Korn
October 21, 2016
Theater at Ace Hotel- Los Angeles, CA
After three long years of waiting, Korn fans were finally given a new album, The Serenity of Suffering on October 21, 2016. To celebrate the release of the band’s 12th studio album, Korn teamed up with SiriusXM radio to put on a special, intimate, free show for fans in Los Angeles, CA.
The small venue was packed to the brim and the old-style, gothic theater provided the perfect setting as the band teased the crowd with the opening notes for Right Now, from behind a curtain showing only their silhouettes. As soon as Ray Luzier pounded on the drums, the curtain dropped and out came Jonathan Davis, in his well known getup, featuring a kilt. Davis took a moment early on in the set to thank the fans and show his appreciation and gratitude before the band did a live debut of Take Me. The new song had the venue head-banging and some even singing along to the new track and was followed by Korn’s latest single, Rotting in Vain. Throughout their 16 song set, the band would play two more new songs, Insane and A Different World. Both Munky (James Shaffer) and Head (Brian Welch) head-banged during the full 16 songs, dreads flying every which way, definitely riling up the crowd who did the same.
Following A Different World, Davis commanded everyone in the crowd to put their middle fingers in the air. “Get them up in the air! I know this is Los Angeles and you guys don’t like doing this but get them up!” He exclaimed as everyone put their hands up. “Have some fun! On the count of three, I want you all to say ‘Fuck That’ can you do that?” He asked? The crowd cheered back and shouted “Fuck that!” on his cue which kicked off Y’all Want a Single from the band’s 2013 album Take a Look in The Mirror.
As the set was coming to a close, Jonathan David made his way across the stage, playing the bagpipes which had the entire venue burst into cheers: Only this man can make the bagpipes so metal! The bagpipes intro’d Shoots and Ladders which ended with a snippet of Metallica’s One which was definitely a highlight of the night.
Following Blind, Davis explained that the month of October is a very special month for the guy’s in Korn. Besides the release of The Serenity of Suffering, “Our second record, y’all, Life is Peachy just turned FUCKIN 20!” He screamed as the band played Twist and Good God from their 1996 release. Following, the band exited the stage, and instantly fans begged for more. The band came back on stage for two encores, Falling Away From Me and of course Freak on a Leash.
With such an energetic, solid performance it is no wonder that after 12 albums and over 20 years in this industry, Korn is still at the top of the Nu-Metal genre.
Review by: Nicole Lemberg
