Review

Korn’s sixth album continues the decline set forth by their previous effort the Untouchables. “I’m done hurting and I’m just pissed off about it now. It’s turned back to just sheer hate and anger. And it definitely comes across on the album” said Jonathan Davis about the new album. This doesn’t exactly instill confidence for a breakthrough record especially given the lack of quality over the past couple years.

Noise distortion and angry metal riffs are found on every song starting with “Right Now,” and used so similarly that the entire album ends up in one big mess despite it’s desperate attempt to be diverse. Only one track comes across as truly unique, a collaboration with rapper Nas on “Play Me” but still doesn’t stretch the album’s hate flow. Other tracks include the hit single “Did My Time” from the Tomb Raider II film and “One” the live version of Metallica’s mid 80's single performed originally for their tribute show and was continually played through this summer’s Sanitarium Tour.

Davis ends up screaming his way through choruses and verses, more so than prior albums and never takes the chance to reach deep down inside to produce smooth vocals. For once, his younger half brother Mark Chavez (lead vocals for Adema) might be on to something that Korn should take notes on, that pure heartfelt emotion is much better than hatred screaming. The remainder of the Korn ensemble returns to produce the old school gothic sound but doesn’t vary it enough causing everything to sound like a replica of the Untouchables only heavier and well...more angry.

It’s hard to fathom how such a classic nu-metal great such as Korn continually disappoints fans with unoriginal lyrics and repetitive sounds. The only hope left is for Jonathan Davis to realize life isn’t as bad as he thinks and get back to basics on a seventh album to redeem themselves and create another original sound that can crack the narrowness of Take A Look In The Mirror.

Review by Jason Schleweis

2 out of 5