Is it possible for a C.D. to be over-hyped and underrated?

Following a three year break with no new material from Korn, "Untouchables" became one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2002. Plus, the band members couldn't keep their mouths shut about the new album, saying it was one of the best things they've ever done. But, after hearing Korn's fifth album, I still prefer their self-titled debut and "Follow the Leader" over this. So, "Untouchables" was a bit over-hyped, but it was also simultaneously underrated, because the general response to it was disappointment. Plus, even though it sold 700,000 copies in its first week of being on the shelves, "Untouchables" just barely managed to gain platinum certification. Many fans thought it sounded over-produced and was too "poppy." Why must a new sound always mean the band sold out?

I have a different word for this album: creative. Michael Beinhorn, a virtuoso producer, makes "Untouchables" have *gasp* a new sound. This C.D. sounds robust, and it sometimes seems like it was recorded in a ten pound drum. Korn have been criticized for making the same album again and again, so they change their sound for their fifth album, and what happens? Some people STILL criticize them. Another problem with this album is that it didn't translate well live. That's why Korn quickly followed up this album with 2003's "Take A Look in the Mirror."

And even though it has some big choruses, well thought-out songs, and even a soft song ("Alone I Break" is the closest thing to a ballad Korn have ever written; Jonathan Davis sings clearly and properly over a digitized beat and Blue Man Group-esque drums,) the majority of this album is very heavy. In addition to this album's production making it have a harder edge, "Untouchables" has heavier songwriting and a rhythm section which pounds harder and more profusely. Upon first time listening to the opening track, "Here to Stay" seems super heavy, especially for a Korn song. It begins with grinding guitars, which, for the first ten seconds, are only audible in one headphone. Then, after the song explodes with thunderous guitars and drums, Jonathan begins his heartfelt and tortured lyrics-lyrics which have become typical of him. This, the only song from this album that Korn would play on tour, is a personal favorite also because of the mosh-worthy bridge ("Bring it on down!") Next, an onslaught of extra crunchy guitars and almost death metal vocals (with an echo effect) make "Embrace" one of the heaviest songs Korn have ever written. Other highlights include the grinding, churning guitar noise on "Bottled Up Inside," the third and final single, "Thoughtless" (which features a guitar that could be a vacuum cleaner, making a "vroom" sound run through it), the vocal harmonizer on "Beat it Upright" (a song about an explicit sexual fantasy, involving the rumor that Jonathan was gay), and "Wake Up Hate" (another exciting, mosh-ready song which is speedy, bouncy and flows very well).

It may take some Korn fans a while to fully appreciate this album. Listeners should immediately notice the pounding rhythms and the hip-hop free vocals, but it may take most listeners a while to hear and absorb the subtle creativeness (such as the vocal synthesizer). Also, some fans might not think "Untouchables" sounds at all different from any of their past albums. This is clearly a Korn album; aside from no hip-hop stylings, all of the patented Korn ingredients are here (mainly downtuned guitar rumbles and pained poetry.) But if you listen to Korn's raw debut, then come back to this, you'll realize the two albums sound like completely different bands.

To conclude, "Untouchables" was a bit over-hyped (because it is not Korn's best album), but it was also underrated (because some fans were disappointed with it). This C.D. is a must buy for all Korn and nu-metal fans, and, even if you're not a Korn fan, I recommend you check it out (because these songs are, as aforementioned, heavier than most Korn tunes.) The truth is that this is Korn's heaviest and most creative disc to date, and it has my vote for the best hard rock and alt metal album of 2002.

It seems to me that this album's relative lack of commercial success can be attributed to confusion. "Confusion" is the term I think fits best when describing the general reaction of fans. Many people didn't quite know what to think when Untouchables came out. It was highly anticipated, if I recall, and it certainly wasn't what people expected. So as a result, this is one of the most divisive Korn albums - ask three people what they think of it. One will hate it and yell "sell out!" Another will love its progressive tendancies. Still a third won't know what to tell you. And probably won't listen to the album anymore. After all, nu metal fans aren't best known for their patience.

The album itself is a patchwork amalgamation of catchy pop-metal, industrial sludge, experimental creepiness, and trademark Korn aggro grooves. The production is slick and round and the songs aren't really reminiscent of any sound Korn has had in the past. It is creative and unique in Korn's catalogue. I'm sure many filler fans were disappointed that this wasn't Follow the Leader Part Two - but going backwards is a real quick way to end your career in music (as we are seeing with many a mediocre nu metal band that is slipping through the cracks now.) Most of all, this album took risks. Even when the risks don't work out, you have to give them credit for being bold and foreward-thinking. And, one thing that is important to point out, Jonathan's voice is incredible here - his time spent with a vocal coach payed off big time on Untouchables.

The best songs on this album are the songs that sound absolutely nothing like anything Korn has ever done. My favorite song on this album would probably have to be the ethereal, beautiful (yes I said "beautiful", at the risk of immasculating myself) "Hollow Life." This song proves that there is more than one way to be heavy, as it draws you in and sends creeping sensations down your spine. The grand synth chords and heartwrenching "melody" contrast with the the dissonant power chords chugging underneath, to frightening effect.

Hollow Life isn't the only song worth mentioning on this album; the slow disco "Here to Stay" is a great opener and single. It's not the deepest song Korn has written but it's fun, it's heavy, it grooves, it's catchy, and doesn't sound derivitive or cliche (like some other more recent Korn songs I could mention.) In fact, all of the singles off this album are great songs. "Thoughtless" raises the emotional bar about ten steps with a compelling and melodic chorus. As usual, Jon's lyrics aren't exactly timeless poetry, but they have the strange power to invoke your sympathy regardless. Then "Alone I Break"... well, it's a suicide song. And a really good one: these are some of the most honest, simple, least pretentious suicide lyrics I've ever seen. Which makes the song kind of scary, to be honest. The tune is haunting (and of course the video is bizzare, but strangely appropriate.)

Some other impressive non-single tracks include the meloncholy "Hating", the exceptionally heavy and misanthropic "Beat It Upright", and the worthy closing track, "No One's There." I've attempted to fit all of these songs on homeburned 'best-of' cd's and they represent the most promise for Korn's future with their sentimental melodies and intriguing sonic textures. "No One's There" is in fact probably my favorite song here behind "Hollow Life", as both songs take an uncharactaristic approach to Korn's familiar emotional intensity.

Even the so-called-'mediocre' tracks have their moments. The somewhat predictable aggro track "Bottled Up Inside" has some cool harmonies and riffs in the chorus. The groove of "One More Time" is deffinitly listenable, if not necessarily a highlight of the album. "I'm Hiding" is mostly lukewarm but has an amazing chorus.

The two most annoying songs for me would have to be the Static-X-ish moshing track "Embrace", and "Wake Up Hate" which sort of like Marilyn Manson-meets-Ministry-meets-... well, Korn. Even though I don't particularely like either of these two songs, I approve of the chances the band took in writing them. Wake Up Hate in particular resembles nothing else Korn has ever done or has done since. I don't think the industrial shoe fits on Korn's feet, but I would rather be disappointed with the chances the band took than the chances the band didn't take.

This may very well be the last great Korn record... but if that turns out to be true, it was a good way to go out. Despite it's shortcomings, I strongly recommend this album both for devote fans of the band and casual listeners... it stands as a monument to what Korn once was: a beacon of innovation and creativity in a mostly shallow and predictable genre of music.

After a long break, KoRn returns with Untouchables. KoRn wanted to push the boundaries on this album. They wanted to evolve and distance themselves from the stranglehold of lifeless nu-metal. But the question is... did they?

*sound of a resounding YES!*

Untouchables reflects the recent life experiences of KoRn. It's a more grown-up album for the band, but it only makes sense. Life's problems change as you get older, and Untouchables is a 14 track ride through some of life's questions. The sound of the album is unlike anything you've heard from KoRn before. The guitar sounds that Munky and Head utilized on this disc seem other-worldly at times, and they often provide a gloomy, spacey, near-gothic backdrop to the vocalizations of lead singer Jonathan Davis. The guitars and bass on this album have a HUGE sound. It's not so much that it's a heavy disc in the sense of "heavy metal" kind of heavy, but it's a very plodding, large sound that would probably take down a few buildings if you turned up the volume too high. If you've heard the band's first single from the album, "Here To Stay," you've gotten a taste.... but I don't think it's the best offering on the album. You need to hear all the other songs to really get a feeling for this disc.

If there is one true highlight to Untouchables, it's how much Jonathan has begun to appreciate his voice. Long gone are the days of simply screaming. Jonathan's been working with a vocal coach, and, believe me, it shows! Jonathan truly uses his voice on this album, and the time he put into it really paid off. Many of the songs feature brilliant harmonies that send a chill up your spine. Jonathan's recent work on the Queen Of The Damned soundtrack seems to have been a great influence on him, and it definitely worked it's way into the songs on Untouchables. (You should pick that disc up too while you're getting this one.)

There's a track on Untouchables for every KoRn fan, old and new. If you're still into the heavy riffage and screaming of the band's debut album, then check out "Embrace." Within a few seconds of the track's start, the guitars launch into full assault and Jonathan's classic scream will once again leave your eardrums feeling a bit shattered. Want to hear a semi-industrial (yes, KoRn even tried to slip into that genre on this one) song? Go for "Wake Up Hate." Like the sound of bending guitars and a bit of a funk style? Try "Beat It Upright." Not up for something heavy today? Check out the track "Hollow Life." This song is probably the biggest surprise of Untouchables. KoRn has never been a band to relish in slow songs with beautiful melodies and harmonies, but, this time, they did. It's an incredibly beautiful, yet extremely sad song. Most of the tracks on Untouchables carry an immense sadness beneath them. Jonathan's lyrics are a bit more abstract than usual. It's harder to know what or who he's referring to on this album than in the past when you could easily point to a song and say "well that was about when Jonathan went through...." Jonathan seems to feel less like screaming and more like crying on this album. It has more of an "I'm tired of fighting" feeling.

All around, Untouchables is an emotional album. It hits you in some tender spots and really makes you begin to think, and I believe that's the mark of a truly good album. An album that can touch you purely through the melodies is worthy of a listen, so my fellow KoRn pals--BUY THIS ALBUM. It will not disappoint. And if you've never heard KoRn before, or even if you've never liked them before, you owe it to yourself to check this one out. It's not like the other 4 albums. There's bits and pieces of the old, but this album altogether is something very new and different for KoRn.

My personal favorites on this album are.... all of them. I tried to pick some favorites, and I realized I had written down half the track list and still wasn't done. There's something to like about each track, and just because you don't like one doesn't mean you won't like another. This isn't an album to rule out on one song.

This is by far Korns most underrated album. I find people don't actually listen to this album they just assume it's bad because Korn= nu metal = bad, because the cool kid said so right. Well shut up and listen for yourself, because I don't see how anyone who's into hard rock and listens to this album a few times (not just once or skimming) with an un-biased mindset can say this sucks. This is good rock album. Korn is just unique, I mean what other band sounded like them before they hit the scene. And the fans who say this suck need to realize that Korn is just evolving their music, you wouldn't really want them to put out 5 albums that all sound just like their self titled. So if your open minded and want to hear a really good rock album, pick this up. If your shallow and wanna keep bashing Korn in you silly little ways and listening to your dime a dozen bands, then go get the new Blink 182 album, cause god knows their the real deal.

"untouchables" is simply put, untouchable. it is above and behond most music offered nowadays. this is some of the heaviest, fastest, scariest, [stuff] available in stores. it just rocks! heres a breakdown of the tracks.

1.Here to Stay. (5/5) great way to start the album, and a great pick for the first single, pulls people into the albums sound.

2.Make Believe. (4/5) pretty creepy, jonathans voice excels in this one, its not like their usual stuff but it works. *great chorus.

3.Blame. (5/5) fast and heavy, great lyrics and chorus.

4.Hollow Life (4/5) pretty cool, good beats and rhythms, very likeable.

5.Bottled Up Inside (5/5) awesome riffs, great chorus, and a good messege.

6.Thoughtless (5/5) my favorite. the second single, very very good, awesome chorus, and riffs.

7.Hating (4/5) pretty good, takes time to get used too, good chorus, and lyrics.

8.One More Time (5/5) very catchy and cool, great riffs, and lyrics, with a sick chorus.

9.Alone I Break (4/5) cool riff at the beginning, good beats, and lyrics, ok chorus.

10.Embrace (5/5) very heavy and fast, awesome lyrics and chorus.

11.Beat It Upright (4/5) pretty raunchy, but very cool and true.

12.Wake Up Hate (5/5) simply irresistable, very fast, heavy and cool, great for partying or anything to do with mass destruction.

13.I'm Hiding (4/5) pretty good, good riffs, and lyrics, drumming is a standout too.

14.No One's There (4/5) good finale, but i would of went with "wake up hate" here, ending the album on a high note is a key goal for all albums, but this is close.

Bonus: Here to Stay (remix) ok, i guess, not my type of music, but the lyrics are easier to understand.

all in all, a very good album, highly recommended, led by songs like "thoughtless", "wake up hate", bottled up inside", and "embrace". worth the money i paid and thensome.