Korn and Gojira brought the metal to Pine Knob

Korn’s concert at Pine Knob on September 27th was a masterclass in nu-metal nostalgia, combined with the fresh intensity of modern metal. Opening the night was Gojira, the French metal band that has been making waves globally, recently even playing a special performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Gojira’s Olympic set put them on an international pedestal, and they brought that same energy to Pine Knob, hitting the crowd with a thunderous mix of their progressive, groove-heavy sound. Their intricate rhythms and powerful riffs resonated through the amphitheater, setting the stage with songs like “Stranded” and “Silvera,” leaving fans both mesmerized and ready for more.

When Korn took the stage, the energy was palpable. The band, who has been a staple of the nu-metal scene since the '90s, showed no signs of slowing down. Jonathan Davis' signature growls and melodic vocals wove seamlessly through their iconic hits like “Freak on a Leash,” “Blind,” and “Got the Life,” each one met with roaring approval from the crowd. Fieldy’s booming basslines and Munky’s distorted guitar riffs transported the audience back to the height of Korn’s reign, while their newer material, like tracks from Requiem, blended in effortlessly, showing their evolution while still paying homage to their roots.

The pairing of Gojira and Korn was a perfect fusion of past and present. Gojira’s Olympic-caliber performance brought a global prestige to the show, while Korn delivered exactly what their fans came for—raw, unfiltered energy. Pine Knob’s outdoor setting, with its sprawling lawn and clear fall night sky, only enhanced the atmosphere. From Gojira’s intense precision to Korn’s iconic, high-energy performance, the night was a metal lover’s dream come true.

Jacob GiampaComment