Frankly, I am surprised I like this album as much as I do. I have to admit that the prospect of a 'Head' solo album did not hold much excitement for me.
I am a Korn fan from way back. From the moment I first heard the cymbal-tapping opening to "Blind" I knew this was a band for me. They were different, heavy, and insidiously catchy. Sure, they came after Rage Against the Machine and Faith No More (well, "Epic" anyway), but it is Korn that led the so-called nu-metal movement of the early and mid-1990s. There is no denying they hit at the right time with the right sound, influencing scores of bands that would follow them. However, I always saw them as a band where the sum was greater than the parts. With Save Me From Myself in my hands, I am willing to retract that statement, but only partially.
Welch's story is an interesting one. He rose to fame through the mid to late-1990s as a founding member of Korn, consistently turning out strong music. In the early 2000s Welch became increasingly distant from the band. Years of touring and living the rock and roll lifestyle were taking a costly toll on the guitarist. Addictions to alcohol and methamphetamine were tearing his life apart. This led to the momentous decision to leave Korn in 2005, after which he went into rehab, kicked his demons, and found a new spiritual life. All of this was chronicled in his memoirs, which bears the same name as this album.
Now, three years after leaving Korn, a band that is still going despite hemorrhaging band members, Welch has made his return to the music scene, writing and producing an album of surprisingly potent music. It doesn't hurt that he also surrounded himself with world-class musicians such as Trevor Dunn (bass: Mr. Bungle, Fantomas), Tony Levin (bass: King Crimson, Liquid Tension Experiment), Josh Freeze (drums: A Perfect Circle, Nine Inch Nails), and Archie J. Muise Jr. (guitar).
Article comments
1 - Mike
I too was very surprised to hear what this album sounded like, especially with what the last few korn albums had sound like. Parts of it will remind the listener of korn no doubt - especially old korn. But I don't think the lyrics are as weak as some people make them out to be. Some lyrics can leave you looking at your own life.
2 - Dave Marlow
I was similarly impressed by Welch's album, although I disagree with you on the issue of lyrics. While simplistic (and I don't dispute your analogy comparing them to blunt instruments), the delivery of the words justifies their lack of complexity. I think that had the lyrics been more poetic and intricate, it would have taken away from the album's tone.
Both musically and lyrically, I am most impressed with the title track as of now.
3 - Brian Tharp
I think it's awesome that someone from a famous band such as korn can come out and show the world how giving your life to the Lord makes a huge difference and impact I used to be a huge fan of korn and turned my life to Christ and have givin up some music now i can still listen to the Korn sound with Christian lyrics how awesome is that and the cd just came out in time If I ever had the chance to meet such an awesome guy "Brian Welch" that would be so awesome I would have so much to talk to him about and my Spiritual experiences in my life and the struggles ive had keep it up buddy your music is incredible and I believe you will Lead non believers to the Lord.
God Bless You Buddy
See you In Heaven
Brian Tharp
4 - josh
im am just happy i can now listen to more christian music i played out my p.o.d cd now ther is something new to bring my spirit up cause god knows if i was to listen to the worldly stuff i can back slide rather quick not that every 1 doesnt face that head or brian thank u 4 ur cd and book the book hit home like i cant describe if u see this email my name is joshua i would like to pray 4 the other guys in korn im happy 4 fieldly but his book was nothing like yours all i can do is thank jesus 4 being so awesome and showing his light to all in the darkness peace and god bless man
5 - SHARON ARN
i WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT bRIAN wELCH ABOUT MY 21 YEAR OLD SON WHO STARTED DRUGS AFTER GOING TO COLLEGE.iNEED PRAYERS AND HELP AND CHRISTIAN ADVICE, sHARON
6 - Dennis
I love this album, and I love his book. His second album "Stronger" should be out this Fall :) hopefully his songwriting has improved