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22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't listen to the negative!, August 2, 2007
I am an old school fan and has followed this band since 1994. This band has always changed regardless and was never afraid to do something different. That is what Korn is all about, even if some songs don't 'sound like Korn' it still Korn, trust me. Just a brief historical reference, when Got The Life came out it was completely 'not Korn' in context of the two previous albums Self title & Life is Peachy, it was nothing like those at all. It was DIFFERENT! Don't be afraid, this album is superb.
This is mature, heavy, dark, trippy, and yes.. Uplifting at times! In fact their best album from beginning to end since Issues. I can't even get into the irrational hate this band receives, but its complete immature BS. That's probably why they don't like it, its actually a more mature, more a musically in depth Korn album than what people are used to. They can't get over that Head left and it changed the dynamics of the band. Let's face the truth, Head was a non factor in the band since Untouchables because he was a useless meth addict! They adapted to the change perfectly. This isn't SYOTOS part 2 by any means, it's not 'over electronic' it sounds like a 'a new band' as in Korn reborn. The synths added by Zac Baird are tasteful and not overbearing but provided some elegant ear candy. The intro which essentially is an intro to Zac Baird is just really evil and creepy carnival instrumental that is so damn cool! I want more of this!
Korn, that is, Fieldy, Munky & Jonathan are still dominant in this album. Surprisingly, the much bally-hooed drumming (mostly by the renowned Terry Bozzio) takes a back seat except in the closer, I will Protect You, when he has a ridiculous drum solo! Still, the drumming is really excellent, but not overwhelming and nothing David cannot do when he returns. Plus, Jonathan even played drums on several songs! He's pretty good too! There will be inevitable comparisons to NIN because of producer Atticus Ross, but its because of him not because they want to sound like NIN. Its just different music totally and I like both immensely. Atticus never recorded like he did with Korn, NIN/Reznor is all computerized, while Korn is a band - see the difference? OK good. Manson? Holy crap Jonathan Davis just blows Manson away, but I digress.
Fieldy is playing bass in this - a lot, and it sounds great. People just have to listen! There just isn't all 'slap bass' but it still is incorporated. Actually he is playing some of his heaviest bass in this album, its just huge, as well as some groovy as hell stuff. Just listen to Bitch We Got A Problem. I wouldn't even consider these people fans who complain about this. Fieldy stopped using total slap bass inn Follow the Leader!! He didn't use it at all in Untouchables! So this isn't any reason to not like an album. Just simply retarded logic of people hating on a band. Fieldy is an extremely talented and creative bass player. People would knock him if just continued slap bassing in every song anyway.
Munky's guitar work is exceptional in this album. He doesn't have anyone to feed off anymore obviously, because Head isn't there! Wow what a revelation! Please, Munky is one of the most talented guitarist out there and underappreciated for some reason. You see, you don't need in your face power chords all the time. Munky truly shines on tracks like Ever Be, which is an epic song, probably the best song on the album and its about Head. Head gets destroyed on this track. Oh well, they are cool now though. Innocent Bystander has so many guitar variations on one song, its probably the most technical stuff Korn has ever done guitar wise, plus the first solo. Its not old school Korn, its not simple, its actually more advanced than power chords trading off each other. Yes, it true. Not to mention all of his intricate melodic work through out the album. He uses an 8 string guitar which allows the deepest guitar sound as heard on I Will Protect You. Killing starts of with a riff reminiscent of Yall Want a Single, it just grooves until the song drops into Jonathan softly singing only to explode into complete death metal! Yes, this first time Korn has essentially done this style and I have been waiting over a decade. They only touched on it in the past, but never full blown like this. Its total metal, no debate. Guitars, vocal, everything Its heavy as hell! One of favorite tracks on the album.
Korn also has some of those very catchy 'rock' songs like Starting Over about Jonathan's battle with a near fatal blood disease, the uplifting Hold On which is more old school than new. Then a they throw a curveball, which is Love & Luxury. This song just makes you smile, its really mocking Head, but it seems lighthearted, but still stings! All these songs have amazing hooks and I have to say they are definitely radio friendly, to some people's dismay. But haven't Korn always made catchy tunes? Of course they have. They can do whatever they want.
Emotion: Jonathan sings his heart out on the entire album. His vocals & lyrics are some of his best ever. He has complete control of his voice and displays so many styles in this album, it is a pleasure to listen to. From melodic 80's new wave style to Cannibal Corpse death influenced vocals. I kid you not and they sound excellent. Yes this album is emotionally driven, its not bland at all! Do What They Say is easily the most emotionally heavy track on the album. I have listened to Korn for over a decade and I haven't got the chills from any of their songs since Kill You. This track is incredibly moody and Jonathan tortured screams sends shivers down your spine, then turns in this chorus that is just inspiring! Another is Kiss which is pretty melodic and sappy. It is piano laden and finishes with people would consider Beatle type synths. Hushabye is in the same vain, but comes off more evil and moody. It has some nice heavy guitars and excellent chorus. I Will Protect You, is the weirdest track and longest as well, I love how the drum solo with the guitar & synth textures that blend perfectly, only to get destroyed by Munky's monstrous riffage.
Oh wait, you thought I was just a gushing fan? I actually have criticism! First, the album is too short. I want them to create longer songs that take you into a different place like longer tripped out instrumental parts such as Tool for example. There songs are mainly compact, while have a variety of sounds, melodies and textures they mainly run from 3-4 minutes. Not that its bad, but I want Korn to truly expand there sound and I mean expand! Like jam more, long instrumental sections in songs. I really like how they played with song structure and time signatures in this album, but obviously they need to do this more. Also, they need to build more on songs and styles heard in Ever Be, Innocent Bystander, Killing & I Will Protect You. I feel this is where Korn should go, they are at their best when they are heavy and trippy. What the most exciting about this is that I have a feeling that they are going to do this in the future, like someone else said they are like a 'Heavy Pink Floyd'.
People reading reviews about Korn need to understand that Korn has always had haters and the 1 star reviews always follow. Lets be honest here, this definitely is not a 1 star album by any means and this is not a perfect 5 star album either. I would have given this a 4 star rating, but since these people have to give a 1 star because they don't like Korn is just being totally unfair, I have to even the playing field. I would also respectfully disagree with those who give it 2 stars as well. Even some 'fans' are just finicky little b*tches! Critics have been writing off this band since 2000, and can't wait for this band to quit. I've read so many reviews that said Korn was finished or done, but they continued despite these people. They have pissed on all the critics faces including phony fans that never wants them to change and make the same album over and over. These kids just need something kick and scream too - listen to the old albums!
Korn will be back and I can't wait for the next album. This is a hard working resilient band that does not give up. They should be immensely respected at this point in their careers, but the hatred remains. They have persevered and always will. People always change the standards on how Korn should sound and Korn always blows them apart. Yes it heavy, yes it emotional, yes its experimental, its melodic, its trippy, it damn good and it's Korn all the way. Buy this album people, it truly is one of Korn's best! P.s. Deluxe edition has making of this album. I guarantee you will respect this band even more after watching it.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The evolution of Korn doesn't get Darwin Award, August 13, 2007
I was not the biggest fan of See You On the Other Side. That album had it's moments, especially "Twisted Transistor", "Hypocrite", "Politics", "Coming Undone" and "Souvenier", but there were many songs that just didn't do anything for me. For the first time in years, I found myself skipping songs on a Korn album.
While this untitled effort is by no means a return to classic Korn, it is a strong collection of tunes. They have combined their signature sounds with industrial and goth metal. Really, they pull it off quite well. The only track on the album that I consider weak and unnecessary is the Intro, which is just really odd and out of place. Otherwise, by listening to this album about 7-8 times straight through, uninterrupted, I have found a number of the songs to be great additions to the Korn catalog, and some that may be eventual Korn classics. They are all good.
My favorites are the rocking "Starting Over", the psychotic "Bitch We Got A Problem", current hit single "Evolution" (it really grows on you), the thumping "Hold On", and some really good tunes to end the album on a high note: "Innocent Bystander" and "I Will Protect You". I found something to enjoy in every song, and if this is officially the new Korn, I guess I've come to terms with that, as long as they can continue to release solid music like this.
Jon Davis has never been better, finding new ways to make his voice sound cool, like on "Bitch We Got A Problem" where he goes all crazy on us. He has grown as a vocalist, and although not everyone likes his voice, I think that his unique style is always refreshing in a world of Layne Staley and Maynard James Keenan rip-offs. Not to mention 1/2 the bands out there have vocalists that just have no idea of how to craft good vocal hooks. Davis is great at that.
Long story short, this is an above average cd in the world of heavy music. No, they are not as heavy as they used to be, but they have not sold out. Their music will never be mainstream. But it is FUN.
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23 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Its evolution, July 31, 2007
For those that grew tired of Korn's signature blend of NU-Metal/Hip Hop, this ones for you...
"Untitled" is going to be the album that divides the Korn fan base. On one side you will have the hardcore NU-Metal lovers who will hate this album because it stretches so far into a more mainstream rock sound, pretty much leaving out most of the hip hop and Nu-Metal styles.
And on the opposite side, there will be those true, dedicated fans who will see that "Untitled" is Korn evolved, stretching out past the loss of two core members and trying out new territory.
2007 has brought MANY changes to the face of music, especially from staples such as Nine Inch Nails, Linkin Park and most notably, Korn.
I admit, that after Issues, everything that Korn released was an un-original bore. Each album after Issues contained music that they have pretty much already done before. It was tiring, especially their angsty message, which had been repeated since their original self titled release in 94.
While Untitled doesn't showcase anything amazing in terms of the lyrical department, its the music that really shines here. I will say that Jonathan's vocals are much more realized and focused than on previous outings. We are also treated to a wide range of vocal styles from gutteral death growls, clean vocals, and his signature growl/scream style.
-One thing that I do really like about this album is that Jonathan's vocal style is largely different in terms of rhythm than on previous Korn offerings. This is a GOOD thing:) The vocals deviate away from the usual blend of incoherent babble and quasi-hip hop and take the form of rock.
And that is what makes this album so special, the melodies are very different and less Nu-Metal.
For the most part, those signature repetitive power chord thumps found most prevalent on every-single-Korn-album are missing from "Untitled", and in their place are guitar melodies and harmonies that are vastly mutated under electronic manipulation. The power chords still rear their ugly head once in a while, but they have been put in their proper place.
Synth's and Keyboards add a much needed dimension to the music, providing all sorts of sound effects and melodies. They really fill out the sound.
The drumming is rather normal, nothing special or different here. Mostly keeping time, but it fits the music really well.
Fieldy's bass lines are much more in the background on this one, but they fit the music really well too.
"Untitled" is a nice blend of rock,industrial, electro and ambiance that fits nicely into a mainstream mold, a nice break from the "usual" Korn stuff. Think more NIN and less Korn. One thing you will notice on "Untitled", is that Korn sounds like they are actually enjoying this music.
Each instrument is subject to electronic manipulation, which gives room for a lot of variety.
Overall, "Untitled", while not breaking new ground or shattering the envelope, is Korn's most original effort since their debut record.
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