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Korn
III: Remember Who You Are
(Roadrunner Records)
In a time when the much-maligned Hard Rock and Heavy Metal genres are being almost continuously redefined (let’s face it: the artists and groups of our rapidly fading youth(s) aren’t exactly getting any younger, are they?), many formerly-prominent acts that had, for various reasons, slipped from the limelight, have again found themselves at the epicenter of intense, renewed interest. Unfortunately, despite even the most sincere of intentions, many of such ‘…attempts…’ are often irreversibly marred by splintered line-ups, substandard releases (i.e. hastily-assembled Greatest Hits or, worse yet, re-recorded Greatest Hits compilations), less than inspired performances and sporadic, poorly-executed touring. However, this is most definitely not the case with enduring Alternative veterans Korn. Reemerging with their first collection of new material in three years, the embattled group has at long last returned to kick our collective asses. The question is, are you really ready?
On the stellar III: Remember Who You Are (2010), an expertly assembled eleven song collection of deftly-executed, Electronica-infused Heavy Metal, each track, beginning with the maddeningly infectious first single “Oildale (Leave Me Alone)”, and the thought-provoking “Fear Is A Place To Live”, immediately commands the rapt and undivided attention of all parties involved, myself most definitely included. Undoubtedly attempting to ‘compensate’ for the significant--and perhaps entirely unexpected--departures of guitarist Brian ‘Head’ Welch and drummer David Silveria (both of whom had been pivotal, founding members of the group), the Bakersfield, California-born quartet gleefully stomps, twists and turns through each painstakingly-assembled composition. Boldly reminding us all of their quasi-virtuosic abilities without relying too heavily on their multi-Platinum résumé, the group effortlessly delivers a performance that is quite easily worthy of the highest of accolades.
Continuing with the impossibly airtight lament “Lead The Parade”, and the searing, bile-spewing tirade “Let The Guilt Go”, the newly-rejuvenated combination of vocalist Jonathan Davis, guitarist James ‘Munky’ Shaffer, bassist Reginald ‘Fieldy’ Arvizu, and drummer Ray Luzier (Army Of Anyone, The Hideous Sun Demons and David Lee Roth, among others) steamroll ahead with what can only be described as a truly sickening ease. Wisely focusing their more than considerable talents on recapturing the fist-pumping, mosh-inducing tonality that initially propelled them to the dizzying heights of international acclaim, the group drives home ‘…each key focal point…’ with an unparalleled fervor. Revitalized--or so it would seem--by the now-permanent addition of the multi-dimensional Luzier, the group wastes little time enthusiastically engulfing the proverbial average listener amid a thunderous barrage of scathing vocals, razor-sharp fretwork and imaginatively abusive rhythms.
Produced by legendary Nü Metal pioneer Ross Robinson (At The Drive-In, Limp Bizkit and Slipknot, to name only a few) and Engineered by the acclaimed Jim Monti, other standouts, including the delightfully emotion-laden “Never Around”, and the relentlessly pummeling closer “Holding All These Lies”, only further solidify the group’s undeniably well-deserved reputation as a bona fide commercial force not to be ignored. Fortified throughout by a Sébastian Paquet-fueled Special Edition Bonus DVD and four ‘…bonus tracks…’--most notably a stunning live rendition of “Oildale (Leave Me Alone”)--the carefully-orchestrated insanity that ensues will undoubtedly pander to their notoriously raid constituents. An absolute must-have for anyone with a genuine and sincere appreciation for all things Heavy Metal-related, the rumbling, occasionally-overwrought behemoth that is the mighty III: Remember Who You Are showcases the group operating amid a creative zenith.
But is it Follow The Leader, Vol. II? Absolutely not; but then again, that’s the point, now isn’t it? While one might effectively argue that the group’s now-trademark tonality isn’t necessarily for everyone, one must, at the very least, sincerely admire the improbably long-running group’s already well-documented ability to persevere despite the direst of circumstances. Easily surpassing the inexplicably lackluster, Virgin Records-issued Untitled (2007), the majority--if not all--of the decidedly ferocious wares contained herein offer both die-hard completists and clueless newcomers alike the increasingly rare opportunity to vicariously relive the group’s chart-topping ‘…glory daze…’. Accordingly, if you’ve once again found yourself in search of a refreshingly unique alternative to the painfully mindless, Pop-laden inanities that are so often force fed en mass, then this, my friends, might just be the high octane cure for what ails you. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Select Discography
III: Remember Who You Are (2010) ****
Korn Digital EP # 2 (2010) *
Korn Digital EP # 1 (2010) *
Untitled (2007) ***
MTV Unplugged (2007) ***
Live On The Other Side (DVD) (2006) ***
Chopped, Screwed, Live And Unglued (2006) ***
Live And Rare (2006) **
See You On The Other Side (2005) ***
The Other Side Part II (EP) (2005) ***
The Other Side (EP) (2005) ***
Greatest Hits, Volume 1 (2004) **
Take A Look In The Mirror (2003) **
Deuce (DVD) (2002) **
Untouchables (2002) **
All Mixed Up (EP) (1999) **
Issues (1999) **
Follow The Leader (1998) **
Live At The Palace (EP) (1997) **
Life Is Peachy (1996) **
Korn (1994) **
Neidermeyers Mind (Demo) (1993) *
* self-released
** released via Epic/Immortal Records
*** released via Virgin Records
**** released via Roadrunner Records