Korn’s Requiem Review

At its worst: unlistenable; at its best: mediocre nu-metal

By: Matthew Zeichert

"Requiem" by Korn is the band's 14th studio album from the foundational nu-metal group consisting of vocalist Jonathan Davis, guitarists Brian "Head" Welch & James "Munkey" Shaffer, bassist Reginald Arvizu, and drummer Ray Luzier. With hits like "Freak on a Leash" and "Falling Away from Me," Korn was a staple of 1990s nu-metal among the likes of System of a Down, Slipknot, and Limp Bizkit. 

Unfortunately, the band's latest project is nowhere near as memorable as their previous albums, like their self-titled LP or "Follow the Leader." Tracks like opener "Forgotten" and "Start the Healing" come across as desperate attempts to achieve airplay on mainstream modern rock radio stations. Davis' vocals hardly pack the punch they once did. Modern rock norms aside, album producer Chris Collier's production on "Requiem" is way too present through the album's 33-minute length. The best part of the whole album is the opening guitar riff on "Lost in the Grandeur," but it is quickly forgotten as soon as the terrible callback to "Freak on a Leash" on closing track "Worst is on Its Way" hits one's ears. 

The word 'requiem' stems from church mass held in remembrance of the dead. If "Requiem" was meant to be a reflection on death and grieving brought on by the relatively recent death of Jonathan Davis' wife Devin, I sincerely hope it provided some solace to the legendary frontman despite the album's obvious shortcomings. "Requiem" is by no means the worst album ever, but unless you are a diehard Korn fan, I have two words for you: steer clear.