The $3,000,000 Rock Album That Pushed Nu Metal to Its Sonic Limit
In short: In 2002, Korn released Untouchables, a record defined by its staggering three-million-dollar production budget and obsessive technical precision. From renting multiple houses for the band to spending a month perfecting drum sounds, the project became a monument to excess, marking both a creative pinnacle and a cautionary tale for the industry.
Korn began writing their fifth studio album in early 2001, seeking a change of scenery in Scottsdale, Arizona, to alleviate internal tensions. Despite the relocation, hostility persisted among the band members, who even considered firing bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu due to his struggles with drug abuse. This atmosphere of friction followed them back to Los Angeles, where they recorded at Conway Studios and The Village. The production was helmed by Michael Beinhorn, who aimed to create a sonic masterpiece that could never be replicated. The process was grueling; Jonathan Davis spent nearly six months on vocals alone, often being sent home by Beinhorn if his performance did not meet the producer's exacting standards.
The album's technical ambition was unprecedented, becoming the first to be recorded in 96 kHz digital sound. The recording process was famously meticulous, with 50 microphones tested and placed on the drum kit alone. This pursuit of perfection came at a massive cost. The band kept a 15-person crew on retainer for nearly two years, and their living expenses included renting five houses in Phoenix for $10,000 each over four months, followed by similar arrangements in Los Angeles, plus an $8,000-a-week rental in Canada. These factors contributed to a total estimated production cost of $3,000,000, making it the 9th most expensive album ever produced.
Released on June 11, 2002, Untouchables debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling over 495,000 copies in its first week. While it was certified platinum within a month, sales eventually slowed, which Davis attributed to the album leaking onto file-sharing websites two months before its official launch. Despite the commercial challenges, the album received generally favorable reviews, holding the title of Korn's most critically acclaimed work for 17 years until 2019. Today, it is viewed by some critics, including those at Metal Hammer, as the band's greatest achievement, representing a unique moment where extreme financial investment met uncompromising artistic vision.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Untouchables (album)
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