As shocking and upsetting as an unexpected lineup shift can be for an established rock act, sometimes it can wind up being a force for positive change and personal growth. That's what seems to be happening with Limp Bizkit, whose frontman is still assuming many of the band's guitar duties in the studio and bringing the band into a new, uncharted realm.

"Some [of the new songs] will feel familiar, others will take you to places we've never been before," Fred Durst wrote in a recent post on the band's official Web site after returning from a band practice in which Limp Bizkit wrote a couple of new songs. "We are definitely on an emotional journey into the future."

Bassist Sam Rivers is also writing new guitar passages, and at this point, there's no indication that Limp Bizkit will even work with a guitarist outside of the band on their new album (see "Fred Durst Taking Guitar Matters Into His Own Hands?").

"Sam is a hell of a guitar player," band manager Peter Katsis said. "And you should hear Fred. He's sounding really great, and he's improving every day."

Having written many new songs and lots of music passages that are almost ready to be assembled into complete songs, the band decided it was time to hire a producer, though Durst noted in his post that he couldn't yet announce who it will be.

Limp Bizkit's last two studio albums, 2000's Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water and 1999's Significant Other, were produced by Terry Date, and 1997's Three Dollar Bill, Y'all was produced by Ross Robinson.

Regardless of who mans the boards, Durst is convinced the band's next disc will be its "best album" to date. But he added, "There are lots of layers to be shed. We have some really great ideas all ready to be recorded."

When he's not making magic with Bizkit, Durst continues to work on plans for the skateboarding film "Lords of Dogtown," which he will direct with David Fincher ("Fight Club," "Seven," "Panic Room"). The movie should be ready for cinematic release sometime next fall, Durst wrote (see "Fred Durst To Start Rollin' Film On Skateboard Flick").

Original Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland left the band in October (see "Fred & Wes: He Said/He Said").