Back to greatness
Nu metal and rock legends, Korn, are back with new music as they recently released their fourteenth studio album titled Requiem. This album consists of nine tracks and, unlike previous albums, the band has gifted fans with a project that reminds us of the original sounds from the pioneers of nu metal and alternative metal.
Requiem was primarily written during the COVID-19 lockdown, permitting Korn to freely compose without any time constraints. The album was fully written in April of 2021 and, like many Korn albums, focuses on pain but carries more depth in terms of vulnerability. Just like their previous album The Nothing, frontman Jonathan Davis taps into his personal tragedies, but in a lighter tone. With this, it seems as if the band revisited aspects of their iconic album Follow The Leader, more specifically, their greatest hit song “Freak On a Leash.” Because of this, Requiem carries some of the same qualities of the alternative metal sound that skyrocketed the band into superstardom.
Requiem kicks off with “Forgotten” which instantly captivates us with heavy guitar riffs. “Don’t feel bad for me/ Don’t feel sad for me” sings Davis in his signature staccato, emphasizing hope in difficult situations.
One of the most notable tracks is “Start The Healing,” not only because it leans the most into the alternative style, but it is the most personal lyrically for Davis. “Break apart the pain and start the healing,” Davis shouts in a gruff voice. After writing one of the most personal albums in his career with The Nothing, Davis shares his personal pain once again of losing his mother and estranged wife. In “Start The Healing” Davis sings about starting a new life, having to grow and let go of the darkness. “Hopeless and Beaten” conveys a deep sense of vulnerability in which many may relate to, literally feeling hopeless and full of pain. Yet, as the song highlights, only time can heal.
Requiem is one of Korn’s best works for a long time. It reflects the original sound fans initially fell in love with, but it’s also one of the lightest albums lyrically. Though it speaks on pain and personal demons, it carries a sense of hope as Davis shares his personal journey of starting a new stage in his life. This album is a masterpiece as it is perfectly composed, flows very well, carries deeper meaning and gives hope for future Korn projects.
Leave a Comment