| | | | | | |
 KORN03.28.06 CONTINENTAL AIRLINES ARENA, NJ Good or bad, let's try to remember that Korn birthed an entire genre of music and that, from day one, they've had to push and scratch to stay a step ahead of the imitators and copycats. Yes, they've kept their underlying signature sound; yes, singer Jonathan Davis's vocals remain as distinct and unorthodox as any in rock; yes, their progress could be contributed to the natural maturation of a band. But don't fail to remember that they've done it during a time in music when short attention spans rule, the internet has destroyed the concepts of distance and privacy and career longevity has fallen by the wayside. Korn has not only survived, they have consistently reinvented themselves along the way. Quick, name another rock band that you were listening to in the mid-90s that's still together; one that's managed to survive the death of the very genre they'd created; one that's still filling arenas. It's okay, you can take a minute. Korn has never disappointed me live. Their overall musicianship, and the skill of drummer David Silveria in particular, is completely underrated and singer Davis is simply one of the most unique sounding front men in metal today (or any other day). And isn't live music what this is all about? Not iPods, mp3s, terrestrial or satellite radio, podcasts or CDs. Doesn't it really start and stop with live music? The set begins with the four remaining bandmates, and one very expensive mic stand, playing in front of a large red curtain. And it doesn't take long to see how Korn has responded to losing its Head. They have become bigger, fuller, grander. Three songs in ("It's On", "Clown" and "Divine"), they lose the curtain and reveal several large video screens and backup musicians (three) on guitar, keyboards, percussion and vocals wearing animal masks based on the art of David Stoupakis (the painter responsible for the artwork on Korn's most recent release, See You On The Other Side). The masked backups do more than just replace rhythm guitarist Brian "Head" Welch; they add a layer of sound that pushes Korn's live show above and beyond what they were formerly capable of. Outside of the eclectic imagery playing on the video screens, Davis is the focal point of the show. There's little in the way of movement from Munky or Fieldy except the obligatory "let's switch sides" move. Davis, by contrast, is near maniacal in his movements; a photographer's nightmare as he thrashes at the waist; working hard to stay out of focus. All the standards are brought to bear as the set covers a solid cross section of material; they pull from the full expanse of their catalog here with not a disappointing song in the bunch. We get some new stuff, a competent Munky solo, Davis on bagpipes, "ADIDAS" into "Twist", a four song medley ("Need To", "Lies", "Make Me Bad", "Thoughtless") and a four song encore. All told, the show goes two hours and never loses its edge. Just like the band itself. review by scott sisti |