Time and time again, Korn wishes they could re-do their self titled album. And time and time again they do their best because that's what fans say they want. But here's the problem: Now that they can afford not to, they can't seem to bring themselves back down to the primitive sounds of that record.

I personally had some fairly high expectations for this album. They were improving slowly after their sophomore slump, Life Is Peachy, and Issues almost reached the glory of that first album, and even surpassed it in certain parts. But this album either takes a long, long time to grow or it's back down to the level of Follow the Leader, but in a totally different way.

Follow the Leader was pleasing because it was Korn's most accessible effort, but it mostly lacked the fiery rage that marked their best moments. It was diverse, though, and every song was recognizable for one reason or another. Untouchables, on the other hand, is like the polar opposite. Many of the songs sound unbelievably similar (but not as similar as what was on Life Is Peachy). Nothing new for Korn, but the time around it's just bland.

It's wholly enjoyable while one is listening to it, but it leaves no lasting impression. None. There isn't anything as memorable as "Shoots and Ladders," "Hey Daddy" or "Freak on a Leash." It's mostly consistent, though. It gets some points for having no songs that make me cringe. Every song is a little different from the one before it, yet, over repeated listens, totally the same.

There are some subtle sonic flourishes throughout; it gets points for that. It's a solidly produced record. Dense, but not to the point of overproduction. Subtle experimentation throughout. It's interesting how no matter how many things they add to the sound, they still manage to sound exactly the same as the album before.

In fact, the only thing I HATE about this album is some of Jon Davis's singing. His "growling voice" just isn't working anymore. Maybe he pulled a Robert Plant on his voice - I don't know. All I know is that he sounds at his best when he's singing now.

In the end, though, it all depends on one's opinion of Korn. This record isn't going to change anybody's opinion of them. They're still the murky, angst-ridden band with a creepy lead singer and some creepier subject matter. They aren't going to make any new fans this way, but at least they won't be killing off their current fans' attention.