With their third album, Korn is basically making the statement that they are at the top of the heap in their particular game (which I guess is droptuned metal-nouveau). Personally, I don't see the need for such a "definitive statement" since all of the bands in this category seem pretty tight and supportive of each other, Korn included. Whatever the reason, Korn has stepped up to the plate and delivered a fairly good third slab of seven string slag with only a few missteps. The band seems to be gradually incorporating more and more of its myriad influences on this record. "Got The Life" grooves on a disco beat laid down by drummer David, "Dead Bodies Everywhere" incorporates a hauntingly creepy guitar line, and both "Children of the Korn" and "Cameltosis" feature popular rap artists (Ice Cube and Tré Hardson, respectively). There is also a hilarious rank-fest song between Korn frontman Jonathan Davis and Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit, entitled "All in the Family." One of the only issues that I have with this album (and all of Korn's other albums) is that there are a few stand-out songs that make my jaw drop, and the rest, while not bad, start to sound like the same song. Also, it seems like the exorcising of the band's (or Jonathan's) demons on the first two albums may have stripped Korn of some of its raw emotional power. That may not be a bad thing in the long run, though. Depression doesn't really sell that well anymore. (MHo)
(Immortal/Epic Records)