Big Dumb Face: The Genre-Bending Comedy Metal Project of Wes Borland
In the world of heavy music, few projects are as intentionally chaotic and eclectic as Big Dumb Face. Formed as a creative outlet for the Borland brothers, this American musical project defies simple categorization, blending extreme metal with an absurd sense of humor. Known for its rapid shifts in style and comedic lyrics, Big Dumb Face serves as a sonic playground where the boundaries between noise and melody are constantly blurred.
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Key Facts
- Founders: Brothers Wes and Scott Borland.
- Origins: Started in 1998 as a side project for Wes Borland of Limp Bizkit.
- Genres: A wide array including grindcore, death metal, funk, country, disco, reggae, and pop.
- Discography: Three main releases spanning from 2001 to 2021.
- Core Philosophy: A focus on "silly," "idiotic," and "bizarre" compositions.
The Evolution of Big Dumb Face
Formation and Early Years (1998–2004)
Big Dumb Face was established in 1998 by Wes and Scott Borland. For Wes, the project provided a stark contrast to his work with the nu-metal giants Limp Bizkit. In 2001, the group released their debut album, Duke Lion Fights the Terror!!, through Flip/Interscope and Flawless Records. Flawless was a vanity label created as a Geffen subsidiary by Fred Durst, who also served as the album's executive producer.
The debut received a polarized response from critics. While some, like Allmusic's Kieran McCarthy, viewed it as a mediocre imitation of the band Ween, others praised its spontaneity. Scott Iwasaki of the Deseret News gave the album three stars, highlighting Borland's impulsive creative energy. Following the release, Wes Borland attempted to develop a video game sequel to the album, though the project never materialized. The band remained sporadically active until 2004.
The Return and Later Releases (2017–Present)
After a 13-year hiatus—during which Wes Borland focused on Black Light Burns, rejoined Limp Bizkit, and toured with Queen Kwong—the project was revived in 2017. Following a teaser on Instagram and the release of the single "He Rides The Skies," the band dropped their second album, Where Is Duke Lion? He's Dead..., on October 31, 2017, via Borland's own label, Edison Sound.
This second effort combined new material with tracks written in 2001 and 2003, with Borland describing it as the most "metal" record of his career. The project continued its eccentric trajectory in December 2021 with the release of Christmas in the Cave of Dagoth, a holiday-themed album that had been in development since 2018.
Musical Style and Influences
The sound of Big Dumb Face is characterized by comedy metal—a style that uses musical irony and absurdity for humor. Wes Borland has cited Mr. Bungle and Ween as primary influences, describing the music as intentionally "stupid" and "bizarre."
Music journalists have struggled to pin down a single genre, often using descriptive terms such as "death country" or "joke metal." The band's compositions frequently pivot between extreme grindcore (a fast, noisy subgenre of death metal) and unexpected styles like Jamaican steel drums, disco funk, and alternative country. A prime example is the song "The Blood Maiden," which contrasts upbeat reggae rhythms with lyrics about summoning demons.
Project Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Active Years | 1998–2004, 2017–Present |
| Core Members | Wes Borland, Scott Borland |
| Primary Labels | Edison Sound, Flip, Interscope, Flawless |
| Key Albums | Duke Lion Fights the Terror!!, Where Is Duke Lion? He's Dead..., Christmas in the Cave of Dagoth |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the members of Big Dumb Face?
The project is led by brothers Wes Borland (vocals, guitar, bass, drums, programming) and Scott Borland (keyboards, vocals, guitar, bass). Former members include Kyle Weeks and Greg Isabelle, with Chris Gibbs serving as a touring bassist in 2001.
How is Big Dumb Face related to Limp Bizkit?
Big Dumb Face was formed by Wes Borland as a side project while he was a member of Limp Bizkit. Additionally, Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst served as the executive producer for their debut album through his vanity label, Flawless Records.
What genres does Big Dumb Face play?
The project is highly eclectic, blending grindcore, death metal, and comedy metal with unexpected elements of funk, country, disco, reggae, pop, and psychedelia.
What are the main albums released by the project?
The band has released three albums: Duke Lion Fights the Terror!! (2001), Where Is Duke Lion? He's Dead... (2017), and Christmas in the Cave of Dagoth (2021).
What influences the sound of Big Dumb Face?
Wes Borland has specifically cited the experimental and avant-garde styles of Ween and Mr. Bungle as major influences on the project's bizarre and humorous approach to music.