On Monday, October 21, the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio became the epicenter of rock as Korn, one of the most influential bands in the nu-metal genre, took the stage for a performance that electrified the crowd.
The Grammy-winning group, known for their raw energy and powerful live shows, delivered an unforgettable experience, sharing the stage with special guests Gojira and Spiritbox. The night was a metalhead’s dream, filled with aggressive riffs, deep grooves, and the kind of sonic intensity that has made Korn a household name in rock for nearly three decades.
Korn’s ongoing tour, which kicked off on September 12 in celebration of their 30th anniversary, has been a monumental occasion for fans of the band. The tour will wrap up on October 27, bringing to an end a North American journey that has thrilled audiences from coast to coast. Since their self-titled debut album dropped in 1994, Korn has been synonymous with the nu-metal movement, blending elements of heavy metal, alternative, and even hip-hop to create a sound that’s both unique and enduring.
San Antonio’s metal community showed up in full force at the Frost Bank Center, packing the arena to witness Korn in all their glory. Fans were visibly ecstatic, from the first riff to the final encore. MySA was on the ground capturing every moment, as the band played some of their biggest hits, including “Falling Away From Me,” “Freak on a Leash,” “Coming Undone,” and the timeless classic “Blind.”
The Power of Korn Live
There’s something almost primal about Korn’s live performances. Their music, filled with dark, introspective lyrics and thunderous rhythms, connects deeply with fans. Lead singer Jonathan Davis is a master of intensity, pouring emotion into every lyric and scream, while the rest of the band, including guitarists James “Munky” Shaffer and Brian “Head” Welch, bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu, and drummer Ray Luzier, create a wall of sound that’s as crushing as it is captivating.
The energy in the Frost Bank Center was palpable from the moment Korn took the stage. Opening with the iconic track “Blind” from their debut album, the band immediately had the crowd in the palm of their hand. The song’s thunderous opening riff sent a shockwave through the audience, and when Davis’ guttural scream of “Are you ready?” rang out, the entire arena erupted in unison.
A Setlist for the Ages
Korn didn’t disappoint in terms of their setlist, delivering a mix of old and new tracks that showcased their impressive discography. Songs like “Freak on a Leash” and “Coming Undone” sent waves of nostalgia through the crowd, while tracks from their more recent albums proved the band hasn’t lost their edge. Every song was met with massive cheers, and fans sang along with Davis’ haunting vocals, especially during the choruses of fan-favorites.
“Falling Away From Me” was another highlight of the evening. The track, with its eerie intro and crushing breakdowns, is a quintessential Korn song, blending the band’s signature sound with introspective lyrics about mental health struggles. The crowd’s reaction was intense, as fans swayed, screamed, and headbanged along to the pulsating beat.
The Crowd Goes Wild
If there’s one thing Korn excels at, it’s creating a visceral live experience that fully engages the crowd. The mosh pits were relentless, with fans thrashing in time to the heavy riffs and breakdowns. Crowd surfers made their way toward the front of the stage, and hands were constantly in the air, giving the band a sea of energy to feed off of.
But it wasn’t just the heavy moments that resonated with the crowd. Korn has always had a knack for creating emotionally charged songs, and when they played more somber tracks, the audience became a sea of swaying bodies, fully immersed in the emotion of the music. Davis’ vulnerability in these moments only deepened the connection between the band and the fans.
The Supporting Acts: Gojira and Spiritbox
While Korn was undoubtedly the main event, their supporting acts, Gojira and Spiritbox, made sure the night was packed with relentless metal from start to finish. Gojira, the French heavy metal juggernauts, delivered a set that was both ferocious and technically brilliant. Known for their environmental activism and progressive metal sound, Gojira performed songs from their critically acclaimed albums, including 2021’s Fortitude. Their heavy riffs, complex rhythms, and melodic undertones were met with roaring approval from the San Antonio crowd.
Spiritbox, a relatively new band on the metal scene, also made a huge impact with their performance. Fronted by the powerhouse vocalist Courtney LaPlante, Spiritbox brought a modern, fresh energy to the night. Their blend of metalcore, djent, and atmospheric elements created a captivating contrast to the other bands, and they’re quickly becoming a favorite among metal fans. Their track “Holy Roller” was a standout moment, drawing massive cheers and setting the tone for the night’s heavier offerings.
Korn’s tour with special guests Gojira & Spiritbox performed at the Frost Bank Center on Monday, October 21
Korn’s tour with special guests Gojira & Spiritbox performed at the Frost Bank Center on Monday, October 21
Korn’s Legacy and What’s Next
As Korn’s North American tour nears its end, it’s clear that the band’s legacy in rock is as strong as ever. Thirty years into their career, Korn remains at the forefront of the metal scene, consistently drawing huge crowds and delivering high-energy performances that leave fans exhausted but elated. Their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots is a testament to their talent and dedication.
San Antonio’s show was a perfect example of why Korn has maintained such a loyal fanbase for so long. The band’s ability to tap into raw emotion, coupled with their powerful stage presence, creates an atmosphere that’s hard to replicate. And with no signs of slowing down, fans can rest assured that Korn will continue to dominate stages around the world for years to come.
As the lights came up at the Frost Bank Center and the final notes of “Freak on a Leash” echoed through the arena, it was clear that Korn had once again left a lasting impression on their fans. The night was a celebration of all things heavy, and for those lucky enough to witness it, it’s an experience that won’t soon be forgotten.
Korn’s 30th-anniversary tour is winding down, but the memories created at the San Antonio show will undoubtedly live on for years, as the band continues to cement their place in rock history.
