Evolution and experimentation

Music | September 21st, 2016

“I don’t know if we’re really evolving, but always experimenting--because we’re all the same players and we still do the same thing.” says Korn bassist Reggie “Fieldy” Arvizu, “So we’ll try different directions or different things. We’ve found out no matter what we do, we still end up sounding like Korn when all of us do something together. We could cover a country song and it will still sound like Korn.”

The ultra dynamic Nu Rock pioneers Korn have been together since 1993, and in fact the four core members have know each even longer than that.They’ve been acquainted since their years at Compton Junior High in Bakersfield California, though they played in separate bands.

Nu Rock denotes a post grunge movement combining elements of hip hop, though they have also been categorized as rap metal--whether rap metal and Nu Metal are the same thing has been a subject of debate. The Rolling Stone referred to Korn’s self titled 1994 debut album as “the most important metal album in the last 20 years.”

Brian “Head” Welch, guitarist and co-founder of the group, took an eight-year hiatus from the group and rejoined in 2013. “We all grew up together--and when he came back it was like a family member missed eight Thanksgivings at your house.We’re like brothers so it was cool.” says Arvizu, “We definitely missed the chemistry when he was gone. It did change the sound of Korn a little bit.”

Despite Welch’s hiatus, the four remained in contact. “We stayed in touch as best we could, because we all live in different areas.” says Arvizu, “I live in Laguna Hills, Head lives in Tennessee, Jonathan lives in Vegas Hills, Munky lives in North Hollywood. We’re all spread out so when we’re on tour we see each other, but when we’re at home we stay in touch.”

After 20-plus years touring together, Arvizu admits that life on the road can be taxing. “There’s never an adjustment--that’s the hardest part. Everything is always changing. I’ve only been home for like not even a week and I’m trying to adjust to being home and then I’m back on tour for two more weeks,” Arvizu says, “but like I said that’s been the last 22 years of my life.”

Korn is not only known for their heavy riffs but also for the raw emotional content of their lyrics. The lyrics have not only become therapeutic for frontman Jonathan Davis, but for their fans as well.

“I’ve heard it has helped a lot of people--lots of people, almost everyday someone comes up to us and says your songs have really helped me out a lot. People come up to us and say that our songs have saved their lives.” Arvizu says, “It’s amazing to hear that because people have hard moments. When I was a kid music was a big escape for myself too. We’ve gotten a lot of these kids through a lot of hard times in life and it feels pretty good.”

IF YOU GO:

Korn and Breaking Benjamin with Silver Snakes

Saturday, September 24, 7pm

Scheels Arena, 5225 31st Ave S, Fargo

RECENTLY IN

Recently in: