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Rating: After many listens and with great satisfaction, I am ready to review the eighth and highly anticipated studio album by the Americans Korn, a band that, if you count the original members, has been reduced to the bare bones; three are the "real" Korn: Jonathan Davis (vocals, bagpipes and in this album also drummer on 3 tracks), Fieldy (alias Reginald Arvizu, bass) and Munky (guitars). For the drums, none other than the virtuosic prog drummer Terry Bozzio (with collaborations with various artists like Frank Zappa and Steve Vai among others) and Bad Religion's (?) drummer Brooks Wackerman (and the aforementioned Davis) were involved in the songwriting, also the keyboardist Zac Baird, following the band live since the "SYOTOS World Tour".
Speaking of the album, the first thing you need to keep in mind is: once again Korn did not repeat themselves, writing and playing a complete album, with heavy tracks but with good melodies, all in the name of experimentation, leaving at home all that electronic, industrial-style baggage from "See You On The Other Side", replacing it with Zac's good work behind the keys. Another fundamental thing is the genre! "Untitled" cannot be attributed to any genre other than the "vague and generalized" formula of "alternative metal and rock" because, make no mistake: Korn have also left Nu Metal at home a long time ago, fortunately, to highlight and differentiate themselves from the thousands of Nu bands that, before 2003, crowded the shelves of stores, offering the usual formula "guitar+rap vocals+false growl+melodic choruses" (who said Linkin Park?). The album starts with an intro, dominated by keyboards and dark, mystical atmospheres, Davis’ subdued vocals at the end, sometimes calm and sometimes seismic, this track is more than an excellent "introduction" to the depths of "Untitled". The first real song of the album is the fabulous "Starting Over", a worthy successor to "Here To Stay" from 2002, a very direct, heavy, straightforward start, without many frills, Davis sings cleanly and beautifully (much better than "SYOTOS"), a decidedly rock piece with an excellent and very "heavy" chorus, a small intimate bridge dominated by keyboards at the end, an opener that already says everything about the infinite qualities and resources of "Untitled".
The only track that might remind of the previous album is the following "Bitch We Got A Problem", Davis sings erratically, recalling moments of madness from the early albums, a catchy, melodic and very good chorus, it is reminiscent of the b-side of "See You On The Other Side", "Too Late I'm Dead", it’s not among the best of the album, but it certainly makes its decent figure. Follows the first excellent launch single, "Evolution", a delightfully rock piece with a simple but effective structure, Davis recalls the singing from the distant "Issues", anthem-like chorus, it has a rather thick and "hard" ending, with the singer's screams enhancing the whole, a more than spot-on and also the most obvious choice to make, being "Evolution" one of the few songs on the album good to be a "single". Solid, heavy, excellent, splendid, driven, spectacular: I find no other words to describe the following "Hold On", a masterpiece of the album, with a cadenced pace and rocky structure, a chorus that sticks in your mind and shouted by the American frontman, powerful riffs by Munky and a pounding bass, truly one of the many gems of "Untitled". As I said before "Untitled" truly has masterpieces to spare, one of them is without a doubt "Kiss", the first slow track of the album, immediately reminiscent of Jonathan Davis's style on the OST of "Queen of The Damned", a semi-ballad with strong pop references, which nonetheless remains stunning, Davis sings fabulously, it is the worthy successor of "Tearjecker", indeed it is much better than the last piece of "SYOTOS", the chorus becomes heavier, and at the end, Davis unveils that melodic little voice that I so appreciated on the recent Unplugged. The only one disappointing compared to the statements is "Do What They Say", surely remains a big piece, another beautiful jewel of the album, but from here to define it the "best Korn-song of all time", Jonathan, there’s a long way, nevertheless it remains as said a beautiful song with an exciting chorus.
There is only one adjective to identify the next "Ever Be" and its engaging music: EPIC! A lethal epicness, cadenced start, seems like a slow song, but it quickly becomes rocky in the chorus which, as Munky said "could have been played during the movie 300" for how intense and majestic it is, among the many highlights of "Untitled", a little over halfway it becomes uniquely hard, truly "heavy", only to plunge back into the beautiful chorus and massive riffs, a thrilling end. Frankly and candidly pop is "Love & Luxury", aimed at Head, certainly might not be pleasing, but after all, it's the only truly commercial track and I wouldn't be surprised if it were chosen as the second single, however it is also well composed, catchy chorus, almost "dance/industrial" keyboards that dominate, initially might disappoint, but after several listens you realize it fits within the entire album, it is fun, ideal for a party, amusing is the term that comes to mind. "Innocent Bystander" remains on the coordinates of the album, the leading riff is straight, simple and strikes, the chorus is very very heavy, Davis seems to be having a nervous breakdown, not very driven but surely a compact and very captivating piece. Among the heaviest things Korn have ever written is definitely "Killing", killer groove and "metal" pervade the whole song which turns out to be among the best, chorus in "Untouchables" style, but the real revelation is towards the end, to break the groovy pace there is a brief segment where it seems to turn into a slow song with keyboards in the foreground and Davis's subdued voice, but immediately a growl sweeps away everything comes on stage, Jonathan has dusted off his Cannibal Corpse records, indeed except for some exception verses it will end the song with growling and the rest of the band pounding, perhaps even more than "Take A Look In The Mirror".
Another slow typically "Davisian" is "Hushabye", moments of pure psychedelia start the song, the chorus is very much based on the strong emotions transmitted, a piece flowing smoothly, without hitches and probably is the umpteenth great job produced by these "new Korn". The conclusive track had been online for a while thanks to Jonathan who posted it on myspace as soon as it was mixed and turns out to be the umpteenth masterpiece, it’s the piece where Bozzio’s progressive drumming vein is most evident, Davis sings calmly, but the piece contains very "heavy" and progressive moments, excellent melodies by Baird, there is even a small Bozzio solo, it has a good chorus and is an excellent closure to "Untitled". In short, if you haven't understood it, I was very satisfied with Korn's new album, which really cannot have a name because it surpasses every musical barrier and if I can dare, it is the best since "Issues" because it contains all the essence of the latest Korn, the melody of "Untouchables", the hardness of "Take A Look In The Mirror" and the experimentation of "See You On The Other Side", aside from obviously the usual extra element that enriches all 12 songs (13 with the intro) that only Korn can provide to make all their albums unique.
Rating (out of ten): 9
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
03 Bitch We Got a Problem (03:22)
For every person I've tried to be
There's another ten inside
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH I'M NEVER THERE
I'M ALWAYS WITH YOU BUT NEVER CARED
And you move in a hostile way
Like you're recently wounded
I REACH FOR YOUR WRISTS TO FEEL A PULSE
THERE'S BARELY A SOUND FROM BOTH OF US
We got a problem, it's plain to see
We got a problem
Which one, which one of you is into me?
Which one, which one of me is into you?
We're both schizophrenic I fear
Say how many voices you hear
Which one, which one of you is into me?
Which one, which one of me is into you?
We are schizophrenic, don't stop
No, not till I fuck this all up
All the searching we do inside
Is a futile attempt to
DISSECT WHAT WE'RE MEANT TO NEVER KNOW
IT'S ALL SCREWED UP HOW THE RIVER FLOWS
And I know that you tried real hard
To center yourself, but
WHEN ONE SIDE OF ME STARTS SLIPPING THROUGH
A REAL DARK BITCH DOWN INSIDE OF YOU?
We got a problem, it's plain to see
Bitch, we got a problem
Which one, which one of you is into me?
Which one, which one of me is into you?
We're both schizophrenic I fear
Say how many voices you hear
Which one, which one of you is into me?
Which one, which one of me is into you?
We are schizophrenic, don't stop
No, not till I fuck this all up
Nice to meet you,
And you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and you
And this is me, and me, and me, and me,
and me, and me, and me, and me, and me
Bitch, we got a problem
Which one, which one of you is into me?
Which one, which one of me is into you?
We're both schizophrenic I fear
Say how many voices you hear
Which one, which one of you is into me?
Which one, which one of me is into you?
We are schizophrenic, don't stop
No, not till I fuck this all up
Bitch, we got a problem!
Yeah!
We got a problem!
Bitch, we got a problem!
We got a problem, problem, problem
We got a problem, yes, yes
We got a problem
We got a problem
We got a problem, problem, problem.
04 Evolution (03:37)
I'm digging with my fingertips
I'm ripping at the ground I stand upon
I'm searching for fragile bones
(Evolution)
I'm never gonna be refined
Keep trying but I won't assimilate
Sure we have come far in time
(Watch the bow break)
And I'm sorry I don't believe
By the evidence that I see
That there's any hope left for me
It's evolution
Just evolution
[CHORUS]
And I
I do not dare deny
The basic beast inside
It's right here, it's controlling my mind
And why
Do I deserve to die?
I'm dominated by, this animal that's locked up inside
Close up I get a real good view
I'm betting that the species will survive
Hold tight, I'm getting inside you
(Evolution)
And when we're gonna find these bones
They're gonna wanna keep them in a jar
The number one virus caused by
(Procreation)
And the planet may go astray
In a million years they'll say
Those motherfuckers were all deranged
It's evolution
Just evolution
[CHORUS]
And I
I do not dare deny
The basic beast inside
It's right here, it's controlling my mind
And why
Do I deserve to die?
I'm dominated by, this animal that's locked up inside
Take a look around
Nothing much has changed
Take a look around
Nothing much has changed
Take a look around
Take a look around
Take a look around
Nothing much has changed
Take a look around
Take a look around
Nothing much has changed
Take a look around
Take a look around
Nothing much has changed
Take a look around
[CHORUS]
And I
I do not dare deny
The basic beast inside
It's right here, it's controlling my mind
And why
Do I deserve to die?
I'm dominated by, this animal that's locked up inside
Why?
Why do I deserve to die?
05 Hold On (03:05)
With aversion, this assertion
came so swiftly
Cut the cord, from this day forward
we'll be drifting
No direction, no affection
Watch the soul dive
You're dissected, resurrected
Still don't know why
This illness is like a monster that is
eating us alive
Hold on, be strong
So right, so wrong
With all of our senses
All of our defenses
Hold on, be strong
New arrival, our survival
still not certain
Once a virtue, where to go to
when you're hurting
It's a weakness, it's a sickness
in the gene pool
Show no mercy, people here say
"Kill the damn fool"
This illness is like a monster that is
eating us alive
Hold on, be strong
So right, so wrong
With all of our senses
All of our defenses
Hold on, be strong
My
soul
blood
raw
Don't ever let me go, no
Don't ever let me go, no
And I'll never let you go, no
I'll never let you go, no
Hold on, be strong
So right, so wrong
With all of our senses
All of our defenses
Hold on, be strong.
06 Kiss (04:09)
Some deny and search for things that never come around
Do I feel like a fool?
The places I have ran to all my life have disappeared
And I owe this all to you (all to you)
I'm feeling like I'm sinking
And nothing's there to catch me, keep me breathing
What do I have to do?
Why can't this hurt be through?
I'm going head on to something
I know I will fail
Why can't this kiss be true?
Why won't you please let me through?
I don't understand
why you always push me away
The last thing I would like to do before I go away
is cry there next to you (next to you)
Cry and talk about the good old days and where they've gone
And now how much I hate you
What do I have to do?
Why can't this hurt be through?
I'm going head on to something
I know I will fail
Why can't this kiss be true?
Why won't you please let me through?
I don't understand
why you always push me away
I feel the blood drip off my body as it pools right there
on the ground
What am I now?
What am I now?
What am I now?
What do I have to do?
Why can't this hurt be through?
I'm going head on to something
I know I will fail
Why can't this kiss be true?
Why won't you please let me through?
I don't understand
why you always push me away
Why you always push me away
Why you always push me away
Why you always push me away
Why you always push me away
Why you always push me away
Why you always push me away
Why you always push me away
Why you always push me away
07 Do What They Say (04:17)
Walk away when you're angry
Brace yourself, there's nothing to gain
Old enough to know the outcome
More blood, it's always the same
Aren't we cool and aren't we calm
For facing death we run head-on
Aren't we cool and aren't we calm
For God we search for something so long
Aren't we cool and aren't we calm
For facing death we run head-on
Do what they say
Or they take it away
I'd rather be dead than carry on
(wait) Bite your lip, don't be cursing
(we must) We musn't take God's name in vain
(in vain) Blunt your knife, pull the curtain
(impulse) Impulses you must refrain
Aren't we cool and aren't we calm
For facing death we run head-on
Aren't we cool and aren't we calm
For God we search for something so long
Aren't we cool and aren't we calm
For facing death we run head-on
Do what they say
Or they take it away
I'd rather be dead then carry on
So I carry on with this burden
I can't remember anything
I can't be certain
Aren't we cool and aren't we calm
For facing death we run head-on
Do what they say
Or they take it away
I'd rather be dead than carry on
08 Ever Be (04:48)
You're the infection my friend, disgusting right to the end. Didn't I know it then, I knew it I knew it. You're basic but hard to define, simple yet somehow sublime. Knew you will strike again, I knew it I knew it. You're all that's wrong with your dumbass psalms. Ya that's all that you will ever be. Nothing you can do because that's all that you will ever be. Polished you shiver when shined. Forgotten and seething inside. Everyone falls for this, I knew it I knew it. You're all that's wrong with your dumbass psalms. Ya that's all that you will ever be. Nothing you can do because that's all that you will ever be. Ever be, never be, want to be mine. All to be, made to be, holding your side. Throwing it, breaking it, all by your fame Sending you back to the place you once came. Leaving behind you. No one around you. You will never be! You want to be god, It's all gone.
12 Hushabye (03:52)
This sunny Sunday
Is a good day to go
Guess you'll be staying on, let me know
And I hate to say
It's been a waste of time
I hate to interrupt the flow
Why, Why, Why
Hushabye
Hushabye, why aren't you ready to go?
Why, Why, Why
Hushabye
Couldn't we fast forward on through this show?
You say you'd love to
But you've lots left to do
Almost decided to stay 'cause of you
And I hate to tell you to exchange your dreams
For a one-way ticket, no return
Why, Why, Why
Hushabye
Hushabye, why aren't you ready to go?
Why, Why, Why
Hushabye
Couldn't we fast forward on through this show?
Why, why
What you hanging on for?
What you doing that for?
What you begging on for?
Why, hushabye
A waste of time
I'd hate to interrupt the flow
For a one way ticket, no return
This sunny Sunday is a good day to go
Why, Why, Why
Hushabye
Hushabye, why aren't you ready to go?
Why, Why, Why
Hushabye
Couldn't we fast forward on through this show?
Hushabye
Why, why, why I
What you begging on for?
Why
Hushabye
We've wasted it, our time is up
13 I Will Protect You (05:31)
Whatcha gonna do
Whatcha gonna feel
When suddenly I slip away?
Almost am a ghost
Of who I used to be
Yesterday.
How you gonna touch
And how will you collect
The beauty when it turns to dust?
Everything we make
The cells we generate
Of both of us..
Please be aware that I am you!
Nothing could be more certain
This ain't the time the place for us
To understand this life!
Hold you in my arms
Hold you in my gaze
Singing with my dying breath
Underneath this earth
A resurrected soul
And nothing else
Sorry for this space
If I could fill a void
An ocean wouldn't hold my love
And everything I have
And all I ever was
Is not enough
Please be aware that I am you!
Nothing could be more certain
This ain't the time the place for us
To understand this life!
(I will protect you)
Please be aware that I am you!
Nothing could be more certain
This ain't the time the place for us
To understand this life!
This ain't the time! This ain't the place!
This ain't the time! This ain't the place!
This ain't the time! This ain't the place!
I will protect you...
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Other reviews
By Deviljin
Untitled is unexpectedly great without being innovative at all.
Songs like 'Evolution,' 'Ever Be,' and 'Starting Over' are worthy of the best Korn.
By Thoughtless
Korn has always been one of the most innovative bands in the Nu Metal scene (they invented this genre)!
This CD will surely not appeal to everyone who was used to the old raw Korn, but if one considers themselves true Korn fans, well, this album will be greatly appreciated.
By MrSelfDestruct
‘Untitled’ is something epic and innovative comparable to some artistic expression that goes beyond music itself.
Each song has its own soul but unanimously they say Korn. Creative and Unique. Slow and Sad. Not to be underestimated.
