Korn’s Upcoming Album: A Heavy Return to Their Roots
Korn is hard at work on their next album, following up on their 2022 record Requiem, and the band promises it’s going to be one of their heaviest albums in years. According to guitarist Brian “Head” Welch, the band is pushing themselves creatively and sonically, going back to their roots while adding a modern twist. Korn’s fans have a lot to look forward to, as this new effort seems poised to deliver the raw intensity that made the band a defining force in nu-metal.
The Drive for Something Bigger and Better
In a recent interview with WSOU 89.5 FM, Welch gave fans insight into the recording process and the band’s current mindset. He described how the band has been intensely focused on their sound, exploring new tones and techniques. Welch admitted that while he’s proud of Korn’s last few albums, there’s a sense that the band could surpass what they’ve done in terms of their sonic impact.
“We’re passionately and intensely working on new music,” Welch said. “We’re a little bit behind, but we’ve been digging deep into sounds, tones, and miking techniques. I love the songs we’ve done in the past decade, but something inside me feels like we could beat the tones.”
Korn has always been known for their innovative sound, mixing heavy guitars with eerie electronics and haunting vocal effects. Welch noted that this time around, the band is paying extra attention to the sonic texture of their music. They’re taking time to “dissect” their sound, looking back at how they made music in the early days of the band’s career, particularly their iconic self-titled debut from 1994.
A Vintage Feel with a Modern Twist
One of the key aspects of the new album is its balance between the old and the new. Welch revealed that Korn is aiming for a “vintage” feel while incorporating modern elements to keep the music fresh and exciting. “We really want to remember where we came from and how we did it back then, but with a modern twist,” he explained. This blend of old-school Korn with updated production values is sure to appeal to both long-time fans and newer listeners.
The band has also taken complete control of the production process, with no record label influencing their creative decisions. This independence has given them the freedom to experiment and spend more time perfecting their sound, which is why Welch believes this new material will stand out. “We’re spending a lot more money [laughs], and we don’t have any record label involved, so it’s all coming from us,” he said.
Heavier Than Ever
Welch’s excitement about the new album was palpable during the interview. He went as far as to say that the upcoming release will feature the heaviest Korn material in years, possibly influenced by the band’s revisiting of their 1994 self-titled debut for recent live shows. Korn’s early music is known for its raw aggression, and it seems that they’re tapping back into that energy.
“I think it’s the best and heaviest Korn stuff in years,” Welch revealed. “It’s gonna be raw and just kind of more basic, as far as sound and recording and everything.” For fans who fell in love with Korn’s early work, this return to a simpler, more primal sound will be a welcome development. Welch emphasized that the band is incredibly pleased with where they are in the recording process, and frontman Jonathan Davis has been highly involved every step of the way.
The Chemistry in the Studio
Welch also highlighted the chemistry between the band members during the recording of this new album, stating that they are closer than ever in the studio. He noted that Davis, in particular, has been present for every day of the recording sessions, showing a level of dedication that speaks to how important this new project is for the band.
This unity within the group could be one of the reasons why the new material feels so powerful. Korn has been through various ups and downs over the years, with lineup changes and personal struggles, but it seems that they are now operating as a cohesive unit, focused on creating the best possible album.
Korn’s Upcoming Tour with Gojira and Spiritbox
While fans eagerly await the new album, Korn is also gearing up for an extensive North American tour, set to kick off in September 2023. The band will be sharing the stage with French metal giants Gojira and rising metal act Spiritbox, two groups known for their heavy, dynamic sound. This tour is likely to be a massive event for metal fans, especially with Korn hinting at playing new material live.
Here are the tour dates:
- 9/12 Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
- 9/14 West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
- 9/16 Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
- 9/18 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
- 9/20 Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
- 9/21 Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
- 9/23 Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
- 9/25 Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
- 9/27 Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
- 9/28 Chicago, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
- 9/29 Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life
- 10/2 Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
- 10/3 Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
- 10/5 Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium (with Evanescence, Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway, and Vended)
- 10/6 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
- 10/8 Portland, OR – Moda Center
- 10/10 Tacoma, WA – Tacoma Dome
- 10/12 Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheatre
- 10/13 Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center
- 10/16 Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
- 10/18 Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
- 10/20 Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
- 10/21 San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center
- 10/23 Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
- 10/25 Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center
- 10/27 St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
With such an exciting lineup, this tour promises to be a highlight of the fall for metal fans across North America.
What’s Next for Korn?
As Korn continues to refine their sound and push the boundaries of what they can achieve musically, fans are eagerly anticipating the release of their next album. If Welch’s enthusiasm is any indication, this new record could be one of the band’s best in years, blending the raw intensity of their early work with modern production techniques.
Korn has always been a band that evolves while staying true to their roots, and it seems that this new album will be no exception. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their music, it’s clear that Korn is far from done making waves in the metal world. As Welch said, “We’re very, very pleased with where we’re at right now,” and that’s a good sign for what’s to come.
