Korn had a lot to prove with this album. They've had to fight with the dubious issue of releasing the same album over and over again, the loss of Head to God, their break from epic/immortal records & the stigma that came with the decision of working with Pop music producers. Surprisingly, the result is a very strong album that shows off a lot of the bands talents, especially in the vocal department.



Munky came through with flying colours as being the only guitarist and sole riff writer for the band, crafting simple but crunchy riffs as well as some really catchy lead that add to each part. The thing that really shines though, is Jonathan's vocals, as he has stretched and experimented with them the most he has ever done (even more than his Untouchables output). Harmonies abound and new voices are experimented with, proving that he truly has become one of the best singers in this genre of metal or for that matter, hard rock in general. He even has some resemblences in his voice to Ozzy at certain points throughout the album with his vocal layering and even with all of that being done to his voice, the emotion can still be heard.



There are some downsides though. The lyrics are still juvenile for the most part (Love Song, 10 or a 2 Way for example), though they do shine in songs like Liar, Coming Undone & Tearjerker, the riffs tend to be simplistic in many parts, but that just makes room for the great vocal melodies and the bass is oddly low in the mix. Which could be a blessing in disguise since Fieldy's "clicky" sound got annoying really quickly in past albums.



Oddly enough, the first single Twisted Transistor is one of the weaker cuts from the album and the soon to be released Coming Undone should relieve that problem.



An odd addition to this album is also the electronic loops/noises & samples that show up here and there throughout the whole album. It's a welcome change and helps add flow to the album as a listening experience from start to finish. The obligatory bagpipes parts show up here and there but are used in a different manner than before which is refreshing as well as Jonathan's patented scat that just has to be somewhere on each album...to be honest it seems pretty forced on this one, as if one of the producers coaxed him into doing it or something. Still sounds good though.



This is definetly a strong album for the band, especially considering the disappointing mediocrity of their last two studio albums. Maybe the use of big name producers like the Matrix and Atticus Ross weren't bad ideas after all. It still sounds like Korn, just with a few new twists and turns and they've proven they can overcome some harsh odds when they have to.



I bought this album thinking I was going to totally hate it, but I must admit it's the best they've done since Issues and it easily surpasses Follow the Leader, The Untouchables and Take a Look In the Mirror. Hopefully their fans won't continue to think they're past their prime and give this a chance.



There is also a special edition released with extra tracks that were originally slated to be on the record and that should be the one to look for. Too bad I didn't take the time to look for it.



Now when are they going to release the covers e.p. they've been talking about for over a year now? There's supposed to be some wicked covers by bands like Psychodelic Furs, Ozzy Osbourne, Nine Inch Nails, Morbid Angel and such.



Track Listing

1 Twisted Transistor

2 Politix

3 Hypocrites

4 Souvenier of Sadness

5 2-Way

6 Throw Me Away

7 Love Song

8 Open Up

9 Interlude #2

10 Coming Undone

11 Getting Off

12 Liar

13 For No One

14 Interlude #3/I've Seen It All

15 Tearjerker