I find it hard to believe KoRn has been around for about 25 years. Such a polarizing act has blared through the stereo for over two decades of nasally vocals, detuned slaps, and a hip-hop groove. Although bouncing in and out of relevancy, KoRn has offered some of nu-metal’s most unique fixtures. KoRn’s experimentation has been a blessing and a curse, but it sure outlines the boundaries for nu-metal to follow. KoRn peaked with
Untouchables, which served to be their pinnacle of creativity and style. Through muddled years of reinvention,
The Paradigm Shift offered a gleam of hope prior to
The Serenity of Suffering.
Serenity of Suffering boasts an album that drags KoRn back to their primal state. Although not as raw as their debut record,
…Suffering offers a polished amount of controlled chaos for fans to enjoy. The album, as the title suggests, centers around various forms of suffering. Whether it be romantic, intellectual, or physical suffering, the album explores the highs and lows that the situation offers. KoRn has never been shy to explore similar topics in the past, but
The Serenity of Suffering delves deeper into a more personalized narrative.
The music of
Serenity… is the most notable quality. KoRn’s previous records included a more dubstep infused sound, but
Serenity of Suffering brings back the riffs. ‘Insane,’ the opening track, is a notable departure from their previous sound. Thick, heavy riffs blast through the airwaves as KoRn lays the groundwork for the album. ‘Insane,’ travels back to their roots with a turntable induced breakdown while, “that’s not right out insane,” creates a beautiful disaster.
‘Take Me’ is a more palatable track that carries a more mainstream vibe than the rest. It’s more melodic and has a lighter tone. ‘Take Me’ follows a general groove that repeats throughout the song and climaxes with a simple breakdown. ‘Next in Line’ quickly separates itself from the others with a tremolo verse followed by an immersive chorus. This prods a new formula that delivers a more enigmatic song.
Lyrics are about as one would expect. Davis’ grotesque explanations of suffering, addiction, and abuse come alive in the album. ‘Rotting in Vain’ opens with, “I wouldn’t be angry if you just [expletive] cry. Your tears would arouse me, refreshing my supply.” These monstrous lines make ‘Rotting in Vain’ one of the darkest songs on the record. “It’s in your waiting—it’s all make believe; and the ripping, the child within me,” edge ‘The Hating’ through its introduction before, “FED! THAT KEEPS ME FED, FED! THAT KEEPS ME,” tears through the stereo.
For the most part, the tracks on
Serenity of Suffering are written well. Davis has such an individual style that speaks only to his fans. ‘A Different World’ is among the best written songs on the album. The narrative relays an eerie atmosphere where the subject is longing for a different world to escape. Corey Taylor’s vocals add a new element to the song. Taylor’s raspy screams immediately swallow the listener into the agony of the track. We swim through the murky black waters trying to find this ‘Different World.’ I also enjoy how Corey’s vocals creep throughout the song before bursting in the breakdown.
Analyzing this record was quite a challenge. KoRn is very particular and deliver a concept listeners either like or don’t.
Serenity of Suffering brings KoRn back to a familiar place, but the tracks appear more polished and streamlined. KoRn doesn’t stray too far from the focus of the album. There aren’t filler songs, but there are a few tracks that seem out of place.
Serenity of Suffering is a strong album and easily ranks among KoRn’s best. KoRn returns back to a chilling, creepy, and surrealistic band instead of a nu-metal band fighting to stay relevant.
Serenity of Suffering plays among their strength and shows their understanding of the genre. They don’t try to be another band and instead embraces who they are. For that, I can say
Serenity of Suffering earns its keep as one of the better metal albums of 2016.
Standout Tracks
The Hating
Rotting in Vain
A Different World
Next in Line
