Korn
Biography
Korn is an American nu-metal band formed in Bakersfield, California, in 1993. The band is credited with pioneering and popularizing the nu-metal genre. The original lineup consisted of Jonathan Davis (vocals), James "Munky" Shaffer (guitar), Brian "Head" Welch (guitar), Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu (bass), and David Silveria (drums). The band's current lineup includes Shaffer, Arvizu, Welch, Davis, and drummer Ray Luzier, who replaced Silveria in 2007.
Formation and Early Years
Before Korn, Munky, Fieldy, and David Silveria were in a band called L.A.P.D. After that group disbanded, they recruited guitarist Brian "Head" Welch and started a new band called Creep. In early 1993, they were impressed by vocalist Jonathan Davis after seeing his band Sexart perform and asked him to join. Initially hesitant, Davis eventually agreed, and the band changed their name to Korn. They released a demo tape, Neidermayer's Mind, in 1993.
Rise to Fame and Mainstream Success
Korn released their self-titled debut album in 1994. The album, with its raw energy and dark, introspective lyrics, is widely considered to have started the new wave of metal. Their sophomore album, Life Is Peachy (1996), achieved further recognition and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart. The band's mainstream breakthrough came with their third album, Follow the Leader (1998), which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. This album featured hit singles like "Got the Life" and "Freak on a Leash," which gained heavy rotation on MTV. Their next album, Issues (1999), also debuted at number one, solidifying their status as one of the biggest bands in the world.
Musical Style and Legacy
Korn's sound is characterized by a blend of heavy, down-tuned guitar riffs, hip-hop and funk-influenced rhythms, and dark, emotional lyrics. Jonathan Davis's unique vocal style, ranging from whispers to guttural screams, and his use of bagpipes in some songs, became a hallmark of the band's sound. They are credited with pioneering the nu-metal genre, which fuses elements of heavy metal with genres like hip-hop, grunge, and industrial music. As of 2021, Korn has sold over 40 million records worldwide and has won two Grammy Awards.
Later Career and Lineup Changes
The band continued their success into the 2000s with albums like Untouchables (2002) and Take a Look in the Mirror (2003). In 2005, guitarist Brian "Head" Welch left the band to focus on his personal life and faith, a significant moment in the band's history. The following year, original drummer David Silveria also departed. Ray Luzier joined as the new drummer in 2007. The band experimented with their sound on subsequent albums, including an untitled album in 2007 and The Path of Totality (2011), which incorporated electronic music. Welch rejoined Korn in 2013, marking a new chapter for the band. They have continued to release albums, including The Serenity of Suffering (2016), The Nothing (2019), and Requiem (2022).
Discography Highlights
Studio Albums
- Korn (1994)
- Life Is Peachy (1996)
- Follow the Leader (1998)
- Issues (1999)
- Untouchables (2002)
- Take a Look in the Mirror (2003)
- See You on the Other Side (2005)
- Untitled album (2007)
- Korn III: Remember Who You Are (2010)
- The Path of Totality (2011)
- The Paradigm Shift (2013)
- The Serenity of Suffering (2016)
- The Nothing (2019)
- Requiem (2022)