Limp Bizkit. The name itself often conjures strong reactions, and for years, they weren’t exactly synonymous with guitar virtuosity. Known for their rap-rock anthems and Fred Durst’s distinctive vocals, the guitar work, while present, often took a backseat to the overall sonic assault. However, a recent track has thrown a curveball into this perception, sparking conversations about the evolution of the Limp Bizkit Guitar sound.
The Surprise Solo in “Walking Away”
The track in question is “Walking Away,” and for much of its duration, it seems to tread familiar territory – a power ballad with a Limp Bizkit twist. It’s the kind of song that might initially be dismissed as generic, a fleeting echo of the alt-rock trends of the past. But for guitar enthusiasts, and especially those curious about the “limp bizkit guitar,” something unexpected happens at the 3:18 mark.
Wes Borland, Limp Bizkit’s enigmatic guitarist, unleashes a guitar solo. Yes, you read that right. A genuine, bonafide guitar solo in a Limp Bizkit song. For many who followed the band’s trajectory, particularly in the nu-metal era where guitar solos were often eschewed in favor of rhythmic aggression and DJ scratching, this was a moment of genuine surprise.
Is This a Turning Point for Limp Bizkit’s Guitar Focus?
While the solo itself might not be the most technically demanding piece of guitar work ever recorded, its mere presence is noteworthy. It raises questions about a potential shift in Limp Bizkit’s musical approach. Could this be a sign that Wes Borland is stepping further into the spotlight, showcasing his guitar skills more prominently? For a band that once seemed to intentionally downplay traditional guitar heroics, embracing a solo, even a relatively simple one, feels like a significant departure.
The nu-metal genre, from which Limp Bizkit emerged, often favored a stripped-down, raw guitar sound, prioritizing riffs and rhythmic patterns over elaborate solos. This was partly a reaction against the guitar-centric focus of earlier metal genres. However, Borland has always been a distinctive player, known for his experimental approach to guitar tones and unconventional techniques. Perhaps this solo is a subtle hint at a new direction, one where the “limp bizkit guitar” becomes a more featured and expressive element of their sound.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Limp Bizkit’s Music?
Whether this guitar solo is a one-off experiment or a harbinger of things to come remains to be seen. It certainly adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing Limp Bizkit narrative. For guitar players and fans alike, it’s a moment that prompts a re-evaluation of what to expect from the band’s music. Could future releases feature more prominent guitar work from Wes Borland? Only time will tell, but the “Walking Away” solo has undeniably sparked a renewed interest in the guitar aspect of Limp Bizkit’s sound.
