American Nu-Metal pioneers, KORN, is back but how? Their latest offering, THE PATH OF TOTALITY is a path definer in its own right. Right from the first track, listeners get a feel of what is in store in this piece of sheer experimental brilliance.
The blending of Dubstep and Electronic music with the signature KORN elements, has created a sound that is something to watch out for, especially for their contemporaries. Though Hardcore KORN fans may feel disappointed with the suppressed guitar and bass tones at some places, they gotta give it to them for the experimentation. At a running time of 44 minutes and 39 seconds, THE PATH OF TOTALITY is a listener's delight, and it does well to bridge the gap between the dance floor and the moshpit.
The track NARCISSISTIC CANNIBAL was released as a single in October 2011, and not only did it go on to become a huge hit, it also increased the expectations from the album. Initially supposed to be released as an E.P, THE PATH OF TOTALITY lacks lustre when it comes to balance, displaying great highs and unexpected lows. The overall atmosphere of the album is enjoyable, barring some tracks where the Techno and Dubstep overpower the KORN feel. Very mixed reviews for the band, with some calling it the "end of KORN" to some calling it "the rise of a new era, Metal-step".
CHAOS LIVES IN EVERYTHING is a great start to this unpredictable, revolutionary album. SKRILLEX does their part well in making this track groovy and bouncy, yet retaining the heavy feel of KORN. The beginning riff of KILL MERCY WITHIN sets the mood for the rest of the track. Jonathan Davis retains his style of switching from low notes to high ones in a subtle yet edgy way. NOISIA adds on to the ambient feel of the track. MY WALL showcases the sheer vocal brilliance of Davis . With EXCISION’s Dubstep fusing so smoothly with the heavy groove and Fieldy doing good amounts of slapping on the bass, this is one track to bang your head to.
Already topping the charts is the fourth track, aptly titled NARCISSISTIC CANNIBAL. The video is a rage, commanding a lot of playtime on channels like VH1. SKRILLEX and KILL THE NOISE add on to the catchy tune with their respective trademark sounds. ILLUMINATI once again exposes the pain in Davis's voice, which he so effortlessly hides beneath his angry growls. EXCISION and DOWNLINK don’t do much to the track, other than adding on to the bouncy feel. One of the tracks with minimal use of effects. It’s quite amazing to see how Munky fuses the guitars with DOWNLINK’s Electronica in SANCTUARY. The track has got a gothic feel to it, brought about by the vocals and the ambience. Something KORN has seldom tried before. WAY TOO FAR is the most defining track of this album. It showcases everything, right from Davis's vocal genius, to Munky’s versatility to 12TH PLANET’s expertise in fusing brake-beats with the guttral growls. Absolutely eargasmic! The use of piano, alongwith the masterful blending of electronic loops by FEED ME make BLEEDING OUT another track to bow down to. Davis pours his soul out in the mellow parts, and it really is heart wrenching. The use of bagpipe is noteworthy.
All in all, KORN has once again shown the world that they hate to remain in the boundations of any genre. They make their path, and no one dares tread their path, THE PATH OF TOTALITY.