The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1)
 | It has been suggested that The Truth (limp bizkit song) be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since August 2007. |
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The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1) is the fifth album by Limp Bizkit, released on May 3 2005 internationally and a day later in North America.
It has been referred to as a "mini-album" or an "EP". A video of the band playing the album's second song, "The Truth", can be found on their website. The title suggests that there will be a sequel to the EP. The album marked a departure from the more mainstream and hip hop sound sound that the band was known. Unfortunately, the 7-track EP also marked a further slide away from that mainstream recognition, opening to abysmal first week sales and a debut at #24 on the Billboard 200 (Results May Vary peaked at number 3). Much debate has been aroused as to whether this is because the CD was not highly advertised and poorly promoted by both the band and the record company, or whether it is simply indicative of the declining popularity; specifically, the declining popularity of Limp Bizkit, and the nu-metal genre. The album has sold over 1,000 000 copies worldwide.
Even more odd was the fact that no single was released from the record (although there was talk of a fan-picked single, and voting even occurred, none was ever released). The band did not tour for the album either, or play any live shows.
The Unquestionable Truth also marked the return of eccentric guitarist Wes Borland. Borland, known for stage costumes such as full body paint and a full body ape costume and for signaturizing the deep 7-string guitar sound that dominated much of the late 90's and early 00's. Borland had been absent since the 2000 release of Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water which was visible in the sales of 2003's Results May Vary. Fred Durst has stated on the band's MySpace page that Borland only returned to the band on the condition that the band's label, Geffen, would promise to support, promote, release, his new solo effort Black Light Burns, though there is no proof of this. Borland did part ways with Geffen in 2006, because apparently the label wasn't taking Black Light Burns seriously.
Ironically, where this album marked a return for Limp Bizkit's original guitarist, later that summer the band Korn, who had been contemporary with Bizkit, lost one of their first guitarists, Brian "Head" Welch after he became religious and rejected the lifestyle that the band pursued. One of the key differences between this and other Limp Bizkit albums was the constant serious tone of the lyrics. While their earlier albums had upbeat songs like "Rollin'" and "N 2 Gether Now", The Unquestionable Truth stays adamant on its message.
Another issue kept out of the public eye that is only touched upon through the dics's Enhanced Video content is the troubles drummer John Otto went through during this time. Otto was battling some sort of drug addiction, and in fact, only one song on the album, "The Channel", was written with him. For the other songs, Rival Schools drummer Sammy Siegler was hired to do work on them. Though Otto beat his addiction, and is now back in the band fulltime, this caused some tension between himself and guitarist Wes Borland for some reason, and may have contributed in part to Borland leaving the band.
Track listing
- "The Propaganda" – 5:16
- "The Truth" – 5:28
- "The Priest" – 4:59
- "The Key" – 1:24
- "The Channel" – 4:41
- "The Story" – 3:59
- "The Surrender" – 3:31
Personnel
- Fred Durst - Vocals, Guitar, Executive Producer
- Sam Rivers - Bass Guitar
- DJ Lethal - Sound Development
- Wes Borland - Guitar, Cover Art
- John Otto - Drums on track 5
- Sammy Siegler - Drums on tracks 1,2,3, and 6
- Ross Robinson - Producer
- Jordan Schur - Executive Producer
Additional notes
- "The Surrender" was written by Fred Durst, who played the guitar on the song live while recording the vocals. Wes Borland later added in the solo.
- Before the release of the EP Fred Durst made a statement, telling fans to purchase "With Teeth" by Nine Inch Nails, a record that was released the same day as The Unquestionable Truth. [citation needed]