S.C.I.E.N.C.E.

Released in 1997, S.C.I.E.N.C.E. is the second studio album by Incubus and their major-label debut on Epic/Immortal. It represents the peak of their 'funk-metal' phase, characterized by Mike Einziger's versatile guitar work and the prominent role of DJ Lyfe. The recording process was marked by the band's upgrade to professional equipment, including Einziger's shift to PRS guitars, which provided the thick, articulate tone found on tracks like 'New Skin'. Sonically, the album is a outlier in the nu-metal era, incorporating elements of jazz, trip-hop, and drum-and-bass that set them apart from more monochromatic peers like Korn. Critical reception was generally positive, with AllMusic noting its 'admirable' ambition and Sputnik Music later praising its technical complexity. It remains a fan favorite for its raw energy and serves as the final appearance of DJ Lyfe before the band moved toward a more atmospheric, alt-rock sound with 1999's Make Yourself.