Customer Reviews

Untouchables (Limited Edition with Bonus DVD)

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Is it possible for a C.D. to be over-hyped and underrated?

Following a three year break with no new material from Korn, "Untouchables" became one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2002. Plus, the band members couldn't keep their mouths shut about the new album, saying it was one of the best things they've ever done. But, after hearing Korn's fifth album, I still prefer their self-titled debut and "Follow the Leader" over this. So, "Untouchables" was a bit over-hyped, but it was also simultaneously underrated, because the general response to it was disappointment. Plus, even though it sold 700,000 copies in its first week of being on the shelves, "Untouchables" just barely managed to gain platinum certification. Many fans thought it sounded over-produced and was too "poppy." Why must a new sound always mean the band sold out?

I have a different word for this album: creative. Michael Beinhorn, a virtuoso producer, makes "Untouchables" have *gasp* a new sound. This C.D. sounds robust, and it sometimes seems like it was recorded in a ten pound drum. Korn have been criticized for making the same album again and again, so they change their sound for their fifth album, and what happens? Some people STILL criticize them. Another problem with this album is that it didn't translate well live. That's why Korn quickly followed up this album with 2003's "Take A Look in the Mirror."

And even though it has some big choruses, well thought-out songs, and even a soft song ("Alone I Break" is the closest thing to a ballad Korn have ever written; Jonathan Davis sings clearly and properly over a digitized beat and Blue Man Group-esque drums,) the majority of this album is very heavy. In addition to this album's production making it have a harder edge, "Untouchables" has heavier songwriting and a rhythm section which pounds harder and more profusely. Upon first time listening to the opening track, "Here to Stay" seems super heavy, especially for a Korn song. It begins with grinding guitars, which, for the first ten seconds, are only audible in one headphone. Then, after the song explodes with thunderous guitars and drums, Jonathan begins his heartfelt and tortured lyrics-lyrics which have become typical of him. This, the only song from this album that Korn would play on tour, is a personal favorite also because of the mosh-worthy bridge ("Bring it on down!") Next, an onslaught of extra crunchy guitars and almost death metal vocals (with an echo effect) make "Embrace" one of the heaviest songs Korn have ever written. Other highlights include the grinding, churning guitar noise on "Bottled Up Inside," the third and final single, "Thoughtless" (which features a guitar that could be a vacuum cleaner, making a "vroom" sound run through it), the vocal harmonizer on "Beat it Upright" (a song about an explicit sexual fantasy, involving the rumor that Jonathan was gay), and "Wake Up Hate" (another exciting, mosh-ready song which is speedy, bouncy and flows very well).

It may take some Korn fans a while to fully appreciate this album. Listeners should immediately notice the pounding rhythms and the hip-hop free vocals, but it may take most listeners a while to hear and absorb the subtle creativeness (such as the vocal synthesizer). Also, some fans might not think "Untouchables" sounds at all different from any of their past albums. This is clearly a Korn album; aside from no hip-hop stylings, all of the patented Korn ingredients are here (mainly downtuned guitar rumbles and pained poetry.) But if you listen to Korn's raw debut, then come back to this, you'll realize the two albums sound like completely different bands.

To conclude, "Untouchables" was a bit over-hyped (because it is not Korn's best album), but it was also underrated (because some fans were disappointed with it). This C.D. is a must buy for all Korn and nu-metal fans, and, even if you're not a Korn fan, I recommend you check it out (because these songs are, as aforementioned, heavier than most Korn tunes.) The truth is that this is Korn's heaviest and most creative disc to date, and it has my vote for the best hard rock and alt metal album of 2002.

Its been nearly 3 long years since music's most compelling band has released an album. Many fans who thought "Issues" was a bit flat (which granted, it was) were eagerly anticipating KoRn's next release in the hopes that it would save "nu-metal" from the past 3 years of monotonous, imitator music put out by polised, radio friendly bands like Disturbed, Linkin Park, Puddle of Crap, etc. Well fans of real music, the day has arrived. "Untouchables" is here and it does not dissappoint.

I, like thousands of others, downloaded this CD back in March, but I also made damn sure that I was one of the first in line to buy the CD midnight on June 11th. This is a great CD, as its the next logical progression from "Issues". If I were to compare it to any other KoRn album, it would probably be "Issues", only "Untouchables" has much more memorable riffs, choruses, and songs in general. "Issues" seemed thrown together and each song seemed to bleed into the next with no real focus. "Untouchables", however, is very well put together. Practically every song is memorable and KoRn pushes the boundaries of their sound on songs like "Hollow Life", which has a very serious/eerie vibe to it. Then you have songs like "Hating", which has an 80s electronica vibe to it with a very big, epic sound. "Wake Up Hate" has a major techno/rave sound while still remainng quite heavy.

The great thing about this album is that it is innovative, and it makes the other wannabe bands in the scene look very unoriginal and stupid. Albums like this are what is needed to keep the scene legitimate and keep it evolving. Its a shame that bands like Coal Chamber, Nothingface, and Deftones, (just to name a few) don't get enough publicity because they're raw and cutting-edge, and bands like Drowning Pool & Limp Bizkit are all over media because they play catchy, pointless songs with a recycled KoRn sound. I hope "Untouchables" sells millions of copies, and I hope KoRn finally get the noteriety and respect they disserve. No, this album is not as good as their 1st (but what album is?) but it is still very very badass. Here's a brief rundown of the songs:

1)"Here To Stay" - 9/10 (1st single; picture a riot starting to this song)

2)"Make Believe" - 6/10 (only song I might call flat; very slow, spooky-core vibe to it)

3)"Blame" - 9/10 (very good song; possibly the best on the album)

4)"Hollow Life" - 9/10 (very origional and different; creepy, gothic feel to it; great singing)

5)"Bottled Up Inside" - 8/10 (great opening rhythm; heavy chugging guitars; awesome, slow jam session around the 2:27-2:52 mark)

6)"Thoughtlessness" - 9/10 (2nd single; very dynamic; Jonathon shouts angrily ocassionally, reminescent of the old days)

7)"Hating" - 9/10 (not a typical KoRn song, but I love it; great chorus; almost a ballad)

8)"One More Time" - 7/10 (gothic, loungy feel to it; okay song)

9)"Alone I Break" - 7/10 (no heavy parts in this song; very industrial; NIN vibe; cool singing though)

10)"Embrace" - 9/10 (very good song; good energy; could be heaviest song on the album)

11)"Beat It Upright" - 8/10 (wickedly heavy opening rhythm; very cool, very perverted song)

12)"Wake Up Hate" - 8/10 (heavy techno/industrial/rave song; hint of NIN at some parts)

13)"I'm Hiding" - 7/10 (starts out brutally heavy; song itself kind of drags, jon saves it with a great chorus)

14)"No One's There" - 6/10 (this song didn't make an impression on me; not bad, just a bit slow and monotonous)

15)"Here To Stay Remix" - 7/10 (not bad; you can understand the lyrics better; it'll get your head bobbing)

Thanks for reading this. I hope this album made a similar impression on you as well. KoRn owns!!!

It seems to me that this album's relative lack of commercial success can be attributed to confusion. "Confusion" is the term I think fits best when describing the general reaction of fans. Many people didn't quite know what to think when Untouchables came out. It was highly anticipated, if I recall, and it certainly wasn't what people expected. So as a result, this is one of the most divisive Korn albums - ask three people what they think of it. One will hate it and yell "sell out!" Another will love its progressive tendancies. Still a third won't know what to tell you. And probably won't listen to the album anymore. After all, nu metal fans aren't best known for their patience.

The album itself is a patchwork amalgamation of catchy pop-metal, industrial sludge, experimental creepiness, and trademark Korn aggro grooves. The production is slick and round and the songs aren't really reminiscent of any sound Korn has had in the past. It is creative and unique in Korn's catalogue. I'm sure many filler fans were disappointed that this wasn't Follow the Leader Part Two - but going backwards is a real quick way to end your career in music (as we are seeing with many a mediocre nu metal band that is slipping through the cracks now.) Most of all, this album took risks. Even when the risks don't work out, you have to give them credit for being bold and foreward-thinking. And, one thing that is important to point out, Jonathan's voice is incredible here - his time spent with a vocal coach payed off big time on Untouchables.

The best songs on this album are the songs that sound absolutely nothing like anything Korn has ever done. My favorite song on this album would probably have to be the ethereal, beautiful (yes I said "beautiful", at the risk of immasculating myself) "Hollow Life." This song proves that there is more than one way to be heavy, as it draws you in and sends creeping sensations down your spine. The grand synth chords and heartwrenching "melody" contrast with the the dissonant power chords chugging underneath, to frightening effect.

Hollow Life isn't the only song worth mentioning on this album; the slow disco "Here to Stay" is a great opener and single. It's not the deepest song Korn has written but it's fun, it's heavy, it grooves, it's catchy, and doesn't sound derivitive or cliche (like some other more recent Korn songs I could mention.) In fact, all of the singles off this album are great songs. "Thoughtless" raises the emotional bar about ten steps with a compelling and melodic chorus. As usual, Jon's lyrics aren't exactly timeless poetry, but they have the strange power to invoke your sympathy regardless. Then "Alone I Break"... well, it's a suicide song. And a really good one: these are some of the most honest, simple, least pretentious suicide lyrics I've ever seen. Which makes the song kind of scary, to be honest. The tune is haunting (and of course the video is bizzare, but strangely appropriate.)

Some other impressive non-single tracks include the meloncholy "Hating", the exceptionally heavy and misanthropic "Beat It Upright", and the worthy closing track, "No One's There." I've attempted to fit all of these songs on homeburned 'best-of' cd's and they represent the most promise for Korn's future with their sentimental melodies and intriguing sonic textures. "No One's There" is in fact probably my favorite song here behind "Hollow Life", as both songs take an uncharactaristic approach to Korn's familiar emotional intensity.

Even the so-called-'mediocre' tracks have their moments. The somewhat predictable aggro track "Bottled Up Inside" has some cool harmonies and riffs in the chorus. The groove of "One More Time" is deffinitly listenable, if not necessarily a highlight of the album. "I'm Hiding" is mostly lukewarm but has an amazing chorus.

The two most annoying songs for me would have to be the Static-X-ish moshing track "Embrace", and "Wake Up Hate" which sort of like Marilyn Manson-meets-Ministry-meets-... well, Korn. Even though I don't particularely like either of these two songs, I approve of the chances the band took in writing them. Wake Up Hate in particular resembles nothing else Korn has ever done or has done since. I don't think the industrial shoe fits on Korn's feet, but I would rather be disappointed with the chances the band took than the chances the band didn't take.

This may very well be the last great Korn record... but if that turns out to be true, it was a good way to go out. Despite it's shortcomings, I strongly recommend this album both for devote fans of the band and casual listeners... it stands as a monument to what Korn once was: a beacon of innovation and creativity in a mostly shallow and predictable genre of music.

I waited and waited and at last.... Having heard "Here to Stay" before the album release, I had expected the album to sound pretty much like that throughout but Wow! Was I ever surprised! This album runs the gamut of methods to excorcise the demons. "Hollow Life," "No One's There," "Bottled Up Inside," okay, I can't list them all, but there's some powerful stuff going on in this CD. (all the freaks gotta love "Beat It Up Right," I know I do)
These are some well tuned pipes belting out the pain and suffering that dredge up things I've tried to forget.
Layer that with the guitar-vortex that Head and Munky put out there, Fieldy's window-jarring bass, and David's rock solid drumming and its just undescribably good.
I'm tired of hearing people whine about how its not like the old stuff. Nothing stays the same. If it did, life would suck even more. Korn has taken their music to another level. I find it tighter and the lyrics better constructed than previous efforts. It goes down like ground glass. Thanks for the best album I've bought in a couple of years, Korn!

After a long break, KoRn returns with Untouchables. KoRn wanted to push the boundaries on this album. They wanted to evolve and distance themselves from the stranglehold of lifeless nu-metal. But the question is... did they?

*sound of a resounding YES!*

Untouchables reflects the recent life experiences of KoRn. It's a more grown-up album for the band, but it only makes sense. Life's problems change as you get older, and Untouchables is a 14 track ride through some of life's questions. The sound of the album is unlike anything you've heard from KoRn before. The guitar sounds that Munky and Head utilized on this disc seem other-worldly at times, and they often provide a gloomy, spacey, near-gothic backdrop to the vocalizations of lead singer Jonathan Davis. The guitars and bass on this album have a HUGE sound. It's not so much that it's a heavy disc in the sense of "heavy metal" kind of heavy, but it's a very plodding, large sound that would probably take down a few buildings if you turned up the volume too high. If you've heard the band's first single from the album, "Here To Stay," you've gotten a taste.... but I don't think it's the best offering on the album. You need to hear all the other songs to really get a feeling for this disc.

If there is one true highlight to Untouchables, it's how much Jonathan has begun to appreciate his voice. Long gone are the days of simply screaming. Jonathan's been working with a vocal coach, and, believe me, it shows! Jonathan truly uses his voice on this album, and the time he put into it really paid off. Many of the songs feature brilliant harmonies that send a chill up your spine. Jonathan's recent work on the Queen Of The Damned soundtrack seems to have been a great influence on him, and it definitely worked it's way into the songs on Untouchables. (You should pick that disc up too while you're getting this one.)

There's a track on Untouchables for every KoRn fan, old and new. If you're still into the heavy riffage and screaming of the band's debut album, then check out "Embrace." Within a few seconds of the track's start, the guitars launch into full assault and Jonathan's classic scream will once again leave your eardrums feeling a bit shattered. Want to hear a semi-industrial (yes, KoRn even tried to slip into that genre on this one) song? Go for "Wake Up Hate." Like the sound of bending guitars and a bit of a funk style? Try "Beat It Upright." Not up for something heavy today? Check out the track "Hollow Life." This song is probably the biggest surprise of Untouchables. KoRn has never been a band to relish in slow songs with beautiful melodies and harmonies, but, this time, they did. It's an incredibly beautiful, yet extremely sad song. Most of the tracks on Untouchables carry an immense sadness beneath them. Jonathan's lyrics are a bit more abstract than usual. It's harder to know what or who he's referring to on this album than in the past when you could easily point to a song and say "well that was about when Jonathan went through...." Jonathan seems to feel less like screaming and more like crying on this album. It has more of an "I'm tired of fighting" feeling.

All around, Untouchables is an emotional album. It hits you in some tender spots and really makes you begin to think, and I believe that's the mark of a truly good album. An album that can touch you purely through the melodies is worthy of a listen, so my fellow KoRn pals--BUY THIS ALBUM. It will not disappoint. And if you've never heard KoRn before, or even if you've never liked them before, you owe it to yourself to check this one out. It's not like the other 4 albums. There's bits and pieces of the old, but this album altogether is something very new and different for KoRn.

My personal favorites on this album are.... all of them. I tried to pick some favorites, and I realized I had written down half the track list and still wasn't done. There's something to like about each track, and just because you don't like one doesn't mean you won't like another. This isn't an album to rule out on one song.

I am an eclectic CD collector, so I have collaborated quite a diverse range of CD's for my current collection. This CD is one of them. I've never been a big fan of Hard Rock, however this album really delivers and satisfies. Filled with an amazing sound and energy, it is now an album I frequently re-visit. Although some of the lyrics are confrontational and at times disturbing, I've learned to look past the initial and surfaced reaction to the album and accept its incredible nature.

Track Overview/Review:

1. Here To Stay: (5/5) One of my favourite tracks on the Album. Strong bass and guitar throughout. Vocals are top notch as well.

2. Make Believe: (2/5) Not a great track in my opinion. The lyrics are a let down for me personally.

3. Blame: (5/5) Fantastic track. An awesome sound, another true favourite on the album.

4. Hollow Life: (4/5) I quite like the "softer side" of Korn. Really emphasises a true essence of emotion which can sometimes be overlooked when listening to tracks with screaming vocals.

5. Bottled Up Inside: (4.5/5) Screaming vocals. Strong Bass and Guitar compilation. Fantastic track.

6. Thoughtless: (5/5) The reason I bought this album. I truly love this track. The guitars and simply superb.

7. Hating: (5/5) Fabulous track. This also demonstrates to an extent, the "softer side" of Korn - Although the name of the track seems the antithesis of this idea (the vocals are somewhat subdued). Great sound.

8. One More Time: (4.5/5) Another great track. Has a certain vintage sound to it. Amazing vocals supported by a great use of drums and bass.

9. Alone I Break: (5/5) A gem. Nothing more to be said. Divine vocals and musical arrangement - Another example of subdued honesty.

10. Embrace: (4/5) Screaming, Angry vocals. Intense energy. Another great track.

11. Beat It Upright: (2/5) Just too explicit and disturbing for me unfortunately. Being female, I find it rather disturbing. But I'm sure the males would think otherwise.

12. Wake Up Hate: (3/5) Another let-down in terms of lyrics. Otherwise the music is wonderful.

13. I'm Hiding: (3.5/5) Eerie effects and vocals offer a change-up here to the album.

14. No One's There: (4/5) A fantastic end to the album. Guitar soaring sound filled with agonizing lyrics.

15. Here to Stay - Remix/Revised (Bonus Track): (4/5) Not as good as the album version, but has a quirky, hip-hop flavour. A great juxtaposition of sound in my opinion.

Overall -- 60.5/75

"The Skip Factor":

I often use this term to determine the tracks which I often skip when listening to an album. "The Skip Factor" demonstrates in my opinion the success of the album. The lower the number of tracks that I apply "The Skip Factor" to determines its success. For "Korn's: Untouchables" I admit to the skipping of 3 tracks (Make Believe, Beat It Upright and Wake Up Hate). This means that the album (in my opinion) is a definite success.

A great addition to any persons CD collection. And for me, provided a new sound to all the other music I usually listen to.

This is by far Korns most underrated album. I find people don't actually listen to this album they just assume it's bad because Korn= nu metal = bad, because the cool kid said so right. Well shut up and listen for yourself, because I don't see how anyone who's into hard rock and listens to this album a few times (not just once or skimming) with an un-biased mindset can say this sucks. This is good rock album. Korn is just unique, I mean what other band sounded like them before they hit the scene. And the fans who say this suck need to realize that Korn is just evolving their music, you wouldn't really want them to put out 5 albums that all sound just like their self titled. So if your open minded and want to hear a really good rock album, pick this up. If your shallow and wanna keep bashing Korn in you silly little ways and listening to your dime a dozen bands, then go get the new Blink 182 album, cause god knows their the real deal.

Untouchables is a great album, hands down. The mix of the crunching metal that made KoRn rock stars with an almost New Romantic gothic vibe proved a great combination for this album. Lead singer, Jonathan Davis, has announced to the world on this album that he knows how to sing through his use of stacked harmonies and resonant notes. The rest of KoRn (Munky, Head, David, and Fieldy) have demonstrated that they have not lost the slightest ability to come up with pounding riffs, strong beats, and dark melodies.

So, what are the bonuses of getting the re-release of the album if you've already laid hands on the first release, or if you haven't gotten Untouchables yet? The reasons are as follows:

One, you get the album without the remix of "Here To Stay" at the end, which the limited edition of the original Untouchables album featured. That remix threw off the entire album, in my opinion. This version ends on "No One's There," the way it's meant to be. The album concludes with a desperate, haunting feel of a true KoRn album. It leaves the listener in the depths of despair, that sonic onslaught of darkness that KoRn is known for.

Second, you get a bonus DVD with this version, featuring live videos for "Here To Stay" and "Got The Life," which were performed at The Hammerstein in NYC, and also music videos for "Here To Stay" and "Thoughtless."

Third, the inside panel of the re-release where the CD and DVD sit features pictures of KoRn fans. How many other bands allow their fans to submit pictures to be put in an album? It was a great idea and another way that KoRn includes the people who love them in everything they do.

It's a great album, and one that previous haters of KoRn may actually like because it's a lot different than the band's other albums. Give it a listen. You won't be disappointed.

"untouchables" is simply put, untouchable. it is above and behond most music offered nowadays. this is some of the heaviest, fastest, scariest, [stuff] available in stores. it just rocks! heres a breakdown of the tracks.

1.Here to Stay. (5/5) great way to start the album, and a great pick for the first single, pulls people into the albums sound.

2.Make Believe. (4/5) pretty creepy, jonathans voice excels in this one, its not like their usual stuff but it works. *great chorus.

3.Blame. (5/5) fast and heavy, great lyrics and chorus.

4.Hollow Life (4/5) pretty cool, good beats and rhythms, very likeable.

5.Bottled Up Inside (5/5) awesome riffs, great chorus, and a good messege.

6.Thoughtless (5/5) my favorite. the second single, very very good, awesome chorus, and riffs.

7.Hating (4/5) pretty good, takes time to get used too, good chorus, and lyrics.

8.One More Time (5/5) very catchy and cool, great riffs, and lyrics, with a sick chorus.

9.Alone I Break (4/5) cool riff at the beginning, good beats, and lyrics, ok chorus.

10.Embrace (5/5) very heavy and fast, awesome lyrics and chorus.
one of the best.

11.Beat It Upright (4/5) pretty raunchy, but very cool and true.

12.Wake Up Hate (5/5) simply irresistable, very fast, heavy and cool, great for partying or anything to do with mass destruction.

13.I'm Hiding (4/5) pretty good, good riffs, and lyrics, drumming is a standout too.

14.No One's There (4/5) good finale, but i would of went with "wake up hate" here, ending the album on a high note is a key goal for all albums, but this is close.

Bonus: Here to Stay (remix) ok, i guess, not my type of music, but the lyrics are easier to understand.

all in all, a very good album, highly recommended, led by songs like "thoughtless", "wake up hate", bottled up inside", and "embrace". worth the money i paid and thensome.

Sadly i have the duty to tell you that "Follow The Leader" was the cd by korn that got me into them. Now, when i look back at FTL, i see its their worst album. Very few good songs, too many pointless songs. KoRn over the years have been the greatest nu-metal band there is. But with this album, KoRn surpasses the 'nu-metal genre'....it goes much deeper then some horrible bands such as Slipknot and Mushroomhead and Limp Bizkit, who are full of anger but can't express it beautifully in the lyrics as well as in the music. With untouchables, KoRn, blaintly show that they are the most influencial band of the 90s and will continue to be influencial. Untouchables is magnificant. The lyrics have beautiful, "Hollow Life" "No Ones There" are great examples of Davis' vocals as well as lyrics. Untouchables has everything you'd want in an album. Heaviness, Melody, Angst, and a bit of humor (beat it upright). My personal favorite has to be "Hollow Life", a close second would be "No Ones There", both show the lonely depressing feeling like the previous albums, but without the screaming, but rather with brutal singing. Here to stay, is vintage korn, heavy as hell. Make believe has a computerized feel to it. Blame is just brutal. Just an awesome song overall. Hating, very good song. Embrace, heavy as hell like H2S. Wake up hate, this song is a pleasure to listen to. I'm Hiding, is great...to me it seems like Davis is trying to ignore what some of the old korn fans say about new-korn...(JUST LIKE METALLICA!). Bottled Up inside---heavy with tons of angst. One more time, good song, but not my favorite :( . Thoughtless, great 80s feel to the song....great vocals..heavy! Alone i break, it is the 3rd best track on the album...its soft and melodic, with awesome lyrics.

In konclusion, although this is my opinion, buy this album, best metal album in like the past 3 years...its fantastic. Thank you KoRn.

--STD