed technique- playing chords with one hand and tapping the lead with the other.Genius.

DJ Lethal

DJ Lethal too was a revelation and probably set the trend for accommodating DJs in Nu-Metal bands (notable bands include a certain Linkin Park!).Just to keep the music properly timed when the frenzy and passion in playing such music gets ahead of everyone, and the bassist can't control it!The drummer in most cases will be busy playing discontinuous beats on such an aggro album.The scratching and turntable skills are a bonus, that add a definite dimension to what you hear.

The album was recorded at Indigo Ranch,California, a hot destination among bands to record amidst beautiful surroundings which definitely play a part in their music.

Studio at Indigo Ranch

Indigo Ranch

This album initially didn't receive a mind-blowing but a decently impressive response [6,50,000 copies sold in the opening week!] yet it went on to be certified 2x Platinum, riding on the unbelievable success of Limp Bizkit's next in 1999,Significant Other.

This is basically a generic Nu-metal album with a Rap twist, not surprisingly with predictable lyrics.They all have to let the pain and hate out in the first chance they get.Happened with KoRn, happened with Linkin Park and many more contemporaries.

THREE DOLLAR BILL,Y'ALL$ ---- *******ooo        [7/10]

Intro contains a frenzied monologue, a prayer to God to kill everything that's bad in the world.By saying "Kill the pollution..",it introduces us to the first full-sized track on the record.

Pollution builds up well with a cranky guitar intro.The screaming by Fred is spectacular and Wes Borland,who would go on to become one of the greats, dishes out a faultless performance.

Counterfeit comes next.Even before Limp Bizkit went big, local bands starting copying them, and that's what this track is all about.Fred D condemns all those who thought that wearing a baseball cap and baggy sweats [like him] and rapping to beat will make them successful.
The bass by Sam Rivers on the verse and bridge is great to listen to,but Wes plays some heavily distorted guitar which makes it difficult to resolve two sounds.
Lethal makes his presence felt.
This is a memorable song nevertheless in its entirety.







Stuck is an average effort by Fred Durst on vocals.He gives it his all, but it just doesn't come together.The guitars are good in the chorus,but that's about it.The song seems full of fractures.Such music is reminiscent of KoRn's debut.

Nobody Loves Me brings out Borland's Wah-Wah pedal.The bass is monstrous.The chorus of "Nobody loves me, nobody cares" strangely hits a chord, with me at least.This songs bursts forward in packets, there's almost a lull in between sequences.
The climax is very aggressive and sends your pulse racing.

The intro to Sour is brilliant with Wes demonstrating his tapping to great effect.This song describes Fred Durst's problems in his love life.The distorted vocals can be forgiven, as the atmosphere Wes creates is exceptional; you sway to this.







Stalemate reproduces the intro to Sour in a fresh way.It still gets you hooked, waiting for what is to come.The heavy bass thorughout the song by Sam Rivers is sure to make your heart beat faster.The vocals are uninspired.The tunes Sam and Wes explore in the latter part of the song is surprisingly entrancing, mainly because you are trying to understand how the hell they are getting this out of their guitars!

The ecstasy of Sam Rivers

The intro to Clunk redefines what heavy bass means.DJ Lethal comes in with some timely scratching.Fred D yet again fails to impress.

Surprise.A cover of George Michael's chart-topping song "Faith" comes next.Honestly speaking, I like the heavier Limp Bizkit version rather than the mellow original.Fred impresses, and so does Wes Borland.Lethal's work is visible throughout the song.One of the better songs on this album.







Heavy bass.There's something about this that always makes me smile.Stink Finger displays some mind numbing rhythm on the chorus and Fred sings this well.This is about irritating neighbours.There are always some everywhere!

My favourite follows.Indigo Flow has a much more solid spine with a definite structure.If you can divert your attention from Fred thanking everyone who helped him reach where he is, you will notice Wes playing a stellar tune in the background.

Fred Durst

The climax to this song is among the best I've seen yet.As Fred concludes his acknowledgements with "And God, I LOVE YOU...!" he breaks out into a super-sonic scream.It is one of those moments where time stands still, and you wait for it all to sink in.Lethal takes it up from there and ends the song on a high.







Leech starts off strong.But doesn't ascend higher.It reverberates at the level it decides on in the beginning.

Everything concludes this album with close to sixteen and a half minutes of jam recordings at the studio.My advice would be to skip this.

Not something special, but this album just about scrapes 7/10 off me.Just because they hit more than they missed.Not a must-listen.

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NEWS:
1.Julien-K's Breakfast In Berlin has stormed the German Alternative Charts, debuting at #15.On the same charts, KoRn's path-breaking song Narcissitic Cannibal is at #4.

Breakfast In Berlin by Julien-K


Korn 'Narcissistic Cannibal (feat Skrillex and Kill the Noise)' by Korn



2.There are indications that after absolutely no news about Limp Bizkit's second video for Gold Cobra - either Shotgun or Autotunage [or maybe both], something just might come out in the near future.

3.Julien-K's drummer Elias "Bones" Andra has withdrawn from touring with the band as his wife is expecting their second child soon,and he wants to be with his family.He and the others are looking for a drummer to tour with.

4.Julien-K have announced that they have wrapped up two videos.Can't wait for them to come out.Moreover, can't wait for their next, "We're Here With You", that releases 23.01.2012.

Album Art

Next: Dubstep+Metal.Does KoRn's Path Of Totality work?

Poets Of The Fall's Signs Of Life (2005)

Alright, I finally get to review the album that shook Finland, a #1 debut on the Finnish charts.An album by the prodigal group of three from Finland, who call themselves "Poets" of the Fall.One of my personal favourites - 'Signs Of Life'.

I daresay this debut was as path-breaking as Linkin Park's Hybrid Theory (2000) .Each track in the 51-odd minute album is a marvel in itself.And that is precisely what I like about PotF- no song is boring! It is very common to see artists nowadays placing their best work upfront or towards the end of their album, with the mid-section filled with stuff they aren't sure of. But The Perfectionists, as I like to call them, are certainly not guilty on that count!

Each track is so well-made, so greatly taken care of, that you can feel the love and care the band have for their music.This is not just something recorded for the sake of it, ripped apart on their post-production PC.This is Music for the sake of Music, the best kind !

Marko Saaresto

I have always admired Marko for his vocal skills and aim to be like him one day, and after listening to Signs Of Life even you'll know why. He usually uses a lot of Falsetto for singing and that has now become his trademark, but that doesn't in any way mean that he can't do a full-throated performance!

Alright-

SIGNS OF LIFE --------     *********o     [9/10]

A biggie, Lift, is up first.Vocals are absolutely perfect.Song structure-standard and spot on.Great solo.All in all, ingredients for a superhit, which it did become!
Sing this correctly and you have something in you for sure.Don't skip out the exceptionally difficult Reverb effect of singing, which I myself use a lot, much to the annoyance of my band-mates ! But that's what'll happen if you sing for many years in Hindi and make a switch to English later.It's a totally different ball-game.But the prior sense of rhythm and melody lingers on and needs to be discarded.Or should it? Wouldn't be a great way to create a wonderful fusion? That is left to be seen.

Don't miss the double-handed tapping technique used by Olli in the solo.Watch the video to get a glimpse.





Next up is Overboard.Another great track (this album is full of them, so don't fret if I get repetitive!).Good use of layered vocals for complementing the lead lyrics.I've tried this out in one of my yet-to-be worked-on poems, but have no clue how to go about it!
The chorus is very good and so is the bridge.The instruments are typically in the shadows while vocals take the limelight.The listener will absolutely get into the scheme of things with this album.Not something that's heavy, yet so Rock.
The "You are incomplete...." stretch towards the end is to die for!

One of my all time favourites, Late Goodbye, comes up next.Their first single, this song was the theme of the game Max Payne 2 and what catapulted the band to a larger audience.The lyrics are extremely hard to decode, forgive me! Almost all of their songs are.Seems like the only ones who know the true meaning, or story behind the song are the Poets themselves.
If you don't believe me, check out the numerous forums on the Internet debating what the meaning of a particular song really is!





Something heavier, Don't Mess With Me, is a run-of-the-mill Rock song, according to me.Nothing new, quite ordinary.I know people who regard this track very highly, but not me.

The intro vocals to 3AM by Marko are drool-worthy.In an otherwise gentle and soft song, it stands out.Like almost all songs by the Poets, this one also has the characteristic "Me talking to You" type of lyrics.This is presumably about a couple sharing a night together, when something apparently goes wrong just before dawn [3AM!] and the singer is asking his lady love "We seemed alright at 3AM,what happened now?What's bothering you? Please tell me! "

A smashing guitar intro to Stay, glues the listener to wait for it.
What is 'it' ? A full-throated chorus of "Stay ! I need you here for new day to break! ". Songs like these invariably make you hum along with it, and that's where they've won it.

Seek You Out continues the trend set by the last two tracks, with similar musical style and influence.
I like the chorus very much, as it packs in a great deal of meaning, though different to each individual- "I'll seek you out, to find myself, and I'll worry 'bout consequences later.."

Another great acoustic intro to Shallow, a continuation of the light-hearted soft Rock music that has been going on for quite some time.Some elements in this song would have been better done without, but no complaint.It's their song, and it's good to listen to!
The defining moment of the song- "Glad the waters are so shallow, when the river runs so cold..."

A definite shift in gear.Everything Fades brings in high octane drums and guitar after a suggestive vocals-only intro.This song brings us to a harsh reality, the fact that everything eventually is forgotten in the pages of time. Good deeds, forgettable experiences, humiliation, memories and even love. The Bass is far too aggressive on the bridge and I love it!





Woah! Back to soft music, eh? Someone Special is one of the tracks which I include in "Tracks that teach you how to love". The melody is beautiful, almost a lullaby to a happy & dreamy sleep.Fills you up with hope and a lot of positive energy. This song beautifully describes a truth which most of us have experienced at some point of time.That someone special is always there,waiting for you, maybe in an obscure place, a place where you feel it is least likely to meet someone.A place where you least expect, there's someone special !

Illusion And Dream is an interesting song.Almost a dreamy music floats throughout the song, lending the name credibility.The chorus, once again, as most PotF songs is the high point of the song.It takes a while to realise that the song is really about the dishonesty in this world where everything is make believe.About the lies people sell and the illusions that they create.
After the song ends, there's a statement which I absolutely agree with - "With Silence comes Peace,with Peace comes Freedom, with Freedom comes Silence".

Sleep brings us to the end of this 12-track masterpiece.Piano-based, it has a soul-wrenching tune that complements the perfect words.A song filled with torment,pain yet which oozes so much love, this is not to be missed.End of story.

Poets of the Fall - The Perfectionists !

You could listen to this album front to back without a single hitch and undergo a transformation.The range of emotions blend in flawlessly through their words into your mind and from there, straight on the highway to your heart.

I'm telling you, mark my words.These people are going to be legends someday.They seem to be flawless! Especially their words, portray so much, so clearly, that it's an honour to be able to experience that.They are every composer's dream.A 9/10 for that.Exceptional work.A Best Debut Album at the Emma Awards just proves my point.


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NEWS:
1.KoRn's The Path Of Totality has a date - December 6.Waiting for it.

2.Fred Durst has tweeted fans to "get ready for a sweet Limp Bizkit announcement".One can only wonder what that is about.My guess- the Autotunage video or if we are lucky, Gold Cobra Part2 !!

3.Even Mike Shinoda has revealed that there'll be some huge Music For Relief and Linkin Park announcements.Waiting for the LP announcement.

4.The biggest news yet.The mystique of Orgy has finally come to an end.In a recent statement from Julien-K members and ex-Orgy guitarists Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh, they had always been ready to devote time to Orgy projects,shows if and only if it had the original line-up, which included Jay Gordon, Hailey Page and Bobby Hewitt apart from Ryan and Amir.
It seems Jay had vested interests to use the name 'Orgy' to his benefit and rope in Amir and Ryan to cash-in on their popularity.To say it straight, an Orgy re-created with new members and old members deceived for gaining the fans' attention.

2nd and 3rd from left-Ryan and Amir.2nd from right-Jay Gordon

All I can say is that it's good all this came out in the open.To quote my friend Vanessa Silva," 'We Are With You' guys.... ", which is also the name of their new album coming 23.01.2012.Waiting for that too.

Next Week: An intriguing Three Dollar Bill, Yall$ by Limp Bizkit

Hey Monday's Hold On Tight (2008-09)

It has been a long time ! A nerve-wracking college schedule is to be blamed. A consistent 12 hours+ day is bound to get to you, and prevent you from doing the things you love.

My message to all those who are facing similar hardships- Look after yourself. Never, ever compromise on yourself, and always do what YOU want. Life is anyway too short to be pleasing others.

Today's post somehow seems appropriate to the occasion.We are looking at the debut from the Pop/Punk band Hey Monday.Why the name? They say that people get upset at the thought of 'Monday', when they are expected to get back into their routine, and look forward to 5 or 6 days of hard work. Well, they want to change that with people thinking 'Hey Monday!' and not 'Oh! Monday', if you get my drift.

And their music reflects the same.Cheerful, upbeat and fresh, it promises to light up anyone's Monday, from an over-burdened office-goer to the CEO of a billion-dollar enterprise.


Hey Monday is:
Cassadee Pope(vocals)
Mike Gentile(lead Guitar)
Alex Lipshaw(rhythm Guitar)
Elliot James(Drums)
Michael "Jersey" Moriarty(Bass)

Album Art- Hold On Tight

At the risk of repeating myself, this album has all it takes to make you smile.Smooth tracks, that just begin and end, leading to another beginning is what defines "Hold On Tight", and before you know it, you've listened to all tracks without complaining even once!

Cassadee Pope in action

Being a female-fronted band, the guitarists do a great job supporting Pope's vocals.Of course, the tracks have been processed a lot on the computers, the layering is quite obvious. But the end result is quite good and they get points for that.

Getting into the nitty-gritties of it-

HOLD ON TIGHT -----  ********oo       [8/10]

It begins with Set Off. The punk-inspired guitar-riff in the beginning is very good.Promises a lot, and Cassadee doesn't let down.Clean vocals with an amazing range, this sweet-voiced beauty has all the things going for her.This song is all about going against the odds, and doing what you like, no matter what obstacles lay in your path.

The intro to How You Love Me Now lifts your spirits.This is one of my favourites on the album.The 'Woh-oh!', though cliched sounds great! The drums on this one are noteworthy. Pope's singing in the chorus yet again proves her worth in the band.This light-hearted track talks about a relationship where a guy flirts with another girl, and hopes that each time his partner will forgive him.



Their first single, Homecoming, is next.The chorus is eerily familiar, sounds much like the one in Dreaming Wide Awake by Poets of the Fall.Another track with heavy guitars, drums yet so simple and innocent that it blows your mind away.The punk element is very much audible.You just want to call it Pop, but you can't, and that's why I love this track.



The lyrics and singing style of Obvious is obviously Pop-inspired.There's a hint of punk in the guitars, which are largely muted throughout the verse.I just think it's got one loop to many, as the last chorus gets a bit repetitive.

Pope with her guitar on Candles

Candles is my favourite song on the album.Pope's vocal skills really blossom here.And she backs it up by playing the acoustic guitar. The chorus is the high point of this song, with the processing elements [Delay,Reverb,Synth Coat & Layering] really making it an experience. Since the lyrical content seems to be similar in all the songs, with just slight variations, I won't go much into that. But whatever you're listening to, the important thing is, you won't complain.



Run, Don't Walk is next.The biggest reason for continuity throughout the album is the similar guitar parts.All in Major scales, uplifting and happy.So, this is just another song that continues the theme.

Josey is a very good track.Talks about a messed up & confused girl, trying to find her way in life.The part I like the most is when Pope says that this is just a phase and that Josey will definitely find her way someday.Lends hope.Nice.



Hurricane Streets- another stock track.Enjoy it while it lasts.

Arizona strikes as a bit different.I think it's the tempo.It goes through highs and lows and the roller-coaster ride is worth it.They are really taking the Punk tag seriously!

The album shows characteristic behaviour.By loading their top songs upfront, the other tracks fail to raise the bar further, and a certain stagnancy can be experienced at this stage.Should've Tried Harder is just one of those tracks.

Ok, now they didn't miss a trick by putting another cracker of a song at the very end, to wrap up their debut. 6 Months is a wonderful, soulful song, with lyrics that touch your heart.To some, this song can actually teach you how it feels to love someone.Top-notch work.

Don't you wish a life devoid of any cares, that you actually get to stand and stare?
Their music really brightens up your day.

The strong beginning, strong ending and the content of this album gets an 8/10 from me.I recommend it to anyone looking for new artists to start listening to.This is like the Mediterranean diet, nothing too heavy to digest, yet wholesome and interesting, and something you can go on eating without getting bored.

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NEWS:
1.KoRn's new album The Path Of Totality will be out in Dec 2011,according to the band.It'll be a Dubstep album in collaboration with underground mixing artists.Two singles have been released- Get Up and Narcissistic Cannibal, both featuring Skrillex. Now while Get Up is a winner, the latter doesn't find much approval with me.




I hope this album has other great tracks, else it'll just be a disappointment in KoRn as a band and a creeping doubt on their abilities without Head(ex-guitarist) and Silveria(ex-drummer).

2.The release date for Julien-K's Were Here With You nears as January is just around the corner.Since almost all tracks have been showcased at concerts, it just remains to see how well they are recorded with samples in the studio version.I'm a bit iffy about WHWY, but I hope I'm proved wrong.

Next week: The blockbuster debut from Poets of the Fall - Signs Of Life.

KoЯn's KoЯn (1994)

Coming back to the series on debut albums, today's post deals with KoЯn's self-titled 1994 debut.

Now,to completely understand the contents & musical style of this album, one needs to take the era into consideration.The early 90s were difficult for Metal,Nu-Metal and other variants of this genre.Not much talent was forthcoming and the masses were turning to Rock N Roll.

This debut effort from KoЯn is popularly credited to restart a fresh wave of Nu-Metal, especially their 3rd single from the album "Shoots and Ladders".I, too, believe that the track was revolutionary.

This KoЯn, often called the Old KoЯn, has Brian "Head" Welch on guitar, in addition to James "Munky" Schaffer and David Silveria on Drums.Two stalwarts in their fields and generally, irreplacable.You can feel the aggro nature of this album through the mind-numbing guitar riffs that this duo produces and the eeriely unstable,discontinuous drum-beats of David Silveria.

From Left:Head[Guitar],David Silveria[Drums],Jon Davis[Vocals],Munky[Guitar],Fieldy[Bass]

KoЯn would move on and mature to a more level,melodic and structured style of song-writing, but this album is a raw expression of the various strong emotions that will be reflected on their next album, but never again.

Getting down to the songs--

KoЯn [1994] ------------   *******ooo     [7/10]

One thing to remember before starting to listen to this album is that you have to keep an open mind, and not judge the songs too fast.It takes getting used to.

The lyrical content is mainly based on lead vocalist Jon Davis's nightmarish school-life, with all the hate,hurt,denial and drug and child abuse.

The opening track is Blind, one of my all-time favourites.The best part of this song is it's intro.The guitar and bass in their singularity sound totally great and create the effect which KoЯn must've wanted for sure.David hitting the mic next to his drum-set is also an innovative technique.
This song has been heavily accoladed and a crowd favourite at concerts.
#88 in 100 Songs That Changed The World
#93 in 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks Ever
#2 in 666 Songs You Must Own[Contemporary Metal]
#10 in 100 Greatest singles Of All Time







Next up is Ball Tongue, with an awesome Bass intro by Fieldy and accompanying guitars.I always liken this song to the experience of rubbing sand-paper on a baby's face.Jon Davis says he didn't "sing" any part on this track, and that is just how it came out.
I especially like the usage of a metallic sheet [probably],somewhere along the lines of a lid for a garbage can as a chime.It creates a resounding clang,which suits the mood of the song.






Need To,their 2nd single is next.This song talks about pushing someone away, to whom you're close, just because you are afraid of the reaction you'll unearth once you get too close.The bass+drum track goes along very well.By now, you'll get which way this album is going.
Halfway into the song,there is amazing part where Jon sings the words "Need To" with an insanely quick tempo of Bass and Drums.

Clown is next.Once again, the intro grabs my attention.When you have a top-class bassist in Fieldy, why not flaunt it !! The guitar part throughout this song consists of weirdly muted notes played repeatedly.The lyrics and how they're sung fail to impress me.
This track mainly talks about all the taunts one has to bear.







Divine doesn't find much acclaim from me.
The only part that fits is it's bridge which goes something like this-"F*** you! Fed up with you...."

Faget brings some credibility with it.This one is about bullying and abuse a person has to bear when he does not fit in somewhere.Jon's refrains of "Faggot! Faggot!" are quite painful.

The guitars in all tracks are top-notch and faultless.This is how heavy metal is played, though KoЯn prefer to be called a Nu-Metal band with a "Heavy Groove".

The star, Shoots and Ladders, is next.My favourite on the record.The first to feature Jon Davis on bagpipes,as the intro blows your mind away.This track is a taunt to all those who repeat things without understanding the content.Kind of our University Toppers,right? Jokes apart, this song is about the hidden meanings inside the famous nursery rhymes, which children just lap up and recite, without understanding their origin and the moral they convey.
For example, few people know that "Ring Around The Rosies" is about the Great Plague in London during the Middle Ages.Try decoding it !








Predictable is next, but it pales in front of it's predecessor.I like the part where a beep punctuates the guitar line, which is soon followed by the chorus,this time with some extra guitar!

Fake is a good one.The sound is similar to all the other tracks in this album.I love how the songs goes into high gear from verse to chorus and then back to low for the next verse.It practically explodes at the beginning of the chorus!
This song is about the fake persona a person displays for being accepted and various other reasons.That way he hides his real self.

Lies doesn't make that much of a mark.

Helmet in the Bush starts off strongly.Once the singing starts,instruments pretty much blend into the background.The singing style is haunting in a way that cannot be explained, but not something worthy of sitting up and taking notice.

Daddy is the last track on this album.This is a description of the abuse Jon had to face as a child.The bass line is very good.The chorus forms the backbone of the track and the emotions are so strong that Jon reportedly cried during the recording of this track, which is what is heard after 5:45 of the track is elapsed,while drums and a cathartic guitar riff continues to play.Unarguably the most powerful track on this album.

Now, the most important fact in judging an album is the separation of it's "Listenability" factor and it's "Credibility" factor.This album gets high marks from me for it's content,style adopted, skill and effort put into it.KoЯn have put their heart and soul into their debut, that's for sure.

But for most, the Listenability factor is more important, which is very, very low, and I agree with that.This one is not meant to be played in a car, at home or for that matter anywhere.It's just a Person->Song relation.

Taking all factors into consideration, a 7/10 rating is fair.

One must surely try out the New KoЯn to get a grip on what they really can do with their music!

New KoЯn--Not to be confused with the current KoЯn!!

Next Week: Pop-Punk on a high as I review Hey Monday's Hold On Tight

Limp Bizkit's Gold Cobra (2011)

Limp Bizkit is:
Fred Durst [Vocals]
Wes Borland [Guitar,Backing Vocals]
Sam Rivers [Bass,Backing Vocals]
John Otto [Drums]
DJ Lethal [Turntables & Samples]

Ok, so here's the deal. Fans of meaningful music, just close this page right away.There's nothing in here for you!
On the other hand, all those of you who have headbanged your life,growing up to Limp Bizkit and other bands with some aggressive Nu-Metal stuff, Thrash and Rap-Metal overtones, this could just be your Christmas coming early!

Gold Cobra is Limp Bizkit's sixth studio album.the first sine 2000's Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water,with the original line-up that consisted of Wes Borland.After his many departures and comebacks,Gold Cobra makes you feel he never left after all.

The official Art-work...typical Wes Borland!!

Gold Cobra has rocketed to #1,#2 and #3 on various U.S. Billboard ratings.

Flashes of the eccentric guitarist can be heard throughout the album, the most notable being the crazy laugh at the end of 'Douche Bag' or the jazzy bridge in 'Shark Attack'.But this guy is definitely someone special.The riffs you will hear on Gold Cobra won't ever have been heard by you through either LB on any other guitarist of the modern era.The riffs fluctuate between peaks and valleys,smooth to scratchy.The solos are worth dying for.

Wes Borland-A True Genius

Fred D had announced that during their recording sessions, they came up with stuff worth 2 whole albums, the first one of which shall be Gold Cobra and the second one shall be released at a later date.

So, as Fred Durst says to John Otto on 'Autotunage'.......... Let's "Break it all down!"

From left-John Otto,Wes Borland,Fred Durst,Sam Rivers,DJ Lethal

Gold Cobra [2011] ----------------- *********o     [9/10]

Limp Bizkit continues it's tradition of including Intros & Outros to their albums. So,the phenomenon of 2011 called Gold Cobra begins with Introbra.Mysteriously, there is no 'Outrobra'.I suspect the 'twin' to Gold Cobra, as mentioned earlier, will have an Outro but not an Intro, thus making these two CDs part of a compilation. Introbra is a typical DJ Lethal production.

The first song named Bring It Back, aptly rushes back feelings of the erstwhile Limp Bizkit.The average listener will never feel that this is their first album after the space of 11 years, but hardcore fans will notice the difference, but the change is not undesirable at all !

Another disclaimer! This album is almost full of meaningless & senseless Metal.Hell, most people including me like this kinda stuff once in a while.What with Linkin Park,KoRn going all mature and mellow, it's great to see that Limp Bizkit are still the bunch of goofy kids they were ever since they came to the big stage.

The title track is next up-Gold Cobra.Here,Fred D talks about the sad state of the music made by the heavy-weights.He also, typically, tells his critics to go to hell ! A quite catchy track, given time.The best thing seems to be that the LB seem to be enjoying whatever they are making.






Next in the line is Shark Attack.Again a track about critics as 'Sharks' and a crazy jazz-inspired bridge.

Get A Life is a an interesting song with dark and hallowing verses which shifts to an aggressive-like-hell chorus.Again, this song is targeted at all the 'haters'.I especially loved the bridge- "Don't let the world bring you down", which is what I have always deeply believed in.

Shotgun, their first single, is next. This is basically a fun song to listen to.The solo on this one truly establishes yet again that Wes Borland is among the best in the business.It is the high point of this track.To manage both lead and rhythm guitar duties in a Heavy Metal band like LB is no mean feat!And the actual shotgun samples towards the climax get brownie points from me.







Douche Bag is next.The ultimate LB song, I dare say.The chorus, though nil in meaning, is where Borland makes his presence felt, and makes it a headbanger's dream come true.The crazy laugh at the end just impresses me with it's unpredictability.








Walking Away, the first meaningful song in the track-list.It talks about leaving one's past behind, leaving behind all that you loved.Wes Borland is faultless here, his solo is drool-worthy and Fred's supersonic scream towards the end of the song puts Chester Bennington of Linkin Park to shame.

Loser is of the same category as Walking Away.One of the few legit LB songs.This song blames someone for making the protagonist a 'loser' ever since coming into his life.He feels he has lost what he had,what he cherished.A good enough song to drown one's sorrows in or to just play in the background.After the song ends, Fred D explores AutoTune by singing the chorus of LB's ultra-famous song 'Nookie' over Autotune and tells us that they will try this over some Heavy Metal.The result- the next track!!!

Autotunage is probably the first Metal-genre song made using Autotune.For me, this is the highlight of Gold Cobra.A stunningly impressive drum intro by John Otto becomes a full blown riff when Wes Borland joins the act with his guitar.Fred makes it a memorable party song with his lyrics.









90.2.10 is a disappointing song.


Why Try is another shining star.The generic heavy intro gets a new identity when Wes Borland is around.The verses are very catchy and you just can't help but get entranced by the tune.Borland himself gets into vocals with an entire bridge,with typical Limp Bizkit lyrics.







Killer In You pales in front of the tracks preceding it.Taking nothing away from Borland's work though.This brings us to the end of Gold Cobra.

Now there's an amazing bonus track called Angels.It's one of their legit songs like Walking Away and Loser, and I strongly recommend you check it out.





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All I can say is that Gold Cobra lived up to its hype, and I can definitely wait some more time for it's Part 2 to come along.This one will keep me busy for some time! At least till Julien-K's next 'We're Here With You' comes out in some months.

Next time, I continue with reviews of the debut albums.It'll be KoRn's self-titled debut 'KoRn'.

Orgy's Candyass (1998)

Orgy is:

Jay Gordon [Vocals]

Ryan Shuck [Rhythm Guitar,Backing Vocals]

Amir Derakh [Lead Synth-Guitar]

Bobby Hewitt [Drums]

Paige Hailey [Bass]

Orgy's history, how it came to be, is unchronicled on the Internet.I wish I could have been an Orgy fan then,I would have known some things, but unfortunately I wasn't.All I have is their music, which I must admit is pretty fresh. Pictorially, if you can imagine it, Candyass is like a fresh black rose, surviving in a volcanic area, filled with craters spewing fire.

Yes, this is Death Pop, as they call it.Later on it leaned on to become Industrial Rock.But Candyass was definitely something the world hadn't seen before.Not that it was revolutionary or anything, but yeah, novelty does arouse curiosity.

Wasting no more time, let's get started with this baby from Orgy.

CANDYASS (1998) ---------------------   *******ooo          [ 7/10 ]

Starting off with Social Enemies.I must say that it is a very unusual choice for the album opener.True, it does correspond most to the Death Pop genre,but still, it doesn't quite set the tone for the rest of the record. Taken individually, the lyrics are top-notch and the song connects with you.I believe this song talks about anti-social elements, terrorists and similar things.

The next track is more of what Orgy went on to become.Stitches is a peppy number, where Amir Derakh's synth-guitar was unleashed for the first time.Ryan is pretty good too.Bass is loud and clear.

Dissention hits hard.Ryan makes his guitar-print quite hard.Amir makes it scream.This one speaks about two-faced friends.I think each one of you can relate to this.

Platinum is another stalwart from Orgy on this album.Never-heard-before guitar riffs contribute to the curiosity factor.This one needs time to sink in and garner appreciation.

Fetisha starts off with something totally new.Worth a listen.

Fiend has an interesting chorus.All the lyrics in the previous songs and this one are pretty vague.Can't make out what the writer was thinking about.

Aaah....Blue Monday.A cover, but a darn good cover.This is the shining star in this album.The one track that makes you look up and remember the name 'Orgy'.The riff by Amir Derakh is legendary,something you are probably not going to forget for a very very long time.This marvellous intro leads to Ryan strutting his stuff with Amir.The lyrics are pretty dark, and intimidating.

Gender talks about what one is and what one wants to be.Kind of reminds me of multiple personality where you compensate what you aren't with what you want to be.The music is pretty uninspiring.Is consistent with the theme of the album though.

All The Same hits back with what Orgy really is.A really complex song with a very realistic meaning.This one talks of expectations due to competition.

The album continues with Pantomime.Another weird intro, but hey, that's what Orgy is all about.Amir's screeching guitar and high-Bass notes from Paige come out from in between just about anywhere.This one talks about a good girl gone wrong.

Revival ranks right up there with Blue Monday.What makes this song special is guest vocals from KoRn's Jonathan Davis.He blends in wonderfully with Orgy's sound, and this one became a crowd favourite at concerts.The drums on this one by Bobby Hewitt are absolutely worth applause.

The last track, the finale of this album, lets you down totally.Dizzy is the most worthless song I've heard till now.Don't even bother giving it a chance.

I give it a fair 7/10.Their sophomore album "Vapor Transmission" was absolutely path-breaking.We have to admit there's a learning curve here, and Orgy have done well in hindsight.Hence the 7-pointer.

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NEWS:

1.Finally we get to hear "Shotgun", Limp Bizkit's first single from Gold Cobra.It has led to mass relief among fans as this is the kind of stuff LB are good at-Nu-Metal,Trash Metal. The solo from the eccentric genius guitarist Wes Borland is worth an honourable mention.It is nothing like he has ever done before.

2.Iridescent from Linkin Park's A Thousand Suns (2010) has been released as a single.It's video will be out soon.It is slated to be included in Transformers 3:The Dark Of The Moon.The photo shoot released before the video looks pretty dark and apocalyptic.

Meanwhile,The Catalyst is still holding strong in the Top-20,coming back to #15 from #17 last week, after it debuted at #1 way back in September.

3.Julien-K have revealed the name of their new album.It's a bit of a let-down and unimaginative,according to me, but well here goes- it's called "We're Here With You".They are holding a free pre-release listening for all Systeme De Street [their street team] members in Cologne on 10th June.Sadly, I can't make it there.

Systeme De Street [SDS] logo

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Next Week:

KoRn's self-titled debut, KoRn

Linkin Park's Hybrid Theory (2000)

Limp Bizkit's newest piece of info promises that the wait till June 27 is going to be worth it.They have said that " the new album has so many great riffs and grooves, peaks and valleys, attitude and flow...". Still turns out June 27 is still around a month and a half away, and as a continuation of the series started last week, today I'll be making your life richer for sure by writing about Hybrid Theory, Linkin Park's 2000 debut.

Now, as far as debuts go, this could be one of the best ever.Seriously.It had everything- attitude, powerful lyrics, revolutionary music & let us not forget the 'soul', without which everything sounds like crap.

Hybrid Theory peaked anywhere and everywhere possible! It is listed in 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, The 100 Greatest Rock Albums of All-Time and peaked at #11 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums Of The Decade.

Icing on the cake- It was nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammies & one of it's singles even won the prize for Best Hard Rock Performance, apart from also being nominated for Best New Artist.

Nu-Metal was the flavour of the times and Linkin Park sure capitalised on that! They were criticised by executives in the music industry, telling them to scrap off Mike Shinoda's rapping as they already had Chester.But they went ahead and silenced everyone on the way.As it turned out Mike lent the X-factor to any LP song.

All songs on this record are hard-hitting with riffs that are impossible to forget.One may even say that LP had the Midas-touch when they made Hybrid Theory.

This record is close to me personally as this was the first Nu-Metal stuff I ever heard.Since then, it has been an indispensable part of me.It can also be credited for me delving deeper into this genre and sampling out other bands.

So getting down to business--

Just love the aggressive 'Don't mess with me' look here! Blond Chester and Red-head Mike were the real stuff!

HYBRID THEORY (2000) ----------------  **********   [10/10]

Starts off with Papercut.A very catchy track with an amazing finish.Mike struts his stuff and so does Chester.The way they complement each other leaves the listener in no doubt that this pair is going to rock the remainder of the album too.

Aaah, One Step Closer.One of Linkin Park's best work to date.The intro guitar riff by Brad Delson is memorable.And who can forget the "Shut Up When I'm Talking To You!" sequence by Chester?? It was a defining sequence in their entire career and the crowd goes crazy in each one of their Live shows screaming "SHUT UP!".This track is a must listen for any person on Earth.

Linkin Park - One Step Closer

With You, a more mature track, doesn't disappoint.Joe Hahn shows off his skills on the turntable on this one.With You keeps you on the edge, waiting for what's to come.

Points Of Authority totally explodes from the beginnning.One of the band's oddest piece of work, still pretty good and definitely listenable.Lyrical content is top-notch.

Crawling, the Grammy winner, comes next.Personally speaking, I didn't feel this track deserved a Grammy when tracks like One Step Closer and In The End were present on this record.Well, the jury have been making crazy decisions and will continue to do so.This doesn't in any way mean that Crawling isn't good.It just doesn't seem to be right where our expectations from LP are.

Runaway is the peppiest track on this album.The climax is redeeming to listen to.This one is also a crowd favourite.

By Myself, another one of quite a few aggressive tracks on this disc.Mike and Chester rap and scream to make this a great track.

The Super-star In The End is next.This is the track that made Linkin Park who they are and rightfully so.This track had everything LP ever stood for.Lyrics-good, Music-Good!, Chester-Mike combo-GOOD!!!! The piano riff intro is enought o get the crowd going.Linkin Park's most popular and successful song to date.

Place For My Head is an intriguing track filled with dark overtones.This song is equivalent to a mad genius.This one is regarded by a sizeable number of LP fans as their best song yet.This one ranks quite high in my list too.As was the case with One Step Closer, "You Try To Take The Best Of Me,GO AWAY!" sequence is a momentous part in this track.

Forgotten starts off at 0:00 with a bang.Chester & Mike totally fire on this one.

Cure For The Itch is a one-off instrumental track. Joe 'Mr.Hahn' Hahn shows us what he can do.

Pushing Me Away brings us to the end of this gem of an album.I feel this track is LP's most under-rated work.I find this track beautiful, with insightful lyrics and a soulful chorus.

Well, I really need to say something about the lyrical content on this disc.It is futile commenting on each track individually.It's basically about various facet's of Chester's past-Pain,Drug Abuse,Divorce of his parents,Isolation,Pain and Disappointment.Listen carefully and you'll get all this inter-woven in 12 tracks of pure inspiration.

Nothing less than 10/10 will do for this blockbuster album.I think I need to stress yet again that you just HAVE TO listen to this.This is one album that enriches your life in ways you can never imagine.It will mean different things to different people, and that is where I think LP will be happy.

Next Week: An introduction to Death-Pop & Synth-Rock with Candyass from Orgy!

Avenged Sevenfold's Sounding The Seventh Trumpet (2001)

We've got more than a month till Gold Cobra finally comes out on 28th June.I thought maybe we should explore the origins of all the bands I've reviewed in the past.Delve into why their debut albums catapulted them to super-stardom.

Along this journey I'll be showcasing the unforgettable Hybrid Theory from Linkin Park,the revolutionary Candyass from Orgy,the hard-hitting & shocking self-titled debut by KoRn,the path-breaking,innovative Signs Of Life by Poets Of The Fall.

We start off this ride with the album that earned Avenged Sevenfold [A7x] hardcore fans and a cult following, Sounding The Seventh Trumpet, a phrase taken from the Bible referring to the end of the world.

At this point in history A7x had M.Shadows[vocals], Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan[Drums], Zacky Vengeance[Lead and Rhythm guitar] & an ever-changing bassist. Yup, no Synyster Gates & no Johnny Christ, two vital cogs which run the A7x show now.

This is a very old picture of them.Johnny featured from the second album, while Synyster was included in the re-issue of this album in 2002.

It is said that either you do something so right on your debut, that you become famous overnight or you do something so horribly wrong that it destroys your career then and there.Well, A7x treated all this as nonsense and gave us an album which THEY wanted to make, and not something the people wanted to hear.Subsequently, they have changed their sound in each album, and not just by a little bit, but huge shifts in ideology.

They must have done something right, because you may hear people, fans even, criticising City Of Evil, and Avenged Sevenfold, their self-titled 2008 release, but no one will ever complain about their debut. The main reason for their criticism is that they changed their sound!

So, while the debut was totally about Metalcore and screaming, the sophomore Waking The Fallen was melodious vocals interspersed with Heavy Metal elements.City Of Evil was pure singing & Avenged Sevenfold was Hard Rock.One can't include Nightmare in this chronology because of obvious reasons.

After a pretty long Intro, let's just dive right into it.

SOUNDING THE SEVENTH TRUMPET (2001) ---------------------   ********oo     [8/10]

I'll start off with honourable mentions for Zacky & The Rev.

Zacky has done a magnificent job on both Rhythm and Lead guitar.Metalcore albums like these usually feature different personnel for both, but full marks to Zacky.

Zacky Vengeance

The Rev is a prodigy.How difficult is it to sustain the classy discontinuous beats that complement Zacky's one-man show? I believe only Mike Portnoy could replicate that and no one else in the whole wide world.

R.I.P.-The Rev

Yeah, so the album starts off with To End The Rapture, a kind of Intro the record, with lyrics that lend credibility to the title.The guitars give you a hint of what's to come!

Turn The Other Way starts off with an "In your face" Metalcore.The quality of recording is exceptionally clean and the screaming rocks your world.The melodious vocals in between are a great addition to the track, though I won't say that it was M.Shadows' forte at that point. For the later albums he hired a vocal coach, the results of which you can clearly see in the Shadows of today.

Now comes probably the purest Metalcore track on the album, Darkness Surrounding.Screaming again is top-notch, but the melodious verse leaves a lot to be desired. The Rev is untouchable on this one.The lyrics talking unreservedly of death will haunt you.

The most aggressive track on Sounding.... comes now with The Art Of Subconscious Illusion.The high point in this track is the screaming vocals provided by Shadows' wife Valary at 1:44.It takes you to another level, probably provides you with a subconscious illusion of being in the heaven of Metalcore!

We Come Out At Night is pretty dark.Growling comes into the picture here more prominently.This is one track where the melodious vocals are up to the mark.The piano at the end is particualrly redeeming.

Lips Of Deceit starts off pretty strongly, with what could have become a signature guitar riff.And then Shadows lets you down with some unimaginative singing.Towards the business end of the track,A7x make up for it.  with some stellar work on Drums and Guitar.

Warmness On The Soul, a wonderful track independently, but one that doesn't at all fit with the feel of Sounding.... .Shadows gets to showcase his vocals here.The high-pitched stuff is very good, but the low notes are really flat.

An Epic Of Time Wasted is a roller-coaster ride,the guitars by Zacky get your adrenaline pumping. One of my favourites along with Darkness Surrounding and The Art Of..... .The climax to this track is too good.Lyrics will make an instant connect with you.

An average track, Breaking Their Hold. Just some generic Metalcore stuff.

Forgotten Faces starts off positively and Shadows is exemplary at the end.

Thick And Thin is reminiscent of the Metal we have known over the years.The Rev and Zacky showcase their prowess over conventional Metal.

Streets is pretty unimpressive.Nothing worth mentioning.

Shattered By Broken Dreams brings us to the end of this album.It is a 7:07 long journey which starts off with some soulful guitar and lyrics.Around halfway begin the screaming vocals.Such songs remind me of the credits that roll down when a film ends.When an album like this ends,this track is an apt one to be its 'Credits' because it puts in front of you everything that A7x have done on this album.

So, all in all, noteworthy work by Zacky and The Rev.Hadn't I known better, I would have said that Shadows is a very ordinary singer.

Synyster Gates was probably the best thing that happened to A7x after this album.

SYN, with Zacky in the background.They have since formed  the best partership I can remember.

I would suggest this album to those with prior knowledge and experience of some kind of Metal.Soft Rock and Pop listeners, this is not for you, and you have no idea what you are missing!

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NEWS:

* Avenged Sevenfold have released a Single they made for Call Of Dead, one of the five maps in the popular game Call Of Duty:Black Ops.It's named Not Ready To Die, and it's pretty good.You can identify elements from each of their past albums on this one.

*Limp Bizkit have accepted rumors that their first Single from Gold Cobra will be out this month.Can't wait!

Next Week: Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park, the one that announced to the world that LP are here to stay!