Korn
Life Is Peachy
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Korn
Life Is Peachy
Immortal/Epic, 1996
RiYL: Limp Bizkit, Tool, Rage Against The Machine |
The album's heavy guitar is backed by an intense bass-driven rhythm section that was sparsely used on the debut. The distorted bass pervades every moment of the album. "Chi" is propelled as much by bass and drums as it is by Korn's prominent guitars. And, of course, Davis' vocals stick out as well.
Davis can be singled out for making Korn the success it is. His at once frail and violent vocals are the perfect extension of his dark subject matter. The lyrics deal with death, child abuse and other things not many people want to talk about. That's why Davis uses them as material.
The lyrics are provoking if not shocking, and they're delivered over intense bass rhythms, thudding drums and churning guitars. The vocals are heavily overdubbed, creating an eerie sensation that resides long after the tracks end.
Davis' favorite technique is layering whispery howls behind a hard and fast-paced rap. "Lost" is the perfect example of this format. "A.D.I.D.A.S" singular focus and driving hooks would create the perfect single if it weren't for the suggestive lyrics. It's quickly followed by a strange Korny version of the funky '70s tune "Lowrider," which even features Davis playing the bagpipes.
Life Is Peachy single-handedly changed the face of heavy metal music in the mid-90s. Tool may have better music, but Korn has the hip factor and accessibility that most contemporaries lack.
DAVID THOMAS |