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Wes Borland

Wes Borland is an American musician best known as the guitarist for the nu metal band Limp Bizkit.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Wes Borland is an American musician best known as the guitarist for the nu metal band Limp Bizkit. He has also led or contributed to projects including Black Light Burns and Big Dumb Face, and released a solo instrumental album in 2016. Born in Richmond, Virginia in 1975, Borland is also a visual artist.

Early life

Wesley Louden Borland was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1975. Public biographies identify him as an American musician from the United States.

Limp Bizkit

Borland is best known as the guitarist for Limp Bizkit, a role that made him a prominent figure in nu metal. He joined the band formed by Fred Durst, Sam Rivers and John Otto. He became widely recognized through the band’s commercial success and his distinctive stage image and playing style.

Other projects

Outside Limp Bizkit, Borland has worked on Black Light Burns as singer and guitarist and has been involved with Big Dumb Face. He has also played with or recorded alongside other artists, including Marilyn Manson and From First to Last.

Solo work and visual art

Borland released the instrumental album Crystal Machete in 2016. He is also described in some biographical sources as a visual artist, with interests in design, painting, and sculpture.

Key facts

  • Borland joined Limp Bizkit, the band formed by Fred Durst, Sam Rivers and John Otto.
  • He is known for Limp Bizkit’s nu metal sound and his experimental guitar style.
  • He is the vocalist and guitarist for Black Light Burns.
  • He has been associated with Big Dumb Face and Marilyn Manson.
  • In 2016, he released the instrumental solo album Crystal Machete on his personal label, Edison Sound.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know Wes Borland through Limp Bizkit’s international touring, radio play, and festival appearances in Canada, as well as his influence on nu metal and alternative metal listeners.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Wes Borland?
Wes Borland is an American musician best known as the guitarist for Limp Bizkit and as a collaborator on other rock and metal projects.
What is Wes Borland’s full name?
His birth name is Wesley Louden Borland.
What band is Wes Borland most associated with?
He is most closely associated with Limp Bizkit.
What other bands has he been involved with?
Sources identify Black Light Burns and Big Dumb Face as notable additional projects, and also mention work with Marilyn Manson and From First to Last.
Has Wes Borland released solo music?
Yes. He released the instrumental solo album Crystal Machete in 2016.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wes_Borland
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, place of birth, Limp Bizkit membership, and Crystal Machete release
  2. AllMusic — https://www.allmusic.com/artist/wes-borland-mn0000819310
    Supports: Career overview and associated projects including Limp Bizkit, Big Dumb Face, and Black Light Burns
  3. Wikipedia (Spanish) — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wes_Borland
    Supports: Black Light Burns role, Marilyn Manson involvement, and 2016 solo album
  4. Wikipedia (Portuguese) — https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wes_Borland
    Supports: Additional bands and descriptions of visual style and roles in Black Light Burns
  5. MusicTech — https://musictech.com/artists/wes-borland/
    Supports: American guitarist and vocalist, genre associations, and Crystal Machete