"Korn" dishes up their 4th offering with "Issues" and assures us that they are indeed here to stay, with plenty of fresh ideas, the least of which is front man Jonathan Davis' interesting use of the bagpipes (and I never thought I would ever use those words together in the same sentence believe me) on the first track, "Dead." This one is an attention grabber that sets you up for some heavy hitting in the 15 tracks that follow.

Hard hitting and as heavy as ever, "Issues" is packed with quick hits like the now familiar radio candy "Falling Away From Me," with it's guitar heavy chorus and eerie synthesizer sound, and the charmingly schizophrenic "Trash." Although it is an educated guess that makes me remark that you won't be hearing "Beg for Me" on you local radio station any time soon, it jumps out of my speakers and stays with me for days. Easily my favorite song on the CD.

"Korn" combines grinding guitar, while sprinkling it liberal percussion and ultra low tone bass, so it's no wonder they are gaining more and more ground with dedicated music fans the world over. "Issues" announces to the non-believers that "Korn" is coming to convert you. And why not? With two albums confirmed double platinum, and one topping out at triple platinum, this band has proved they can deliver the hard hitting K.O. that most groups try for, but fail to deliver. What makes "Korn" so different in a jaded business where absolutely nothing is new? The use of 7 stringed guitars, and a 5 string bass for starters. Then there is the wider field of musical possibilities that opens up, such as varied chord combinations and Tritone chords. It might also be that "Korn" is not socially conscious in a time when that is "en vogue," but they have a certain relevance that seems personal to the listener. A position almost unique in the metal world.

"Issues" is a musical journey worth having, and a great introduction to the overall "Korn" experience, that goes far deeper than just another loud band.