There is no denying that Korn has been a massively influential band for decades. Many metalfans have grown up with their tunes and some of their tracks are absolute classics. While not all of their recent albums have been as memorable as those from the 90’s and early 2000’s, they’ve continued to deliver quality release after quality release. Whenever these guys are back with another collection of new music, plenty of people will be pretty excited about it. With ‘Requiem‘ they’ve gotten to their 14th full-length and looking at what they’ve been telling the world about what to expect of the album, this is one we’ve been looking forward to for a while now!

From beginning to end this album proves that Korn knows where they came from and where they want to be now. As the nine songs of the album play you go from songs that make you flashback to the “Falling Away From Me” era while being introduced to modern twists. We must not leave out the fact that Jonathan Davis even throws in some of his signature gibberish vocals in the very last song “Worst Is On It’s Way” which was a nice surprise to hear.

Now, let’s go back to the beginning. The first track on the album is “Forgotten” which is where we first hear a hint of past Korn music, and a lot of cymbals clashing in the background. That sound always throws me off a bit but not enough to stop listening. One of my personal favorites off of “Requiem” is 3rd track and main single “Start The Healing”. The layering of vocals and being topped with a hint of earlier Korn instrumentals makes it nearly perfect. This song also has some sentiment behind it given the rough patches that Jonathan Davis has gone through the last couple of years ranging from losing his estranged wife, his mother and dealing with long term COVID. This song comes to mark the beginning of the era of healing!

Although this album only has 9 songs it packs a punch and holds your attention, which brings me to my favorite track and album closer, “The Worst It Yet To Come”. I love the vocals (especially the gibberish bits) and the overall heavy sound it has. The song comes as the end of a ‘story’ that the album tells as a whole. During this song Jonathan Davis growls “It makes me sick, but I deal with it. Set it all aside, my confidence overrides.” before a breakdown that amplifies the already intense ambiance this record holds.

One positive to recording during a worldwide pandemic is that it gives you more time to experiment in the studio and see what sounds you really want. “Requiem” gives you the sense of the tribulations that they’ve been going through. Knowing Korn‘s past and their track record of tackling the emotional aspect of things, and given everything that’s happened recently, having the time to be able to thoroughly write was needed.

Release date: February 4, 2022
Label: Loma Vista Recordings / Concord
Tracklist:

1. Forgotten
2. Let The Dark Do The Rest
3. Start The Healing
4. Lost In The Grandeur
5. Disconnect
6. Hopeless And Beaten
7. Penance To Sorrow
8. My Confession
9. Worst Is On Its Way