The Godfathers of Nu-Metal return with a fresh slice of neurotic crises embedded in D-tuned seven-string hell.

There sound has barely evolved since their first crunching riffs and low slung bass slapping arrival back in the mid 90s. Kilt sporting frontman Jonathon Davies (No, not the Welsh Rugby leg-end, though I hear he’s a massive fan!!) and his cohorts have never had trouble filling albums with strange noises, from barking nightmare intro’s to machete guitar straffing, all in all building into a unique sound that’s instantly recognisable as Korn.

You will not be surprised to hear that the formula has not been tweaked too much. You can never say they don’t try and give value for money though, this opus contains fourteen tracks and an extra disc containing remixes etc, so a nice little package. But what of the quality? 

Following on from the lacklustre recent Untouchables album this is something of a return to form. But with rampant paranoid, self inflicted angst and isolation as your themes, it’s always going to be tough to keep the rant rolling as the years pass.

But try, and succeed they do ish!! The opener “Twisted Transistor” is radio friendly and Marilyn Manson could perform it seamlessly as an encore.

“Politics” signature sawblade riff and Davies’ part rap part shout style still hold water after all this time. “Hypocrites” creates malevolence on a grand scale, more doom riffing and screamed choruses lambasting pay-offs to keep naughty priests out of the headlines.

“Souvenir” lumbers through the speakers but fails to ignite despite a cool idea. “10 or a 2 way” funkys (Is there such a word??) along and Davies’ bagpipes make an appearance for the first time.

“Throw Me Away” is haunting and atmospheric, familiar territory re-visited but where Korn really do come into their-own, demonstrating they can still deliver awesome power through suburban sweat stained ideals.

Those pesky bagpipes start popping up all over the second half, (I kept mistaking it for an Andy Stewart Hogmanay Special CD!!) “Open Up” closes with them following strings, and what sounds suspiciously like a glockenspiel.

“Coming Undone” is the stand out track, a superb slice of vintage Korn encapsulating dance sensibilities with metal roots on show, a sure fire favourite. More backward tape bagpipes and scratching in “Liar” followed by more of the same in “For No One” which could easily be the soundtrack to any recent hack n slash B movie horror flick such is the atmosphere. “Tearjerker” closes quietly, accompanying the cracked voiced Davies with more creepy noised insanity and dejected piano.

In short this is a good album, not up there with “Follow the Leader” but does enough to make you want to chew the skirting boards at times.

Korn’s legions of Nu- metal teens are now the 20 somethings-getting married- mortgages-kids generation, it remains to be seen if these angst soaked antics remain valid in 2005.

Let us know your views on 'See You On The Other Side'

Track List

Twisted Transistor
Politics
Hypocrites
Souvenir
10 Or A 2-Way
Throw Me Away
Love Song
Open Up
Coming Undone
Getting Off
Liar
For No One
Seen It All
Tearjerker

Line Up

Jonathan Davis - Vocals
James "Munky" Shaffer - Guitar
Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu - Bass
David Silveria - Drums