Gold Cobra

Gold Cobra
Studio album by Limp Bizkit
Released	June 28, 2011 (2011-06-28) (See release history)
Recorded	August 24, 2009 – March 18, 2011
Genre	Nu metal, rap metal
Length	49:37
Label	Interscope, Polydor
Producer	Fred Durst
Limp Bizkit chronology
The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1) (2005) Gold Cobra (2011)
Singles from Gold Cobra
"Shotgun" Released: May 17, 2011 "Gold Cobra" Released: June 7, 2011 "Autotunage" Released: November, 2011 "Loser" Released: TBA

Gold Cobra is the sixth studio album by American rock band Limp Bizkit, released on June 24 in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, on June 27 in the United Kingdom and on June 28 in the rest of the world in 2011 by Interscope Records. It is the band's first studio album since 2005's The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1), and the first with the full original lineup since 2000's Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water. Three singles have been released: Shotgun, Gold Cobra and Autotunage.

Background

Following the release of 2005's The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1), the band went on hiatus as vocalist Fred Durst began directing indie movies and former guitarist Wes Borland founded Black Light Burns.^[1] In mid-2008 rumors and a myspace post by Durst began to indicate that Limp Bizkit were planning a reunion of some form and were replacing Wes Borland with Evanescence and Cold guitarist Terry Balsamo.^[2] On February 12, 2009, the band officially announced in a press release that they reunited for a world tour, some festivals, and a sixth studio album. The press release also announced that Wes Borland would be returning as the band's guitarist, dissolving the rumors of Terry Balsamo joining the band.

In the 2009 press release confirming the band's reunion, Fred Durst and Wes Borland released a joint statement:

“

We decided we were more disgusted and bored with the state of heavy popular music than we were with each other. Regardless of where our separate paths have taken us, we recognize there is a powerful and unique energy with this particular group of people we have not found anywhere else. This is why Limp Bizkit is back.[3]

”

The return of Borland marked the return of the band's complete original line-up since 2000's Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water.^[3] The band played a comeback tour, the Unicorns N' Rainbows Tour, from May 20 to August 17, 2009 to commemorate the band's reunion.^[4] During the production of the album, Borland came up with its title, Gold Cobra.^[5] Borland says that it does not have any meaning, and that it was chosen because it fit the style of music the band was writing for the album.^[5] On November 30, 2009, Durst announced that the album would be released on Flip/Interscope/Polydor Records with a 2010 release,^[6] though the album would later be delayed to 2011.

Recording

August 24, 2009 marked the official first day of recording new material, as well as the first time the lineup had recorded together since 2004. Less than one month later, a Twitter update by Durst informed readers of the instrumental recording completion, along with the first of two layers of vocals. In an interview with Kerrang! in December 2009, Durst stated that the album would feature 10 songs with interludes between the songs.

In a series of radio interviews Durst revealed that Borland came up with the album name Gold Cobra.^[7] Regarding the albums first single, Durst stated: "We are getting a little grief from the big wigs as to what single 'they' want out first. Obviously 'we' are pushing for Douchebag. If they choose to run with something else we will figure out a way to release it anyway."

On March 29, 2010, Durst stated that eighteen songs were recorded and currently in the process of being mixed, but noted that not all songs would make the album. The end of March saw Durst posting teasers to the songs "Shark Attack", "90 to 10", "Douchebag" and "Walking Away" via Twitter, and on April 7, Fred posted an unofficial track listing. On April 30, 2010, "Why Try" was released by Durst on the band's official website.^[8] "Walking Away" was leaked on August 8, 2010.^[9]

On January 25, 2011, Durst announced that the album was being mixed, although later on began announcing individual tracks as they were mixed, seemingly for the second time. On February 9, Durst stated via his Twitter page that the album should be ready to press at the end of February. The following day, Durst wrote on the band's website: "As we head towards the end of February the realities of having a completed album to expose are finally here. Through thick and thin, the Gold Cobra has slivered its way through the corporate jungle and into the studio to be mixed by Dave Schiffman. My intentions are to keep as much 'polish' off of this album as possible. I have had many discussions with Dave as he's been on the cobra since the beginning and knows exactly the sound I am looking for regarding the mix."

On March 14, Durst disclosed via Twitter that the mixed songs would make up the track lists for more than one album, the first of which will be Gold Cobra. That same day, it was reported on Twitter that Interscope suggested a total of eight songs for the standard edition of the album, and 11 for the deluxe. It was also confirmed on March 18 that the mixing process was completed, rendering the album ready for pressing. The official Limp Bizkit website has now stated that the release date for the album will be June 28, 2011. The band announced, after many changes, that the first single, now "Shotgun", will be coming out on May 17 for download and radio play. The band also released the single cover on May 10, 2011.^[1] On May 13, four days before the official release of "Shotgun", Fred Durst released a 30-second preview of the track. Earlier he has also stated that the Gold Cobra recording sessions gave enough music for two full albums. The remaining songs will be used to make up another album due to be released at a later date.

On June 20, 2011, Durst stated on his Twitter "I hope you are enjoying my leak. I couldn't wait any longer bitches!!". Soon afterwards the album was leaked via unspecified Dutch Spotify account.^[10] On June 28, 2011, the band released a music video for the album's title track.

Reception

Commercial

Gold Cobra debuted #30 on the UK Album Charts, #13 on the Canadian Album Charts and #1 German Album Charts.^[11] Gold Cobra sold 27,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to chart at No. 16 on The Billboard 200 charts. The album charted on Billboard Albums for the #3 Rock Album, #11 Digital Album, #2 Alternative Album, #1 Hard Rock Album and #21 Tastemakers Album. In its second week on the charts, the album dropped to #56 on the Billboard 200 and sales had tailed off with 72% and down to 8000 copies.^[12] In its 2nd week of release overseas Gold Cobra was #7 on the Swiss Album Charts, #8 on the Austrian Album Charts and # 24 on the Canadian Album Charts.^[13] "Why Try" will be featured in the film, Real Steel, starring Hugh Jackman.

In late September 2011, the band filmed a music video for the track, "Autotunage", for release in October. The video features an appearance from comedian Tom Green as confirmed via twitter. In October, Fred Durst (via twitter) also hinted at the possibility of the band releasing more than one music video for various tracks off of Gold Cobra.

Critical

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[14]
Consequence of Sound	[15]
IGN	[16]
PopMatters	[17]
Artistdirect	[18]
About.com	[19]
The Village Voice	[20]
The Deccan Chronicle	(favorable)[21]
The Village Voice	[20]
Rock Sound	[22]

Gold Cobra has received positive to mixed reviews from most critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 53, based on 11 reviews, which indicates "generally mixed or average reviews.^[23]

Artistdirect gave the album 5 out of 5 stars saying "It's a vitriolic, vicious, and vital exorcism of rage from rap metal's most successful outfit. Gold Cobra is everything that it should be. It's angry, anthemic, and aggressive, and it's a result of the band's tightest and toughest playing since Three Dollar Bill, Yall$." and concluding that "Gold Cobra is everything you hoped it would be, and rap and metal will be walking funny after it takes a bite out of both them".^[18] Allmusic gave the album a positive review stating the album is "a return to the full-throttled attack of Three Dollar Bill Y'All.^[14]

David Buchanan, of Consequence of Sound, called the latest from Limp Bizkit "[...]an entertaining, boastful, non-alienating piece of nostalgic bliss for those who once held memberships with the LB," and notes that "[...]nu-metal pretty much abandoned us ages ago, and we’re actually content with that, but for reliving adolescence, nothin’ spells property damage like Limp fuckin’ Bizkit.", citing the band's once-burgeoning music scene of the late '90s. In a similar context, Bloody Disgusting's Jonathan Barkan gave the album a positive review, stating "The album, on a whole, sounds fantastic. [...]It's not Paganini or Opeth or Dream Theater. It's rap rock and it does exactly what it sets out to do."^[24]

Antiquiet published a negative review which described the album as "music for the sneering scumbags who find kinship in the dregs of cultural rot".^[25] The website initially gave the album 1 out of 5 stars.^[26] Wes Borland responded to the review, stating "The hatred you have for Fred is part of the reason we've succeeded. [...] No matter what effect he has on people in a ‘TMZ Personality’ kind of way, he is an astonishing front man and performer. I could see 1 out of 5 if you were expecting OK Computer [...] As far as LB records go, Gold Cobra is perfect. Your review was smart and I appreciate the kind words towards me, but I'm proud to be here."^[26] The rating was changed to 2 out of 5 and the website began exchanging emails with Borland.^[26] On July 6th, 2011 Metal Hammer posted a review of Gold Cobra, stating that "Overall, GC is closest to Chocolate Starfish in term album’s production. The band never stray too far from the blueprint laid out on the first three bizkit albums but who wants AC/DC, Motorhead or Limp Bizkit to sound any different to how they always have? Aside from the odd duff moment, Gold Cobra throws out the hot s**t that’ll make you bounce in the mosh pit over and over again."^[27]

Live performances

Leading up to the release and immediately after the release of Gold Cobra, Limp Bizkit would often perform songs from the album live, including "Bring It Back", "Gold Cobra", "Get A Life", "Shotgun", "Douchebag", "Walking Away" and "Why Try".

In an October 2011 video interview, filmed at a Tony Hawk Charity Fundraiser, Fred Durst stated to the interviewer that the band are currently planning for and lining up dates for a U.S. tour in support of Gold Cobra. This would make it the first U.S. tour (with all original members) since 2001.^{[citation needed]}

Track listing

All lyrics written by Fred Durst, except "Middle Finger" by Paul Wall and Fred Durst, all music composed by Limp Bizkit, except "Back Porch" by Fred Durst and Boney B.eats, "Combat Jazz" & "Middle Finger" by Mathematics.

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Introbra"	1:20
2.	"Bring It Back"	2:17
3.	"Gold Cobra"	3:53
4.	"Shark Attack"	3:26
5.	"Get A Life"	4:54
6.	"Shotgun"	4:32
7.	"Douche Bag"	3:42
8.	"Walking Away"	4:45
9.	"Loser"	4:53
10.	"Autotunage"	5:00
11.	"90.2.10"	4:18
12.	"Why Try"	2:51
13.	"Killer In You"	3:46
Total length:		49:37

North American iTunes Deluxe version[28]
No.	Title	Length
14.	"Back Porch"	3:22
15.	"My Own Cobain"	3:40
16.	"Angels"	3:20
Total length:		59:57

European iTunes Deluxe version[29]
No.	Title	Length
14.	"Back Porch"	3:22
15.	"My Own Cobain"	3:40
16.	"Angels"	3:20
17.	"Los Angeles"	2:53
Total length:		62:50

HMV/Best Buy Deluxe version[30]
No.	Title	Length
14.	"Back Porch"	3:22
15.	"My Own Cobain"	3:40
16.	"Angels"	3:20
17.	"Middle Finger" (featuring Paul Wall)	4:27
Total length:		64:24

Japanese Deluxe version[31]
No.	Title	Length
14.	"Back Porch"	3:22
15.	"My Own Cobain"	3:40
16.	"Angels"	3:20
17.	"Combat Jazz" (featuring Raekwon)	2:37
Total length:		62:34

Charts

Charts	Peak position
Australian Albums Chart	12
Austrian Album Chart	2
Belgian Albums Chart (Vl)	54
Belgian Albums Chart (Wa)	22
Canadian Albums Chart	13
Danish Albums Chart	37
Dutch Albums Chart	23
French Albums Chart	39
German Albums Chart	1
New Zealand Albums Chart	36
Polish Albums Chart	44
Spanish Albums Chart	41
Swiss Albums Chart	2
UK Albums Chart	30
U.S. Billboard 200	16
U.S. Billboard Digital Albums	11
U.S. Billboard Rock Albums	3
U.S. Billboard Alternative Albums	2
U.S. Billboard Hard Rock Albums	1
U.S. Billboard Tastemaker Albums	21

Promotional Music Videos

Gold Cobra

Released in 2011

• Fred Durst - Director, producer on Gold Cobra music video
• Jennifer Swift - Appearance in video clip
• Mike Vallely - Appearance in video clip

Autotunage

Released in (TBA)

• Fred Durst – Director, producer
• Tom Green - Appearance in video clip

Personnel

Limp Bizkit

• Wes Borland – guitars
• Fred Durst – vocals
• DJ Lethal – turntables, keyboards, samples, programming
• John Otto – drums
• Sam Rivers – bass

Production

• Todd Douglas – business affairs
• Cory Durst – photography
• Cliff Feiman – production supervisor
• Brian Frank – marketing
• Susan Hilderley – business affairs
• Alex Reese – marketing
• Dave Schiffman – mixing, recording
• Jordan Schur – management
• Liam Ward – layout
• Howie Weinberg – mastering
• Boney B.eats – additional production on "Back Porch"
• Hayes – additional production on "Shotgun"
• Wes Borland - cover art design, art direction, illustration
• Fred Durst - producer, management, art direction

Release history

Region	Date	Format	Label
Europe	June 24, 2011	CD, LP, digital download	Interscope
United States	June 28, 2011
Japan	June 29, 2011
Brazil	July 19, 2011		Universal Music

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Keven Skinner (May 10, 2011). "LIMP BIZKIT Tap 'Shotgun' as First Gold Cobra Album Single". The Daily Blam. http://www.dailyblam.com/news/2011/05/10/limp-bizkit-tap-shotgun-as-first-gold-cobra-single. Retrieved May 14, 2011. 
2. ^ "Limp Bizkit To Reunite…Again?". Rock Sound TV. September 24, 2008. http://www.rocksound.tv/news/article/limp-bizkit-to-reuniteagain. Retrieved May 14, 2011. 
3. ^ ^{a b} Genevieve Koski (February 12, 2009). "Limp Bizkit to do it all for the nookie once more". A.V. Club. http://www.avclub.com/articles/limp-bizkit-to-do-it-all-for-the-nookie-once-more,23735/. Retrieved May 14, 2011. 
4. ^ Artist Direct Staff (April 24, 2009). "Limp Bizkit Launches 'Unicorns N' Rainbows' Tour". Artist Direct. http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/limp-bizkit-launches-unicorns-n-rainbows-tour/5289556. Retrieved May 14, 2011. 
5. ^ ^{a b} Franich, Darren (2010-05-05). "Music mix article by Clark Collis, Limp Bizkit on their reunion album-and who exactly was to blame for their break up in the first place". Music-mix.ew.com. http://music-mix.ew.com/2010/05/05/limp-bizkit-durst-borlan/. Retrieved 2011-09-12. 
6. ^ Simon (November 30, 2009). "World exclusive! Limp Bizkit name new album". Kerrang!. http://www.kerrang.com/blog/2009/11/world_exclusive_limp_bizkit_na.html. Retrieved May 14, 2011. 
7. ^ "Media Player". Radio 106.7. http://www.radio1067.com/cc-common/mediaplayer/player.html?redir=yes&mps=audiovault.php&mid=http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/30273/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/30273/5933/richmedia/freddurst.mp3?CCOMRRMID=17685591&CPROG=RICHMEDIA&MARKET=COLUMBUS-OH&NG_FORMAT=alternative&NG_ID=WRXSFM&OR_NEWSFORMAT=&OWNER=5933&SERVER_NAME=www.radio1067.com&SITE_ID=5933&STATION_ID=WRXS-FM&TRACK=. Retrieved 2011-01-26. 
8. ^ "Limp Bizkit Leak First Song From Upcoming ‘Gold Cobra’ Album". Icon Vs. Icon. May 1, 2010. http://www.iconvsicon.com/2010/05/01/limp-bizkit-leak-first-song-from-upcoming-gold-cobra-album/. Retrieved May 14, 2011. 
9. ^ Satvir Bhamra (August 10, 2010). "Fred Durst leaks new Limp Bizkit track online". Amplified TV. http://amplified.tv/2010/08/10/fred-durst-leaks-new-limp-bizkit-track-online/. Retrieved May 14, 2011. 
10. ^ Fred Durst "I hope you are enjoying my leak. I couldn't wait any longer bitches!!"
11. ^ "UK Music Charts | The Official UK Top 75 Albums: Week of Mon 12 Sep - Yahoo! Music UK". Uk.launch.yahoo.com. http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/c/uk/album_charts.html. Retrieved 2011-09-12. 
12. ^ Kaufman, Gil (2011-07-13). "Beyonce's 4 Holds On To Billboard #1 - Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1667196/beyonce-4-billboard-number-one.jhtml. Retrieved 2011-09-12. 
13. ^ "LIMP BIZKIT's 'Gold Cobra' Cracks U.S. Top 20". BlabberMouth. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=160353. 
14. ^ ^{a b} Erlewine, Stephen (June 29, 2011). "Album Review: Limp Bizkit – Gold Cobra". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/gold-cobra-r2210421. Retrieved June 29, 2011. 
15. ^ Buchanan, David (June 24, 2011). "Album Review: Limp Bizkit – Gold Cobra". Consequence of Sound. http://consequenceofsound.net/2011/06/album-review-limp-bizkit-gold-cobra. Retrieved June 29, 2011. 
16. ^ "IGN rating". Music.ign.com. http://music.ign.com/objects/110/110909.html. Retrieved 2011-09-12. 
17. ^ Langhoff, Josh. "Limp Bizkit: Gold Cobra < PopMatters". Popmatters.com. http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/144574-limp-bizkit-gold-cobra/. Retrieved 2011-09-12. 
18. ^ ^{a b} Florino, Rick (June 17, 2011). "Limp Bizkit — "Gold Cobra" Album Review 5 out of 5 stars". ArtistDirect. http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/limp-bizkit-gold-cobra-album-review-5-out-of-5-stars/9007955. Retrieved June 29, 2011. 
19. ^ "Limp Bizkit - Gold Cobra Review". Rock.about.com. 2011-06-28. http://rock.about.com/od/reviews/fr/Limp-Bizkit-Gold-Cobra-Review.htm. Retrieved 2011-09-12. 
20. ^ ^{a b} Shipley, Al (2011-06-28). "Limp Bizkit Lean Into The Backlash On Gold Cobra - New York Music - Sound of the City". Blogs.villagevoice.com. http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/2011/06/limp_bizkit_gold_cobra_review.php. Retrieved 2011-09-12. 
21. ^ July 9, 2011 (2011-07-09). "Reactions may vary, but Limp Bizkit don’t care". Deccan Chronicle. http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/tv-guide/reactions-may-vary-limp-bizkit-don%E2%80%99t-care-591. Retrieved 2011-09-12. 
22. ^ Faye Lewis. "Limp Bizkit - Gold Cobra | Reviews | Rock Sound". Rocksound.tv. http://www.rocksound.tv/reviews/article/limp-bizkit-gold-cobra. Retrieved 2011-09-12. 
23. ^ "Gold Cobra at Metacritic". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/music/gold-cobra. Retrieved July 26, 2011. 
24. ^ Jonathan Barkan (June 27, 2011). "Album Review: Limp Bizkit 'Gold Cobra'". Bloody Disgusting. http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/music/1783/. Retrieved June 29, 2011. 
25. ^ Johnny Firecloud (June 20, 2011). "Blowin' up the septic tank, y'all!". antiquiet. http://www.antiquiet.com/reviews/2011/06/limp-bizkit-gold-cobra-review/. Retrieved 22 June 2011. 
26. ^ ^{a b c} Johnny Firecloud (June 21, 2011). "Gold Cobra rebuttal: Wes Borland Vs. antiquiet". antiquiet. http://www.antiquiet.com/interviews/2011/06/gold-cobra-rebuttal-wes-borland-vs-antiquiet/. Retrieved 22 June 2011. 
27. ^ terrybezer, Ian (July 6, 2011). "Review". Metal Hammer. http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/limp-bizkit-gold-cobra-track-by-track/. Retrieved Oct 13, 2011. 
28. ^ "iTunes - Music - Gold Cobra (Deluxe Version) by Limp Bizkit". Itunes.apple.com. 2011-06-28. http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/gold-cobra-deluxe-version/id441959138. Retrieved 2011-09-12. 
29. ^ "UPDATED: “Los Angeles”: The missing track?". Thearmpit.net. 2011-09-06. http://www.thearmpit.net/eng/2011/06/10/los-angeles-the-missing-track/. Retrieved 2011-09-12. 
30. ^ Track listing for Deluxe version -thearmpit.net
31. ^ Tracklisting for Japanese deluxe version -thearmpit.net