Customer Reviews

Save Me From Myself

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

It's 2008, and by now just about everyone in tune with the rock world has heard of Brian "Head" Welch's change of lifestyle nearly three years ago. Welch left his hit band Korn behind because of personal reasons and was able to kick a drug addiction with the help of God and Christianity. He decided to continue with music of his own (with well-traveled Josh Freese on drums). Not quite succumbing to stereotypical Christian style, his songs have intensities ranging from spirituality to anger. They are actually edgier and darker than those of Korn. God had told him to let out his aggression, and that's precisely what he has done in his first solo attempt, Save Me from Myself. His autobiography of the same title is worth reading bearing in mind it came to fruition first and this album is a soundtrack of sorts, much like Nikki Sixx's Heroin Diaries. Reading the book and then listening to the music will provide a better understanding of the album's messages.

Save Me from Myself isn't preachy, though. It's a collection of stories and messages with regards to Welch's interactions with others and personal thoughts and habits. This might be an album that takes a few spins to truly appreciate, but even not having read the book it easily remains enjoyable. The layers of programming make a thorough sound and mesh well with the guitars, obviously Welch's bread and butter. Songs such as "Flush," "Re-Bel," and "Save Me from Myself" center on negativities like drugs, alcoholism, and depression. Songs such as "Die Religion Die," "Adonai," and "Washed by Blood" center on religion and Christianity. The lyrical composition is anything but lacking - it's arguably the strongest aspect, and rightfully so considering the genuine essence. There really isn't anything unimpressive, other than the vocals perhaps being slightly better than tolerable.

Brian "Head" Welch wasn't joking when he said he expected to inspire people.

Too many listeners discredit and discount artists from the metal genre. You'll never see a nu-metal track nominated for an Oscar, and it's unlikely that you'll see an album win a Grammy for Album of the Year, but "Save Me From Myself" is proof that you can't just replace a guitarist in a successful band and expect the quality to remain consistent. There has been a definite letdown with Korn's last two albums, and while the remaining members have done a decent job with their own individual skill set, there's a reason why Korn was so amazing before Head left. His contribution cannot be overlooked, and his first solo album is proof that he has a lot left to offer.

No one will confuse these lyrics with pure poetry, but they're nothing to be ashamed of either. Head's message is positive and to the point yet he avoids being preachy. You won't feel like running outside and hugging a tree yet you'll be intrigued just enough to want more.

It's the music that makes a difference. These days it's far too simple to sound like everyone else, yet Head finds ways to express his thoughts in unique ways. This is the element now lacking from the efforts of his former colleagues, and it demonstrates how important it is to run on all five cylinders. Sure, we'd all love to heard JD belt out these lyrics, but that was then and this is now. I rate an album by how long it remains in the must-play rotation, and so far, this has withstood the test of time.

I was worried about this project. I applauded Head's bravery in publicly announcing his salvation and quitting Korn and embarking on a solo career, but honestly how could his little ship compare to Korn's battlecruiser? I happily discovered not only were my fears unfounded, but this album out-Korn's Korn entire post-Issues catalog.

The sound is decidedly nu-metal, which in this day of blastbeats and neo-shredders can sound a bit dated and bland. However, I grew up in the Korn Reich and hearing the perfect realization of Korn's sonic dream is like coming home to Mom's country cooking after a long journey abroad. In fact, the only complaint is it might be too similar to Korn, but Head shows that he was the core of their sound and he isn't stealing from anyone since it's his to begin with. Rumbling, ultra-low guitars, demented lullaby-ish hooks, melancholy atmosphere, moaned, whispered, sung, growled, screamed vocals- it's all here. Head has his own vocal style but sometimes he sounds eerily close to Davis' creepy delivery. These songs, while powerful and thunderous, almost beg for Davis' vocals and Munky's bouncing bass-percussion, but we'll wait for them to get saved another day :-). The songs range from bleak, heavily-industrialized nu-doom to seething mosh-anthems. "Die Religion Die," despite it's cheesy title, boils with venom and rage (particularly in the obligatory breakdown with "DIIIEEE! DIE! DIE!" Honestly, is there any English word that is more metal?) The entire album is bathed in atmospherics, utilizing synths, children's choruses, and orchestration.

The lyrics are intensely personal and at time simplistic, but you can tell instantly that this is an album from the heart. Nearly half of the songs are written from God's perspective and while the rhymes can be juvenile, the message is clear and forceful. No complext metaphors, no conceptual tales, yet no condescending preaching either. Make no mistake, Head is clearly trying to steer people to Jesus but his words speak from painful experience rather than a lofty pulpit.

If this album had been released by Korn, it would be praised in the same breath as "Life is Peachy" and "Follow the Leader." As it stands, "Save Me From Myself" is the best nu-metal album to come out in years and it is a breath of fresh air in the hard rock world. It's not a Christian album- it's an album written by a Christian but it stands toe-to-toe with all the mainstream releases out there. And Head is more than qualified to carry the banner. After all, he is one of the O.G.'s of modern metal and it's nice to see one of them wake up.

It seems to have walked right out the door behind this guy. Any Korn fans from the Follow the Leader/Issues era and prior will definitely hear some familiar sounds in this one. Seems that Head was bringing a great deal of the driving Korn sound that I am finding so hard to put a label on. Something about the melody me thinks. Anyways, I'm not a Christian or anything but I always liked this guy from his drug-fueled heretic era (ah, the good ol' days), so I decided it was worth checking out. And it was. It's not the most memorable album ever but I can say without a doubt it's my all-time favorite finding Jesus related album. Most of it isn't too preachy, just a few songs I heard that really talk about God, but it's definitely one of those "I'm so happy I found myself" kind of albums. Anyways, if talk of Judeo-Christian beliefs makes your ears bleed, you'll want to avoid this one, but if you're a grown-up person that can handle ideas diverse from your own, it's worth checking out for free. And if you're real keen on Jesus, this one will rock your socks off.

"Save Me From Myself" is an excellent album in nearly every way. The signature Korn sound shines through, but this time, is open to a new audience; the Christian audience.

Christian or non-Christian, you will enjoy this album. The lyrics are honest, dark but yet hopeful, and not preachy. It would be ridiculous for a person to criticize Head or any other artist for being upfront about their faith. The beauty of music is that it is a way for the artist to communicate their personal feelings; regardless if you agree. Shame on anyone that would write this album off because Head is now a "Jesus-lover." It's about the music; and the music does not disappoint.

The guitar work is heavy, crunchy, and delicious. Head shifts from growls to soft singing wonderfully, and none of the songs end too soon.

5 stars for Brian Head Welch!!

This disc is pretty good. Not perfect, but overall you can clearly get a sense of what happened to Korn after he left the band. The missing elements on their last 2 studio CD's can be found here. The guitar effects, the heaviness and the interesting production are here. Definately reminds me of something Korn would have done around the 'Issues' period.

The problem I have are the Vocal is very bland and can even be annoying at times. Layers of screaming and whispering gets a little old after a while.It is clear and each word can be understood so the messages gets through. Just dont expect a lot from the vocal delivery. Its not Johnathan Davis and is pretty straight forward. Not the best lyrics but definately personal and intended to make a point.

If you liked 'Issues' period Korn stuff and dont mind a few religious overtones with your music, pick it up. It is not overbearing 'Come to God' stuff, but there is a message. It is better than I thought it would be and serves as vindication for 'Head' as now people can see that his guitar and effects were a very detrimental part of korn's sound that they would never be able to recover from losing. Pick it up Korn fans, aside from the lyrical content, this CD would fit alongside the better part of their catalog.

Hope he puts out more.

There is so much metal out there that has an extremely negative message. For the most part, I have just been avoiding a lot of band's songs if they had satanic themes or if they have very explicit lyrics, because it conflicts with my beliefs. I've tried finding some christian metal bands in the past, and I have been very,very disappointed - it was like they were rejects from the secular music industry, so they were trying to make a buck by getting into the christian music scene. I pretty much gave up with finding any good christian heavy metal music until now...I've been a long time Korn fan, and knowing how much "Head" had to do with the song writing for them, I was excited to hear this CD. I have to say I was really impressed. The vocals were good,not like JD, but still really good for a guy who was not a lead singer prior to this. A few of the songs were definitely geared to a younger audience, and that's cool, that's how it needs to be. I wish there was more quality christian metal music like this out there, I would be the first in line to get it. I hope this is the first release of many for "Head", he is a truly talented and proven songwriter, that knows the metal scene and what people want to hear. He's sending a positive message accompanied with kick butt music - works for me!

For several years the debate over why Korn wasn't as good as it used to be has been going on.

Ok, it WAS because Head left. This is the sound that's been missing from Korn.

While the sound is great, I think Welch's lyrics are lacking a bit. There are a couple of songs that preach a little, but most of them are based on his experiences. He's simply saying he hated his life until he found out it didn't have to be the way it was. Mostly good, but a few spots don't flow well.

Definately not the 'goody-goody' album some were expecting, this music rocks. It has the hard-core guitar that he built his reputation on, as well as great vocals. I won't say every song is great, I didn't like Loyalty or Flush much, but as a whole, Head's solo debut kicks.

Overall I love it and think it was worth the wait. I'm anxious to hear more from him as a solo artist.

i just want to say this CD is great. i'm so happy for brian/'head'. but definately even if i didn't know him from when i was a complete korn fan, i would have loved the lyrics and the transitions from hard to soft. i'm drawn to music that's.. strong.. but it needs to have something that i call the 'beautiful element' which this cd has for sure. my favorite tracks are Home, L.O.V.E, Re-Bel, Save Me From Myself and Washed By Blood. With 'Home', about 4 1/2 minutes into it is the best part i think. he really knows how to close up a track. the ends of many of the songs are my favorite. Re-Bel hits a sweet spot 2:40 into it and he closes that one with this like, mens choir and he sings over them "don't forget about the golden rule, love Me with all your heart. if you give Me just that one request, we will never be apart. your life it means so much to Me. you've been abused in every way. everyone on earth has let you down. now come try ME".. beautiful. Washed by Blood opens great and it's long and great and gets the best at the 8 minute mark where he speaks like God, which gave me goosebumps because of what he said. i'm really not a prisoner of my own life anymore. i am washed by blood and have been given a new start. and you're given a beautiful mental image when he sings "come fly away with me.. you know i love you" he has a beautiful voice when he's not trying to be grungy. thanks all for sitting with me as i gave my play by play of my favorite tracks. hope this helps someone. and if not, just go ahead and read another one then! =}

Generally speaking I don't prefer this style of music. I mean, I like really heavy guitar work but the "growling" and shouting associate with this style of music is generally a turn-off for me. Nevertheless, I had heard about Head's life transformation. I wanted the CD just to see what he had to say. I figured I might like two or three songs, and if someone bought it for me as a birthday present, then it wouldn't be a waste on my wallet :-)

To put it mildly, I was blown away by this disc! I listened to it 4x straight through, non-stop, the day I got it. I've had it for a week now and I'm still listening to it at least 2x through each day. Really intense, and just brilliant musicianship! I can't even pin down a favorite track, because the whole disc is just so good.

I suspect Korn fans would appreciate this disc, based on what little of their music I've heard (I don't listen to the radio). It definitely has that sound. But the positive message in his music to me makes all the difference in the enjoyability factor.

I know he's gearing up for a tour now, and I plan to be there if he comes anywhere near my town.