The rumor had been growing for several months: the new Korn had to be a major album. Produced after more than six months spent in the studio, blowing through its initial budget to nearly three million dollars (an overrun due to the electronics according to the record label), “Untouchables” was fueling all the debates in the metal-fusion scene long before anyone had heard a single note of its music. Successor to “Issues” in 1999, this fifth album by the band led by Jonathan Davies suffered numerous release delays mainly caused by a fluctuating artistic direction (the album was re-recorded several times). Yet, “Untouchables” still hits where Korn has been doing good for millions of street kids since 1994.
A skillful combination of thick riffs, winding melodies and arrangements cut with ferocity, this new opus nevertheless stands out for its huge sound, which could make the early fans bristle but should also rally other potential listeners. The single Here To Stay, which is already climbing the American charts, is a perfect ambassador for this energetic and ambitious release. Limited by its imposed formulas and the likely fear of losing part of its audience accustomed to these sonic tics and antics (Hollow Life, Embrace), Korn breaks out of its mold (helped in this by Soundgarden producer Michael Beinhorn) and, better than saving the day, its fine energy is likely to triple the gains.