Album Review: What I Am by 40DT
Alright, so let’s talk about What I Am, the 1999 Nu Metal banger from 40DT. Released under Diverse Family and produced by JT Burke (who also engineered this beast), it's got that raw, gritty vibe only late '90s rock could pull off. This album is like a time capsule of everything that made Nu Metal so damn fun back then—crunchy guitars, rap verses, turntables scratching, and lyrics that hit hard emotionally.
The whole lineup here feels tight. You’ve got CR Pendleton on lead vocals bringing the passion, Jared Hager shredding guitar solos, Andy Finnegan pounding drums like he’s got something to prove, and DJ Droop adding those funky turntable bits. Oh, and John Reuben showing up for one track? That was an unexpected but dope addition.
Now, onto the tracks. The album kicks off with “Intro,” which sets the tone—a moody buildup before the storm. But where things really grab you is on “I Found God.” Man, this song sticks with me. It’s not just the heavy riffs or Pendleton’s vocal delivery; it’s how personal it feels. Like, you can tell they’re laying their souls bare here. There’s no pretense, no overthinking—it’s just honest. And when the chorus hits, it’s like a punch to the gut in the best way possible.
Another standout has gotta be “Skin On My Teeth.” This one’s relentless. The drum programming by Tim Finnegan paired with Andy Woody’s haunting keyboard work gives it this eerie edge. Plus, the lyrics are straight fire—talking about clinging to faith even when life beats you down. It’s one of those songs that makes you wanna scream along while driving too fast at night. You know what I mean?
Honestly, though, every track brings something unique to the table. From the introspective “Hope” to the head-banging energy of “Matchbox Cars (Without You),” there’s never a dull moment. Even the closing track, “I Forgive You,” leaves you thinking long after the music stops.
Reflecting on What I Am, it’s wild how underrated 40DT seems today. Back in ’99, this album probably got lost in the shuffle amidst bigger names like Korn or Limp Bizkit dominating the airwaves. But listening now, it holds its own. Maybe it’s because it doesn’t try too hard to fit into any box—it’s just real, messy, and human.
Oh, and random thought: whoever did the layout and design (shoutout to Rusty Scott) nailed it. That cover art screams ‘90s Nu Metal without being cheesy.
So yeah, if you’re into rock that packs both emotion and aggression, give What I Am a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up blasting it on repeat for days.
