KoRn
Untitled
(Virgin/EMI)
Nobody wants to live on a steady diet of KoRn -- not even some members of the band, it seems.
More than a decade after creepmeister Jonathan Davis and this California outfit exploded onto the scene with a fierce fusion of hip-hop, goth and nu-metal, they appear to be imploding.
The first sign was the 2005 departure of guitarist Brian (Head) Welch, who found God, kicked a meth addiction, and wrote a book about the band (more on that later). Then drummer David Silveria went "on hiatus," replaced by a series of fill-ins, including Terry Bozzio, Brooks Wackerman and, most recently, Slipknot's Jordy Jordison.
Now officially a trio on their eighth disc, KoRn aren't just running out of members; they're running out of steam. Produced by The Matrix and Atticus Ross, the bulk of these 13 cuts are moody, murky, midtempo affairs that emphasize atmospheric tension over cathartic release.
Sure, you could say it breaks a little new ground. But then, so does digging your own grave.
Bottom line: They couldn't even be bothered to give this thing a title. And if they're not that interested, can they really expect us to care?
Intro 1:57
Nothing says "Welcome to our haunted house" like a creepy little instrumental waltz with a circus organ and ghostly strings. And nothing says "We're out of ideas" like this trite opening.
Starting Over 4:02
Bashing drums and wobbly bass lay down an ominous midtempo hip-hop groove. Guitars buzz and howl at the edges, then slash like rusty razors. Jon Davis starts off whispering and mewling, then erupts in a chest-beating bellow. Yep, it's a KoRn song -- although a tad more restrained than usual.
Bitch We Got a Problem 3:22
Jon Davis offers relationship advice: 1) Verbally abuse her in a menacing tone; 2) Do it to a pounding rap-metal soundtrack. This explains why he always sounds so frustrated.
Evolution 3:37
"Nothing much has changed," sings Jon. Listening to the rubbery groove and noisy textures of this moody plodder, we would have to agree. The anthemic chorus is pretty catchy, though.
Hold On 3:05
Another slamming funk-hop beat. Another chugging bass grind. Another rappy verse. Another soaring chorus. More keyboard flourishes and guitars used for texture. KoRn by the numbers.
Kiss 4:09
Nope, it's not a Prince cover. But it is an interesting cut. A medieval acoustic guitar and woozy sonics evolve into a power ballad with a Beatlesque touch. Think Strawberry Fields Forever -- put through a wood chipper.
Do What They Say 4:17
Taking a page from Type O Negative's book, the boys slog their way through a stark death-march waltz decorated with clink-clank percussion and police-siren guitars.
Ever Be 4:48
The Satanic waltz thing continues on this lumbering, Sabbathy hybrid of strings 'n' sludge. The best part of the song is the last minute, which shifts into a swirl of Zepish Middle Eastern metal.
Love and Luxury 3:00
"I read your little book and / Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha," sneers Davis. Sounds like a swipe at Head. Also sounds like a single, thanks to the hooky melody, laid-back pop groove and crunchy guitar.
Innocent Bystander 3:27
Toggling between spacious verses and explosively packed choruses, this midtempo rocker showcases the band's dynamic range -- but the rest is pretty standard stuff.
Killing 3:36
Jon wails about death and murder over a tense bass-and-drum groove. Big surprise -- though the kids will love it when the cut stops dead, then slams back with guttural, homicidal rage.
Hushabye 3:52
This mood-swing waltz's hushed opening could put your kids to sleep. The rest will scar them for life. "Why aren't you ready to go?" wails Davis. Because you're screaming at them, dude.
I Will Protect You 5:29
After the lullaby, a fever dream: KoRn sends us off to nightmare-land with some skittery beats, craggy riffage, a demonic choir and a mid-song drum solo. Sweet dreams.
