Picture this. Korn doing R&B. Yes, leader Jonathan Davis and his mainstream metal cronies are taking on the might of Justin Timberlake and Kanye West.
Okay, so that comparison is a little over the top, but with a more pop approach, and bouncy rather than bludgeoning beats of
the band's eighth album, this is a new sound for Korn.
There's nothing here with the power and menace of Freak on a Leash, the catchiness of A.D.I.D.A.S., or the vitality of recent hit Twisted Transistor. That's a shame - throw off the overused nu-metal or rap metal tag that Korn are lumped with and they are a great, enduring and prolific band.
Korn has its moments though, like the funky industrial dance of Hold On, the devious chug of Evolution, and Innocent Bystander, which has the mangled brutality and kick-start that make Korn what they are.
With its glitchy rather than grinding feel it's hard not to think of it as being a Nine Inch Nails ripoff, only Trent Reznor did it better earlier this year on NIN's Year Zero.
Compared with Korn's 1998 masterpiece Follow the Leader, this self-titled effort is not memorable, although fans - those who don't think the band have gone soft, at least - will love it.
Label: EMI
Verdict: Alt-metal heroes have a middle-aged spring in their step
