Life Is Peachy
1995: Korn hits the scene and changes it forever. With virtually no radio airplay or MTV support
(surprised?), the band’s extreme, innovative, and heavy debut album spread at the street level like a
plague. Music with this ferocity could not be held down. Korn’s music had to be acknowledged.
The same holds true for their latest release, Life is Peachy. It sticks to the Korn fundamentals- tribal
rhythms, squealing guitars, and "Xtra-loose" bass, and vocals thrown down at a level of intensity that is
unparalleled. They are simply difficult to describe. Coming ‘atcha with more anthems of youth’s
frustration, Jonathan Davis’s vocals are that of a man possessed. He can cover the emotional spectrum in
a fraction of a second- from that of a frightened child to one of an enraged madman.
Standout tracks include "Chi", "Good God", and "A.D.I.D.A.S.". Also worthy are covers of Ice Cube’s
"Wicked" (with Chino from the Deftones on vocals) and the rock classic "Lowrider" (with Jonathan Davis
on bagpipes!).
This album is tighter and more complex than their first. Their horizons have been expanded. They are the
fallout of a decaying metal scene. They are the future of heavy music. Korn have forever altered its
landscape, and cannot be ignored. - Ian Bartosevich
Follow the Leader
Just a few short years ago, Korn hit the music scene. It hasn’t been the same since. With the release of
Follow the Leader, Korn has solidified themselves as the leaders of the new heavy movement. Korn
opened the doors for bands like Limp Bizkit, Coal Chamber, (Hed) Pe, Snot, System of a Down, and
others. Although all these bands have unique styles, they all have two things in common. They are heavy
and they achieved notoriety through word of mouth. Times are definitely changing. Radio is even (over)
playing Korn’s new single, "Got the Life". One might think that Korn has lightened their ultra-heavy sound
a tinge, but that couldn’t be more incorrect. True, the single is definitely one of the most melodic and
poppy jams Korn have done. However, it still is heavy. Even better…the rest of the album is seriously
heavier!
Follow the Leader contains two of the heaviest songs Korn have ever unleashed. "B.B.K" is so viciously
thick and stout that it’s frightening. Additionally, the opening track, "It’s On!", is equally as powerful. The
rest of the album is jammed with one crunchy jam after another. Korn even enlisted a few vocalists to
help with the cause. Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit), Ice Cube, Trevant Hardson (Pharcyde), and even Cheech
Marin (Cheech & Chong) all lay down strong vocals on some tracks. All the trademark Korn elements
are in place strongly. Jonathan’s lyrics run the gambit from angst-driven powerful emotional pleas
("Justin", "Seed", "My Gift to You") to humorous banter ("All in the Family"- a jam where Jonathan and
Fred Durst insult one another). Fieldy’s pimpin’ bass is as solid as ever, Head and Munky double guitar
crunch sounds otherworldly, and David’s drumming is untouchable.
Follow the Leader is basically a thirteen song tour de force. No tracks lag, and the majority are
phenomenal. Jonathan, Head, Fieldy, Munky, and David all sound incredibly sharp. Although Korn has
expanded its sound and grown as a band, they haven’t sold out in the least. There’s just about nothing
crunchier. The super-rich sounds on Follow the Leader are simply a great progression of the Korn
sound that was introduced on Korn and enhanced on Life Is Peachy. Without any second thoughts, this
album is a must, and is certainly Korn’s most ambitious album to date. – Andrew Rackauskas
To see more reviews, go toSpinal Column