"The Path of Totality" is the tenth studio album by the American nu-metal band Korn, released on December 6, 2011. This album marks a departure from the band's traditional sound, as it incorporates elements of electronic music, particularly dubstep, a subgenre characterized by its heavy use of bass and electronic beats.
The album is noteworthy for its collaborations with several prominent electronic music producers, including Skrillex, Excision, Datsik, Noisia, and 12th Planet. Skrillex, in particular, contributed significantly to the album, and his influence is evident on tracks like "Get Up!" and "Narcissistic Cannibal," which became notable singles.
The incorporation of electronic music added a new dimension to Korn's sound, blending the band's signature heavy guitar riffs and Jonathan Davis's distinctive vocals with the aggressive bass and frantic tempos of dubstep. This fusion was met with mixed reviews, with some praising the innovation while others were more critical of the departure from Korn's core style.
"The Path of Totality" reflects a period of experimentation for Korn, as they sought to explore new musical directions and expand their sound. The album title refers to the moon completely covering the sun, an analogy for the band's effort to eclipse their previous work and create something completely different.
The album received a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for the track "Get Up!" showcasing its impact and the successful integration of electronic elements into their music. Despite differing opinions from fans and critics, "The Path of Totality" stands as a bold and creative step in Korn's discography.
