"Untouchables" is the fifth studio album by American nu metal band Korn, released on June 11, 2002. The album shows the band experimenting with various genres and bringing in a more melodic sound, with influences ranging from industrial and gothic rock to techno. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 434,000 copies in its first week, and has since been certified platinum, indicating over one million copies sold.
Creating "Untouchables" took nearly two years, longer than any of Korn's previous releases. The band worked with noted producers Michael Beinhorn and Jonathan Davis in separate locations: Beinhorn was at The Village Recording Studios in Los Angeles while Davis recorded vocals in Phoenix, Arizona. This was done so Davis could be closer to his family.
Korn teamed up with electronica producers the Crystal Method for the song "Play Me," featuring rapper Nas. Other famous contributors to the album include electronic music producer Atticus Ross and composer Richard Gibbs. The album's standout tracks include hits like "Here To Stay," which earned the band a Grammy for Best Metal Performance in 2003, and "Thoughtless", which also gained substantial airplay.
Critics have hailed "Untouchables" as one of Korn's best albums, citing its innovative sound and thought-provoking lyrics. However, the band later expressed disappointment with how expensive the production of the album was, leading them to adopt a more streamlined approach in subsequent releases. Despite this, the album continues to be a highlight in Korn's discography and a testament to their musical evolution.
