Review Summary: With their legacy and career basically covered, and facing a time of adversity, Korn has managed to still create a fresh album with a happy, adventurous side WHILE blending in some older elements as well
Korn has now been around for over twenty years, and as a fan, I have decided to take a trip down memory lane and listen to all of the previous albums they have put out. For some reason, out of all the albums that I could get stuck on, this album in particular just wouldn't get out of my head. This album intrigues me because its so curious. Their previous seven efforts sound more dark and sadistic. This one though is set apart from the others. In Untitled, Korn decides to go through a more adventurous, upbeat sound. Tunes such as 'Evolution' and 'Hold On' sound more like Alternative songs than the Nu-Metal genre. That was done on purpose for more mainstream acceptability. It is definitely no wonder why everybody criticized this album to death, because it definitely is a departure from what has made Korn themselves over the past years. However, I thought it was a good departure from the other albums, and was a well needed break from all of the *** times these guys have been through.
Lets take into note here that this album was the only album with Korn as a three-piece band. They knew that they couldn't replicate the back and forth onslaught of guitars that would mix and melt into each other almost like a hip hop sample would. They had multiple drummers in the studio with them contributing, but the funk was not there. The hard hitting of the snare was almost non-existent. Fieldy was almost forced into a different role. Instead of playing the percussion, slap-happy bass lines he usually does, he would often have to keep rhythm with Munky. The album is comparably happy to other albums, and was the first album where Jonathan's growls were gone. The band had to take what they had at the moment, which was nothing, and create it into a masterpiece.
Keeping the last paragraph in mind, Korn had put their all into this album, and I think it was a rather refreshing version of them. They sounded almost revitalized and upbeat in most of the tracks. In my opinion, 'Starting Over' stands out compared to the others. The song delivers some of the 'old korn' snare. You hear the bass in the background chugging along. The guitars along with the background squeaks mix in great. It has that 'old korn' vibe to it with the signature twist of extra production around it. I also feel like 'Ever Be' could have easily fit into 'Issues' track listing and not sound out of place. There were some tracks that had kept their identity on this album if you listen close and analyze it.
Korn has given every Korn fan what they love over the course of 13 years, but they have made it perfectly clear that they were going to experiment and sound more 'atmospheric' so to speak. Korn has alway been about sounding different, and that side of their identity was perfectly covered on this album. Its dark, but it sounds almost like a walk in a haunted carnival dark. The Intro tack clearly sets that theatrical setting. The piano goes off, and then the curtains open to the acts ahead. The lyrical content on this album tackles all sorts of different conflicts going on around the world right now. From diseases (Hold On), to fake people (Bitch We Have A Problem), to scientific theories (Evolution), to even bloodshed (Killing). It creates a different picture in your head, especially when you look at the case of the CD itself. It is a departure from the lyrical themes usually tackled by the band, such as bullying or rape.
So, in my opinion, Untitled was a good album. It was a nice departure from what they had done before, but had still maintained a fair amount of elements needed to please the older crowd. I know this probably won't change the minds of many who don't like this album, but I think it would be cool if you gave the album another chance with a more open mind, and really analyze it. Look into it deep enough, and you'll find the same band you have fallen in love with.
Rating: 3/5
The Hits:
Starting Over
Evolution
Ever Be
Love and Luxury
I Will Protect You
The Misses:
Do What They Say (really the only song I'm not too fond of)
