On October 16, nu-metal legends Korn took over Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre in an electrifying performance, thrilling fans with a night of raw energy and sonic intensity. Sharing the stage with dynamic openers Gojira and Spiritbox, Korn delivered a set that celebrated their nearly three-decade career while showcasing the timelessness of their music.
Kicking off the night with the thunderous track “Here to Stay,” Korn wasted no time setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable show. As the opening riffs echoed through the amphitheater, the audience erupted, welcoming the band’s gritty and unmistakable sound. “Here to Stay,” a fan favorite from their 2002 album Untouchables, served as the perfect opener, immediately immersing the crowd in the heavy atmosphere that Korn is known for.
The setlist for the evening was a mix of old classics and newer material, reflecting the band’s evolution while staying true to their roots. Following the powerful opening track, Korn launched into “Dead Bodies Everywhere,” a track from their seminal 1998 album Follow the Leader. The haunting lyrics and aggressive instrumentals further cemented the band’s ability to evoke raw emotion while keeping the audience engaged in the high-octane performance.
One of the highlights of the night came when Korn paid tribute to one of their key influences, Metallica, with a riff from “Shoots and Ladders” that seamlessly transitioned into a nod to Metallica’s “One.” This unexpected homage delighted metal fans in the audience and showcased Korn’s ability to blend their distinct style with the classic heavy metal that shaped their early sound. The bagpipe intro to “Shoots and Ladders,” played by lead vocalist Jonathan Davis, added an eerie, theatrical element to the performance, bringing the crowd into a frenzy.
Throughout the show, the chemistry between the band members was palpable. Jonathan Davis’s growling vocals were as sharp as ever, while guitarist James “Munky” Shaffer and Brian “Head” Welch unleashed punishing riffs that reverberated through the amphitheater. Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu’s bass lines thumped like a pulse driving the music forward, and drummer Ray Luzier kept the momentum going with a relentless barrage of beats.
Korn’s recent albums Requiem (2022) and Untitled (2023) also made an appearance in the setlist, with tracks like “Start the Healing” and “Forgotten” reminding fans that the band continues to push boundaries and explore new sonic territory. These songs, though newer, were met with just as much enthusiasm as the older hits, demonstrating Korn’s lasting impact on the metal genre. The band’s ability to weave together aggressive riffs and melodic hooks has kept their music fresh, proving they still have plenty to offer after nearly three decades in the game.
As the night progressed, the energy in the amphitheater only grew. Fans moshed, headbanged, and sang along to every word, fully immersed in the world that Korn had created on stage. The band’s stage presence was commanding, with elaborate lighting and visuals that enhanced the overall experience. Each song felt like a journey, with moments of introspection balanced by explosive outbursts of sound.
The encore was the climax of the night, featuring three powerful songs that left the audience begging for more. “Falling Away From Me” was the first of the encore, taking the crowd back to 1999’s Issues album. The dark, introspective track has long been a fan favorite, and hearing it live only intensified its impact. Jonathan Davis’s vocals, filled with pain and anguish, cut through the heavy instrumentation, making the song a cathartic release for both the band and the audience.
Next came “Oildale (Leave Me Alone)” from the band’s 2010 album Korn III: Remember Who You Are. The song, a reflection of Davis’s struggles with fame and personal demons, hit hard with its aggressive tone and raw lyrics. The heavy guitar work and driving rhythm section showcased Korn’s signature sound, blending nu-metal with elements of alternative rock and metalcore.
Finally, the night ended on a high note with the explosive anthem “Freak on a Leash.” The song, perhaps Korn’s most iconic track, sent the crowd into a frenzy. Fans of all ages sang along to the chorus, with many reliving the nostalgia of hearing the song for the first time in the late ’90s. “Freak on a Leash” remains a defining song of the nu-metal genre, and hearing it live was a powerful reminder of Korn’s enduring influence in the world of rock and metal.
In addition to Korn’s captivating performance, the night was bolstered by outstanding opening acts Gojira and Spiritbox. Gojira, known for their progressive and groove-laden approach to metal, delivered a powerful set that showcased their technical prowess and ability to create complex, atmospheric music. Songs like “Stranded” and “Silvera” resonated deeply with the audience, as Gojira seamlessly blended heaviness with intricate melodies.
Spiritbox, a rising force in the metal scene, kicked off the evening with an energetic set that highlighted their unique blend of metalcore, djent, and post-metal. Vocalist Courtney LaPlante’s ability to switch between haunting clean vocals and guttural screams left the audience in awe. Tracks like “Holy Roller” and “Circle With Me” demonstrated why Spiritbox is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new acts in modern metal.
Gojira at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
By the end of the night, it was clear that Korn had left an indelible mark on Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre. The band’s ability to captivate and energize a crowd after so many years in the industry is a testament to their lasting influence on the world of metal. Whether through their classic hits or their newer material, Korn continues to push the boundaries of the genre they helped define, proving that they are still a force to be reckoned with in the ever-evolving world of heavy music.
For those lucky enough to attend, the night at Fiddler’s Green was a celebration of Korn’s past, present, and future. With dynamic performances from Gojira and Spiritbox, the night was a powerful reminder of metal’s ability to bring people together through the raw emotion and unrelenting energy of live music.
