Black Labyrinth
Jonathan Davis · 2018
50 min · 13 tracks · nu metal
A haunting exploration of inner turmoil, blending electronic textures with Jonathan Davis's signature emotive vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Underneath My Skin — This opening track sets the tone for the album, combining dark lyrical themes with a dynamic blend of electronic and rock elements that encapsulate Davis's introspective journey.
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Medicate — A standout track that addresses struggles with addiction and mental health, offering a raw glimpse into Davis's personal battles and emotional honesty.
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Gender — This song challenges societal norms through provocative lyrics and driving beats, marking a notable shift in Davis’s lyrical focus compared to his previous work with Korn.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends electronic and acoustic elements, showcasing emotional depth but with uneven flow.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a heavy electronic beat that persists through the first half, while the second half shifts to more acoustic elements and introspective lyrics.
- Vocals are layered with effects, creating a haunting atmosphere that complements the lyrical themes of inner conflict.
- Several tracks feature abrupt transitions between sections, which disrupts the flow but emphasizes emotional peaks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- haunting introspection and self-reflection
- emotive vocals that resonate deeply
- pacing that invites contemplation
- exploration of inner turmoil themes
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of upbeat energy
- prefer straightforward catchy songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on May 25, 2018, 'Black Labyrinth' is Jonathan Davis's debut solo album, coming after his long tenure as the frontman of Korn. This marked a significant moment in his career as he stepped out to explore personal themes and musical styles outside of the nu-metal genre that defined much of his work with the band.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Korn· Limp Bizkit· Slipknot
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Medicate
The chorus shifts from a plea for relief to a stark acknowledgment of dependency, illustrating the tension between desperation and self-awareness.
This transition emphasizes the conflict within the narrator, starkly contrasting vulnerability with a desire for escape.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Underneath My Skin 3:46
- 2 Final Days 4:36
- 3 Everyone 2:52
- 4 Happiness 2:57
- 5 Your God 2:49
- 6 Walk on By 3:40
- 7 The Secret 3:31
- 8 Basic Needs 6:14
- 9 Medicate 3:57
- 10 Please Tell Me 4:27
- 11 What You Believe 4:05
- 12 Gender 3:26
- 13 What It Is 3:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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