Is Untouchables a good place to start with Korn?

Yes, Untouchables is recommended as a starting point for new Korn listeners. Aggressive riffs and introspective lyrics merge in a raw exploration of personal struggle and societal alienation. Released on June 11, 2002, 'Untouchables' was Korn's fifth studio album and followed their commercially successful record 'Issues'. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying its position as a leading figure in nu metal, experimenting with sound while facing pressures from both fans and the music industry.

Who is Untouchables for?

Untouchables works well if you're into steady intensity throughout listening, cathartic release of frustration and exploration of inner turmoil.

How many songs are on Untouchables?

Untouchables has 14 tracks, running approximately 65 minutes.

Untouchables

Korn · 2002

65 min · 14 tracks · alternative metal

Aggressive riffs and introspective lyrics merge in a raw exploration of personal struggle and societal alienation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Here to Stay Start here — This track encapsulates the album's themes of resilience and defiance, featuring heavy guitar riffs and Jonathan Davis's powerful vocals that convey anger and determination.
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Thoughtless — A poignant reflection on bullying and emotional pain, this song showcases Korn's ability to blend aggressive soundscapes with vulnerable lyrics, making it relatable for many listeners.
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Alone I Break — This track stands out for its haunting melody and introspective lyrics about loneliness, highlighting a softer yet equally powerful side of Korn's artistry.
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Make Believe — With its dynamic shifts between melodic verses and heavy choruses, this song explores themes of disillusionment and escapism, reflecting the struggles faced by many during this era.

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 showcases Korn's signature sound while experimenting with dynamics, though it lacks some cohesion in its latter half.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs and rapid drumming, establishing a high-energy tone that persists through the initial half of the album.
Several tracks incorporate spoken-word sections that contrast with the heavy instrumentation, creating dynamic shifts in intensity.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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 intensity throughout listening
cathartic release of frustration
exploration of inner turmoil
dark melodies with aggressive rhythms

Maybe skip if you

seeking lighthearted, upbeat tracks
prefer short standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified Korn's influence in nu-metal, following commercial success with 'Issues'.
Themes: alienation in adolescence· bullying scars· inner turmoil· post-success disillusionment
Career context: Released on June 11, 2002, 'Untouchables' was Korn's fifth studio album and followed their commercially successful record 'Issues'. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying its position as a leading figure in nu metal, experimenting with sound while facing pressures from both fans and the music industry.
Stylistic neighbors: Slipknot· Deftones· Limp Bizkit

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Thoughtless

The narrator confronts feelings of isolation and pain due to bullying with an emotional intensity that shifts from vulnerability to anger.

This transition mirrors the internal conflict many face when dealing with trauma, showcasing Korn's skill in conveying complex emotions through their music.