REVIEWS

Album review:
Korn – Requiem
Just when you thought you couldn’t be truly blown away
by a nu Korn album, along comes their fantastic 14th…

February 2, 2022
Words: James Hickie

Requiem is the best Korn album since 2011’s The

Path Of Totality, their flirtation with dubstep that
heralded the second life of one of metal’s most
successful outfits. Admittedly, the records since
then have been the definition of a mixed bag,
though assessing the Bakersfield legends’ oeuvre
is far from straightforward; the lesser efforts
feature career-best tracks, just as the stronger
ones contain a fair amount of filler.

Album number 14 finds Jonathan Davis in one of

the most interesting places of his career, lyrically.
Not in the throes of despair that came to a head
on 2019’s The Nothing — the band’s bleakest
moment to date, written after the deaths of his
mother and estranged wife – but a seemingly
happier, more settled existence. But Jonathan, a
man who’s closely acquainted with darkness,
doubts the good times can last. From the first
track, Forgotten (‘I want to be free / You won’t
allow it’), to the last, literally called Worst Is On Its
Way, Korn’s singer is continually looking over his
shoulder, waiting to be accosted by suffering once
again.

Musically, Requiem is heavy but not stodgy, fresh

but familiar, and accessible without ever feeling
forced. Its wisest creative decision, though, is
keeping things lean and mean. At just nine tracks,
there are few moments that feel anything less
than essential. At its best, it’s superb. Let The
Dark Do The Rest is hulking and brisk, building to
a chorus that takes flight and pulls you along for
the ride, such is its persuasive buoyancy. Single
Start The Healing caused a few grumbles upon its
release, deemed too poppy by some, but its
yearning melodies remain undeniable. Those
detractors may want to check out Hopeless And
Beaten, the biggest surprise here, which is like
Korn’s take on hardcore. If there are weaker bits
(fifth track Disconnect is a candidate) then it’s
because on an album with so many hooks, some
will be blunter than others.

HOT

This is likely Korn’s most consistent offering since

Untouchables, which turns 20 this year, not just
because of its quality but because it feels like a
tight collection. That’s thanks to how it's been
recorded, to analogue tape, an old school practice
that’s given proceedings a welcome warmth, as if
we’re listening to Korn going through a great
thaw.

Requiem is not only excellent in its own right, but

in capturing Jonathan at a transitional point in his
life, you’re intrigued as to what comes next for
him. Given he’s a man whose art is so informed by
his life, that’s a scintillating prospect for Korn,
who are breaking new ground 30 years into their
career.

Verdict: 4/5

For fans of: Slipknot, Disturbed, Breaking

Benjamin

Requiem is released on February 4 via Loma Vista

Check out more:

Korn

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