Save Me from Myself

It's 2008, and by now just about everyone in tune with the rock world has heard of Brian "Head" Welch's change of lifestyle nearly three years ago. Welch left his hit band Korn behind because of personal reasons and was able to kick a drug addiction with the help of God and Christianity. He decided to continue with music of his own (with well-traveled Josh Freese on drums). Not quite succumbing to stereotypical Christian style, his songs have intensities ranging from spirituality to anger. They are actually edgier and darker than those of Korn. God had told him to let out his aggression, and that's precisely what he has done in his first solo attempt, Save Me from Myself. His autobiography of the same title is worth reading bearing in mind it came to fruition first and this album is a soundtrack of sorts, much like Nikki Sixx's Heroin Diaries. Reading the book and then listening to the music will provide a better understanding of the album's messages.

Save Me from Myself isn't preachy, though. It's a collection of stories and messages with regards to Welch's interactions with others and personal thoughts and habits. This might be an album that takes a few spins to truly appreciate, but even not having read the book it easily remains enjoyable. The layers of programming make a thorough sound and mesh well with the guitars, obviously Welch's bread and butter. Songs such as "Flush," "Re-Bel," and "Save Me from Myself" center on negativities like drugs, alcoholism, and depression. Songs such as "Die Religion Die," "Adonai," and "Washed by Blood" center on religion and Christianity. The lyrical composition is anything but lacking - it's arguably the strongest aspect, and rightfully so considering the genuine essence. There really isn't anything unimpressive, other than the vocals perhaps being slightly better than tolerable.

Brian "Head" Welch wasn't joking when he said he expected to inspire people.

Too many listeners discredit and discount artists from the metal genre. You'll never see a nu-metal track nominated for an Oscar, and it's unlikely that you'll see an album win a Grammy for Album of the Year, but "Save Me From Myself" is proof that you can't just replace a guitarist in a successful band and expect the quality to remain consistent. There has been a definite letdown with Korn's last two albums, and while the remaining members have done a decent job with their own individual skill set, there's a reason why Korn was so amazing before Head left. His contribution cannot be overlooked, and his first solo album is proof that he has a lot left to offer.

No one will confuse these lyrics with pure poetry, but they're nothing to be ashamed of either. Head's message is positive and to the point yet he avoids being preachy. You won't feel like running outside and hugging a tree yet you'll be intrigued just enough to want more.

It's the music that makes a difference. These days it's far too simple to sound like everyone else, yet Head finds ways to express his thoughts in unique ways. This is the element now lacking from the efforts of his former colleagues, and it demonstrates how important it is to run on all five cylinders. Sure, we'd all love to heard JD belt out these lyrics, but that was then and this is now. I rate an album by how long it remains in the must-play rotation, and so far, this has withstood the test of time.

I was worried about this project. I applauded Head's bravery in publicly announcing his salvation and quitting Korn and embarking on a solo career, but honestly how could his little ship compare to Korn's battlecruiser? I happily discovered not only were my fears unfounded, but this album out-Korn's Korn entire post-Issues catalog.

The sound is decidedly nu-metal, which in this day of blastbeats and neo-shredders can sound a bit dated and bland. However, I grew up in the Korn Reich and hearing the perfect realization of Korn's sonic dream is like coming home to Mom's country cooking after a long journey abroad. In fact, the only complaint is it might be too similar to Korn, but Head shows that he was the core of their sound and he isn't stealing from anyone since it's his to begin with. Rumbling, ultra-low guitars, demented lullaby-ish hooks, melancholy atmosphere, moaned, whispered, sung, growled, screamed vocals- it's all here. Head has his own vocal style but sometimes he sounds eerily close to Davis' creepy delivery. These songs, while powerful and thunderous, almost beg for Davis' vocals and Munky's bouncing bass-percussion, but we'll wait for them to get saved another day :-). The songs range from bleak, heavily-industrialized nu-doom to seething mosh-anthems. "Die Religion Die," despite it's cheesy title, boils with venom and rage (particularly in the obligatory breakdown with "DIIIEEE! DIE! DIE!" Honestly, is there any English word that is more metal?) The entire album is bathed in atmospherics, utilizing synths, children's choruses, and orchestration.

The lyrics are intensely personal and at time simplistic, but you can tell instantly that this is an album from the heart. Nearly half of the songs are written from God's perspective and while the rhymes can be juvenile, the message is clear and forceful. No complext metaphors, no conceptual tales, yet no condescending preaching either. Make no mistake, Head is clearly trying to steer people to Jesus but his words speak from painful experience rather than a lofty pulpit.

If this album had been released by Korn, it would be praised in the same breath as "Life is Peachy" and "Follow the Leader." As it stands, "Save Me From Myself" is the best nu-metal album to come out in years and it is a breath of fresh air in the hard rock world. It's not a Christian album- it's an album written by a Christian but it stands toe-to-toe with all the mainstream releases out there. And Head is more than qualified to carry the banner. After all, he is one of the O.G.'s of modern metal and it's nice to see one of them wake up.