The Path of Totality cover

The Path of Totality

Korn · 2011

44 min · 13 tracks · alternative metal

Aggressive metal merges with dubstep influences, creating a chaotic yet immersive sonic landscape that challenges genre boundaries.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Chaos Lives in Everything Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Narcissistic Cannibal — This track features an infectious blend of heavy guitars and dubstep drops, showcasing Korn's innovative approach to merging genres. Its collaboration with Skrillex highlights the band's willingness to embrace modern sounds while maintaining their heavy roots.
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    Get Up! — As one of the standout tracks featuring Skrillex, 'Get Up!' exemplifies the album's fusion of metal and electronic elements, delivering high energy and emotional intensity. Its Grammy nomination underscores its impact within both genres.
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    Illuminati — 'Illuminati' stands out with its relentless aggression and thought-provoking lyrics about conspiracy theories, reflecting the darker themes present throughout the album. The combination of heavy riffs and electronic beats creates a unique listening experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of metal and dubstep creates a distinct sound, though its appeal may vary over time.

What we noticed

  • The album features heavy use of electronic elements, with dubstep drops and synths interspersed among traditional metal instrumentation.
  • Vocal performances alternate between aggressive screams and melodic singing, often within the same track, creating a dynamic contrast.
  • Several tracks incorporate guest artists from the electronic music scene, adding varied textures and styles to the overall sound.
  • The pacing fluctuates significantly, with some tracks maintaining high energy while others slow down to create atmospheric breaks.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • steady energy for active listening
  • aggressive riffs for intense sessions
  • dynamic vocal performances throughout
  • turbulent sound for cathartic release
  • short tracks for quick engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer calm, soothing atmospheres
  • seek longer, immersive experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Introduced dubstep influences, marking a significant shift in Korn's established sound.
Themes
dubstep fusion· narcissistic culture· chaotic energy
Career context
Released on December 6, 2011, The Path of Totality is Korn's tenth studio album and marks their first full-length collaboration with electronic music producers like Skrillex and Kill the Noise. This release followed their previous album, Korn III: Remember Who You Are, signaling a bold experimentation phase in their sound. The band sought to integrate electronic elements into their established nu-metal style, reflecting a shift in both musical direction and audience engagement.
Stylistic neighbors
Slipknot· Deftones· Limp Bizkit

Tracklist

  • 1 Chaos Lives in Everything Start here 3:47
  • 2 Kill Mercy Within 3:35
  • 3 My Wall 2:55
  • 4 Narcissistic Cannibal 3:10
  • 5 Illuminati 3:16
  • 6 Burn the Obedient 2:38
  • 7 Sanctuary 3:24
  • 8 Let’s Go 2:40
  • 9 Get Up! 3:43
  • 10 Way Too Far 3:49
  • 11 Bleeding Out 4:51
  • 12 Fuels the Comedy 2:49
  • 13 Tension 3:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata