In an exciting and somewhat unexpected collaboration, Korn’s iconic frontman Jonathan Davis has teamed up with his son Nathan Davis for the new single “Dark Fantasy.”
Released under Nathan’s electronic project Hi I’m Ghost, this father-son collaboration is already making waves in both the rock and electronic music worlds. Not only does it mark a special moment in both of their careers, but it also coincides with a personal milestone for Nathan—his 29th birthday.
A Family Affair: Father and Son Unite
The collaboration between Jonathan and Nathan Davis brings a unique blend of genres together. On one hand, you have Jonathan, whose aggressive vocals and raw energy have helped make Korn one of the most influential bands in the world of nu-metal for over two decades. On the other hand, Nathan Davis, under the alias Hi I’m Ghost, has been making a name for himself in the electronic and dubstep scene. The song “Dark Fantasy” showcases their ability to merge seemingly different musical worlds—nu-metal and dubstep—into something that feels both natural and fresh.
While Korn is known for heavy riffs, growling vocals, and emotional intensity, Nathan’s work as Hi I’m Ghost has focused more on the intensity and atmosphere of electronic music, particularly the darker side of dubstep. Combining these elements in Dark Fantasy results in a track that is simultaneously eerie, aggressive, and atmospheric. As the title suggests, the song delves into dark, twisted themes that are typical of Jonathan Davis’ lyrical work, while also embracing the chaotic energy and bass-driven nature of dubstep.
A Celebration of Nathan’s 29th Birthday
One of the most heartwarming aspects of this collaboration is that the song marks Nathan’s 29th birthday. It’s not often that father-son collaborations happen in the music industry, especially when both artists come from such different musical backgrounds. But for Jonathan and Nathan, this collaboration is a testament to the deep bond they share, both personally and artistically.
In a social media post celebrating the release of “Dark Fantasy,” Nathan encouraged fans to stream the song “100 times,” playfully acknowledging that this collaboration is a special occasion. Describing the track as “dad & son dubstep,” Nathan emphasized the wholesome nature of their working relationship. However, as the title Dark Fantasy suggests, the song itself is anything but wholesome. It’s a dark, heavy track that captures the best of both artists’ worlds.
A Long Time Coming: Fans Anticipated the Collaboration
This collaboration has been in the works for quite some time. In fact, fans have been speculating about it for over a year. During a Reddit AMA session in 2022, Nathan was asked whether he would ever feature his father on one of his tracks. In response to a question asking, “Would you have your dad do some vocals for a song you want to make? If so, that would be so sick,” Nathan replied, “Maybe when I do an album :).”
Fans were quick to latch onto this, and the idea of a father-son musical collaboration became a topic of discussion within both the Korn fanbase and the Hi I’m Ghost community. The long wait is now over, and “Dark Fantasy” is not only a fulfillment of those hopes but also a tantalizing hint that more may be on the way. Nathan’s cryptic suggestion of an album has left fans wondering whether this collaboration is just a taste of what’s to come.
The Sound of Dark Fantasy
Musically, Dark Fantasy is a fusion of Jonathan’s signature vocal style and Nathan’s production prowess. The track opens with an eerie, atmospheric intro that quickly builds into a haunting soundscape. Jonathan’s distinctive, guttural voice pierces through the electronic beats, bringing a level of intensity that fans of Korn will immediately recognize.
The song’s structure is driven by the heavy, bass-laden drops typical of dubstep, but Jonathan’s presence gives it a gritty, visceral edge. His vocals add an extra layer of emotional depth, grounding the track in a sense of raw human experience that often defines Korn’s music. Meanwhile, Nathan’s production pushes the boundaries of electronic music, creating a sonic landscape that feels both alien and familiar.
The juxtaposition of these two styles—Jonathan’s raw, primal energy and Nathan’s polished, futuristic beats—creates a track that stands out in both the rock and electronic music spheres. The dark, brooding atmosphere of Dark Fantasy is fitting given the song’s title, and its intense, almost cinematic quality makes it a compelling listen for fans of both genres.
A Personal and Professional Milestone
For Jonathan Davis, this collaboration is a meaningful personal milestone. While Korn remains one of the most influential bands in the world, Jonathan’s decision to step into his son’s musical world is a powerful statement about the importance of family and artistic expression. It’s clear that this collaboration is more than just a one-off project—it’s a celebration of their relationship and a demonstration of how creativity can bring people closer together.
For Nathan, collaborating with his father on such an important track represents a culmination of years of hard work in the electronic music scene. Though Nathan has established himself as a talented producer with his Hi I’m Ghost project, having the opportunity to work with his father undoubtedly adds another layer of significance to his musical journey. It also puts Hi I’m Ghost in the spotlight in a way that could bring even more attention to his work.
The Future: Could There Be an Album?
With the release of Dark Fantasy, one question remains on many fans’ minds: could there be more collaborations in the future? Given Nathan’s hint during the Reddit AMA about potentially featuring Jonathan on an album, there’s reason to believe that this track may not be the last time we hear father and son working together.
An entire album featuring Jonathan Davis on vocals alongside Nathan’s electronic production would undoubtedly be a unique and groundbreaking project. It would represent a fusion of genres rarely seen in the music industry, and it could potentially attract fans from both the rock and electronic worlds. Whether this album materializes or not, the success of Dark Fantasy shows that there is a deep well of creative potential between the two.
So: A Powerful Collaboration
The collaboration between Jonathan and Nathan Davis on Dark Fantasy is more than just a father and son working together—it’s a blending of two distinct musical styles and two different generations of artistry. For fans of Korn, this is a rare opportunity to see their favorite frontman in a new light, experimenting with a genre that is worlds apart from the nu-metal that made him famous. For fans of Hi I’m Ghost, it’s a chance to experience Nathan’s music at a new level of intensity and emotion, thanks to his father’s unmistakable voice.
As the song continues to gain traction, it’s clear that Dark Fantasy has resonated with listeners from both fanbases. Whether or not this collaboration leads to more music, one thing is certain: Jonathan and Nathan Davis have created something special with Dark Fantasy, and it has left fans eager to see what they do next. The track not only celebrates Nathan’s 29th birthday, but it also serves as a reminder of the powerful connection between family and art—especially when that family happens to include two incredibly talented musicians.
