Issues

Released in late 1999, Issues saw Korn collaborating with producer Brendan O'Brien to refine their sound into something more streamlined and atmospheric. Following the massive commercial success of Follow the Leader, the band pivoted away from guest features and hip-hop flourishes, opting for a darker, more cohesive aesthetic. The album is notable for its use of short, experimental interludes like '4 U' and 'It's Gonna Go Away,' which give the record a conceptual, almost progressive feel. Sonically, it is defined by the interplay between Fieldy's percussive, clicky bass and the textured, effects-heavy guitar work of Head and Munky. Upon release, it famously beat Dr. Dre's 2001 to the top of the Billboard charts, signaling the peak of nu metal's cultural dominance. Critics at AllMusic noted its shift toward a more mature, albeit still tortured, songwriting style that favored mood over shock value.