Korn formed in Bakersfield, California in 1993, and their 1994 self-titled debut is widely cited as the record that invented nu metal — seven-string guitars, slap bass, and Jonathan Davis's raw confessionals. Follow the Leader (1998) took it all the way to number one on the Billboard 200. Browse Korn vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
Korn formed in Bakersfield, California in 1993 around members of the L.A.P.D. (band) plus Jonathan Davis. Their self-titled debut Korn (1994) is widely cited as the foundational document of nu metal as a recognized genre, with the band's distinctive seven-string guitar tuning, bass-heavy production, and hip hop and groove metal-influenced arrangements becoming defining components of the late-1990s nu metal explosion. Follow the Leader (1998) reached number one on the Billboard 200. Brian Head Welch departed in 2005 after his Christian conversion and rejoined in 2013. David Silveria departed in 2006 with Ray Luzier replacing him from 2007. Reginald Fieldy Arvizu departed in 2021. They have won two Grammy Awards.
Korn's sound is foundational to nu metal - combining nu metal, alternative metal, rap metal, groove metal, and industrial metal with Davis's distinctive vocal delivery, the band's distinctive seven-string guitar approach (originally developed by Munky and Head with Ibanez), Fieldy's signature slap bass approach, and lyrical content addressing childhood trauma, family abuse, mental health, and personal experience.
Original Immortal/Epic pressings of the late-1990s Korn catalog are widely collected. Multiple anniversary editions, audiophile reissues, and the comprehensive Sony Legacy reissue programs have been released.
Listeners new to Korn typically start with Follow the Leader (1998) or Korn (1994).
