There was a lot of fantastic music released in 2022. So much that I again completely overlooked a new release from one of my favorite bands from my youth. Korn is one of those bands that you might really love or hate. Whatever, your stance may be I think everyone can agree they certainly have a unique sound. The low chugging riffs combined with Jonathan Davis’ sporadic vocal performance creates a sound that feels truly unhinged.

Requiem was released in February of 2022 and is the fourteenth studio album from the California band. Produced by Loma Vista Records and published by Concord, the album is nine tracks in length. It’s also the first album I’ve listened to from the group since the 2016 album The Serenity of Suffering. I still enjoy that album quite and was happy to see the band return to their original sound after experimenting with dubstep in 2011s Path of Totality.

Requiem, (like Serenity before it) does not do anything particularly new for the band. Rather, it simply hones in on what made the band great in the first place and doubles down on it. Neck-snapping riffs and insane vocals paint a brutally honest, at times disturbing picture of a damaged psyche. All of this is on display once more and executed quite well. We begin with “Forgotten.” Korn has always delivered exceptional opening tracks and this is no different with a pounding main riff and a solid vocal hook from Davis. Though it is the shortest song on the album, it certainly leaves an impression.

Next, is the slightly more mellow “Let the Dark do the Rest.” Davis is again strong here with another great chorus featuring exceptional accompaniment from the rest of the band. Ray Luzier lays down a wonderful drum groove over each verse as well. Overall, I really enjoy the reflective tone of this piece as Davis looks back on his past struggles with addiction. These are the kinds of songs I want to see from a band that has been around as long as Korn. Rather than illustrating growth and maturity by radically shifting sounds, simply tell me within the lyrical content.

From here the album transitions perfectly into the next track, “Start the Healing.” This was the big single released for promotion of the album. Initially, this song was underwhelming. However, when listening to it in the context of the whole album I find it to be much stronger. It expands upon the messages introduced within “Let the Dark do the Rest” and further complements the major themes of the album.

The follow-up song “Lost in the Grandeur” is one of my personal favorites and encapsulates what I often enjoy most about the band. A strange, almost grating guitar riff provides the core of the sound punctuated with an absolutely killer bassline from Reggie Arvizu.

“Disconnect” is one of the more middling tracks here. I like the reinforced vocal motif, but find the song simply retreads much of the material explored by earlier songs on the album. On the other hand “Hopeless and Beaten” brings up the intensity with some diverse performance ranges and layering.

The final three songs are some of the best in my mind. “Penance to Sorrow” delivers some of the heaviest riffs combined with an earworm of a chorus that paints a vivid picture of mental illness. I’m hoping to hear this performed live one day. “My Confession” lays down a classic nu-metal tempo that channels the band’s early days. “Worst is on its Way” lets Davis loose to deliver his signature metal scat that only he can pull off.

I appreciate that this album barely ever drags. The songs are brief and to the point but never feel phoned in. The band feels comfortable throughout and while this isn’t their best album I’d still say it’s another decent entry. If you are a longtime Korn fan there’s still a lot to enjoy here. If you’ve never heard them this is a great sampling of their style that evolved throughout the band’s 20+ year career.

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Requiem

17.99

7

Score

7.0/10

Pros

• Great vocals
• Catchy hooks
• Great riffs

Cons

• Similar sound throughout