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Band Timeline
1993
Formation and Early Days of Korn
Korn was formed in 1993 in Bakersfield, California. The original band members were James "Munky" Shaffer (guitar), Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu (bass), David Silveria (drums), along with new members Brian "Head" Welch (guitar) and Jonathan Davis (vocals). The founding members transitioned from their previous band, L.A.P.D., and briefly went by the name Creep. The band's name, Korn, was uniquely stylized with a "K" and a backwards "R" inspired by the Toys R Us logo, symbolizing their distinct identity. They recorded a demo tape called Neidermayer's Mind, distributing it freely to record companies and listeners to garner interest.
1994
Debut Album Release: Korn
Korn released their self-titled debut album on October 11, 1994, through Immortal and Epic Records. This album was key in pioneering the nu metal genre and included themes of child abuse, drug abuse, and bullying. Produced by Ross Robinson, the album was recorded at Indigo Ranch Studios in Malibu, California. The first single "Blind" gained considerable attention. The album was commercially successful, peaking at number 72 on the Billboard 200 and reaching top 10 in New Zealand, eventually going multi-platinum with over two million copies sold in the United States. Korn's unique sound began to attract a dedicated following and marked their breakthrough into the music scene.
1996
Second Album: Life Is Peachy
In 1996, Korn released their second album, Life Is Peachy, which marked their commercial breakthrough and further defined their signature nu metal sound. The album helped solidify the band's place in the metal and rock scenes, showcasing aggressive riffs and emotionally intense lyrics. Life Is Peachy built upon the momentum from their debut, gaining wider recognition and strengthening their fan base. The album’s styling and energy were crucial in propelling Korn into mainstream awareness and setting the stage for the band's subsequent success.
1998
Mainstream Success with Follow the Leader
Korn achieved significant mainstream success with their third studio album, Follow the Leader, released in 1998. This album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and featured singles that received heavy rotation on MTV and radio, such as "Freak on a Leash" and "Got the Life." The band’s blend of metal with hip-hop elements appealed to a broad audience, and the album's success catapulted them into international stardom. Follow the Leader is widely regarded as a landmark album in nu metal and established Korn as a dominant force in the genre.
1999
Issues Album Tops Charts
In 1999, Korn released Issues, their fourth studio album, which also debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, confirming the band's sustained commercial success. Issues continued the band's exploration of dark themes and featured polished production, maximizing their sound’s intensity and melodic elements. The album maintained the momentum of Follow the Leader with hits like "Falling Away from Me" and helped Korn secure their reputation as one of the most influential nu metal bands of their era. Issues was an essential release solidifying Korn’s mainstream dominance.
2002
Untouchables Release
Untouchables, Korn’s fifth studio album, was released in 2002. The album was notable for its high production values and for debuting at number two on the Billboard 200. It continued to showcase Korn’s signature blend of metal and experimental sounds. Untouchables was the culmination of a period characterized by intense touring and production efforts, and despite mixed critical reception, it was commercially successful and demonstrated the band’s willingness to evolve their sound while retaining the core elements fans appreciated.
2003
Take a Look in the Mirror Album
The 2003 release of Take a Look in the Mirror saw Korn returning to a more raw and aggressive sound reminiscent of their earlier work. This was their sixth studio album and reflected the band’s response to the changing music landscape and their desire to reconnect with the core metal audience. The album featured heavier riffs and themes that connected deeply with fans. It also continued their legacy of chart success and sustained their presence in the nu metal forefront.
2004
Greatest Hits Vol. 1 and Contract Conclusion
In 2004, Korn released Greatest Hits Vol. 1, a compilation album encompassing a decade's worth of their singles and notable tracks. This album marked the end of Korn's recording contract with Immortal Records and Epic Records. The release encapsulated the band’s significant contributions to the nu metal genre and commercial rock, providing fans with a comprehensive retrospective. It showcased the band's evolution and solidified their catalog’s impact in the metal community. This milestone also foreshadowed their forthcoming transition to new label partnerships.
2005
Signing to Virgin Records and See You on the Other Side
Korn signed with Virgin Records in 2005 and released See You on the Other Side. This album represented a fresh phase for the band, featuring collaborations with producers like The Matrix and incorporating experimental sounds including elements of electronic music. See You on the Other Side was a commercial success, continuing the band's legacy of innovation within the nu metal genre. It also marked the beginning of strategic partnerships that would influence Korn's sound and production style in subsequent years.
2007
Lineup Change and Untitled Album
In 2007, Korn underwent a significant lineup change with drummer David Silveria departing and Ray Luzier joining as the new drummer. The band also released an untitled album this year, continuing their evolution and experimentation musically. Luzier’s addition brought a fresh dynamic to the band’s rhythm section, contributing to their energetic live performances and recordings. The untitled album received mixed reviews but maintained the band's core sound while exploring new directions, showing Korn's resilience and adaptability.
2010
Korn III: Remember Who You Are
Korn released Korn III: Remember Who You Are in 2010, an album that aimed to recapture the raw energy and essence of their earlier works. It was released through Roadrunner Records and represented a conscious effort to return to the band’s nu metal roots. The album combined aggressive riffs and emotional vocals, resonating strongly with longtime fans. This release marked a reinvigoration for Korn, emphasizing their foundational style while reaffirming their lasting presence in metal music.
2011
The Path of Totality and Genre Fusion
In 2011, Korn released The Path of Totality, a groundbreaking album that blended their nu metal sound with electronic dance music and dubstep influences. Collaborating with artists like Skrillex and Excision, Korn expanded their musical boundaries and reached a new audience. The album was both experimental and commercially successful, showcasing the band’s commitment to innovation and willingness to evolve stylistically. The Path of Totality demonstrated Korn’s versatility and helped bridge metal with emerging electronic music trends.
2013
The Paradigm Shift Album
The Paradigm Shift came out in 2013, continuing the band's momentum and featuring the return of guitarist Brian "Head" Welch after a hiatus. This album was notable for blending Korn’s traditional sound with contemporary metal influences. Released via Prospect Park and Caroline Records, The Paradigm Shift marked a reunion that energized the band’s dynamic. The release was well received, reflecting personal and musical growth and reinforcing Korn's status as leaders in the evolving metal genre.
2016
Return to Roadrunner Records with The Serenity of Suffering
Korn returned to Roadrunner Records in 2016 and released The Serenity of Suffering, an album praised for its heavy sound and emotional depth. It reinforced Korn’s position in the metal scene by combining the aggression of their earlier work with mature songwriting and production. The album was a commercial success, resonating with both old and new fans. The Serenity of Suffering demonstrated Korn's ability to stay relevant and influential across decades in a competitive music industry.
2019
Release of The Nothing Album
The Nothing was released on September 13, 2019, continuing Korn’s trend of producing emotionally charged, heavy music. The album dealt with themes of loss and personal struggle, reflecting frontman Jonathan Davis’s experiences. It was critically acclaimed for its intensity and sincerity, showcasing the band’s evolution into deeper, introspective songwriting while maintaining their signature sound. The Nothing further cemented Korn's legacy as consistent innovators and stalwarts of nu metal and alternative metal genres.
2022
Latest Release: Requiem
Korn released their latest album, Requiem, on February 4, 2022 via Loma Vista Recordings. This release marked another chapter in their long and influential career, featuring their characteristic heavy sound combined with modern production styles. Requiem was received positively, exemplifying Korn’s ongoing relevance in the metal music landscape. The album reinforced the band’s reputation for evolving while staying true to the core elements that have defined their sound since the early 1990s.
Albums
Korn
12 tracks
1994
Life Is Peachy
14 tracks
1996
Follow the Leader
25 tracks
1998
Issues
16 tracks
1999
Untouchables
15 tracks
2002
Take a Look in the Mirror
13 tracks
2003
See You on the Other Side
14 tracks
2005
[untitled]
7 tracks
2007
Korn III: Remember Who You Are
15 tracks
2010
The Path of Totality
13 tracks
2011
The Paradigm Shift
11 tracks
2013
The Serenity of Suffering
13 tracks
2016
The Nothing
13 tracks
2019
Requiem
9 tracks
2022
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
C‐Minus
N/A
Turntable
Fieldy
1993
Munky
1993
Davey Oberlin
N/A
Additional
Keyboard
Head
2013
Electric guitar
Ray Luzier
2009
Additional
Kalen Chase
N/A
Background vocals
Additional
Head
2013
Background vocals
Jonathan Davis
1993
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
David Silveria
1993
2006
Head
1993
2005
Story of Korn
Korn: Pioneers of Nu Metal Fury
Korn, known for their distinctive, stylized name "KoЯn," exploded onto the music scene from Bakersfield, California in 1993, becoming the undisputed pioneers of the nu metal genre.
Born from the ashes of L.A.P.D., the band's core lineup features founding members:
- Jonathan Davis: The haunting, guttural vocals that define Korn's sound.
- James "Munky" Shaffer: Mastermind behind the band's signature riffs and powerful guitar work.
- Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu: Laying down the heavy foundation with his ferocious bass lines.
- Brian "Head" Welch: Adding another layer of sonic aggression with his distinctive guitar style.
After Ray Luzier replaced founding drummer David Silveria in 2007, the band's current lineup is solidified, delivering a relentless, raw energy that continues to captivate audiences.
Their debut album, aptly titled "Korn," dropped in 1994, laying the groundwork for the band's rise to fame. "Life Is Peachy," their 1996 masterpiece, cemented their place in the music world, but it was "Follow the Leader" and "Issues" (released in 1998 and 1999 respectively) that catapulted them to mainstream success. Both albums stormed the charts, hitting number one on the Billboard 200, solidifying their dominance over the nu metal scene.
The band's reign continued with the release of "Untouchables" (2002), "Take a Look in the Mirror" (2003), and "See You on the Other Side" (2005), consistently delivering heavy, thought-provoking music that resonated with fans worldwide.
"Greatest Hits Vol. 1," released in 2004, served as a testament to their decade-long reign, marking the end of their contract with Immortal Records and Epic Records. They later signed with Virgin Records, releasing "See You on the Other Side" and an untitled album in 2007, further proving their endurance and artistic evolution.
Korn, the band that redefined heavy music, continues to be a force to be reckoned with, influencing generations of artists and leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. Their legacy as pioneers of nu metal will forever be etched in the annals of rock history.
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