Reanimation Remix Cycle

Lore & Background

The collaboration between Aaron Lewis and Linkin Park on the "Krwlng" remix came at a time when both acts were at the forefront of the nu-metal movement. Lewis, as the frontman of Staind, had already established himself with the multi-platinum *Break the Cycle* (2001), while Linkin Park was riding the massive success of *Hybrid Theory*. The remix album *Reanimation* was a bold creative statement, allowing the band to deconstruct their songs with outside artists. Lewis's contribution, alongside producer Mike Shinoda's reimagined production, turned the original "Crawling" into a darker, more atmospheric piece, blending his signature melodic and screaming vocal styles with electronic textures. This track remains a fan favorite for its raw intensity and the seamless fusion of two distinct musical identities.

In Their Own Story

In the studio, Aaron Lewis stepped up to the microphone, the familiar opening notes of "Crawling" now twisted into a haunting, glitchy beat. He had already proven his range with Staind's emotionally charged anthems, but this was different—a chance to inject his voice into Linkin Park's world. As he laid down his vocals, the track transformed, his screams cutting through the electronic haze like a blade. The result was "Krwlng", a remix that didn't just rework the original but redefined it, with Lewis's raw delivery adding a layer of visceral pain that complemented Chester Bennington's haunting verses. It was a one-off collaboration, but it left an indelible mark on fans who heard two titans of the genre collide in a single, unforgettable track.

Reader's Guide

For fans exploring Aaron Lewis's collaborations, the "Krwlng" remix on *Reanimation* is a must-hear. The track appears as the ninth song on the album, which was released on July 30, 2002. Lewis's contribution is primarily vocal, with his performance blending seamlessly into the remix's dark, trip-hop-infused production. The album itself features a host of other guests, including Jonathan Davis of Korn and Stephen Richards of Taproot, but Lewis's track stands out for its emotional weight. To fully appreciate it, listen with headphones to catch the layered vocals and subtle electronic details. This collaboration is a rare example of Lewis stepping outside his work with Staind and his solo country career, offering a glimpse into his versatility as a vocalist.

Did You Know?

• Aaron Lewis contributed vocals to the remix of 'Crawling' on Linkin Park's first remix album, *Reanimation*, where the track was retitled 'Krwlng'.
• The *Reanimation* album was released in 2002, the same year Lewis's band Staind had a massive hit with 'It's Been Awhile'.
• Lewis's collaboration with Linkin Park came after he had already worked with Limp Bizkit on the song 'No Sex' from their album *Significant Other*.
• The 'Krwlng' remix features a darker, more electronic sound compared to the original, showcasing Lewis's ability to adapt his vocal style to different genres.
• Lewis is primarily known as the frontman of Staind and a solo country artist, making his appearance on a Linkin Park remix album a notable crossover moment.