In the early 1990’s, thrash metal had a pretty strong grip on the metal music scene. Although grunge was beginning to take hold, it seemed that the hard rock faithful were firmly entrenched and set in their ways. When Korn arrived, the rules had to be re-written. Now, 27 years later, Korn is still re-writing the rules. With their 2019 release, The Nothing, Korn remains as heavy and edgy as they were when life was peachy.
On tour in support of The Nothing, Korn brought the house down at Portland’s Moda Center. Supporting Korn were openers Bones UK and Breaking Benjamin. Bones UK came on strong, edgy, almost angsty. Vocal/guitarist, Rosie Bones took a big swig from her flask, placed the flask on stage and went to work. Her vocals were powerful and her guitar work was intense. Lead guitarist Carmen Vandenberg demonstrated complete dominance of her guitar for the entire set. Using every effect and technique in the playbook, she strummed, picked, and tapped like they were headlining the gig. In fact, the crowd was just as in to it, screaming and rocking along. Bones UK did a cover of David Bowie’s “I’m Afraid Of Americans”, but admittedly, Rosie Bones said “I’m just as afraid of English people”. Keep an eye out for Bones UK. They’re solid.
Breaking Benjamin was up next and played a solid set. Gone were the usual Imperial March and medley segments, instead opting for a more streamlined “just the essentials” set list. Ben and co. flipped the script though, putting Diary of Jane at the front of the setlist and bookending the show with I Will Not Bow. Lead Singer Benjamin Burley stayed out of the spotlight for the majority of the show and shared vocal responsibilities with bassist Aaron Bruch and guitarist Keith Wallen.
Korn opened with “Here To Stay” before crushing with their hit “Blind”. Despite being out supporting their recent release, Korn only played three songs from the new album. Lead singer Johnathan Davis was in top form, thrashing and headbanging throughout. “Head”, on stage right was throwing dinner plate sized souvenir guitar picks between songs while “Munky” spent most of his time on stage headbanging. “Fieldy”, ever the showman, strutted and posed for cameras while delivering that distinct bass-driven Korn groove. “Shoots and Ladders” began with the familiar hum of the bagpipe and the crowd roared into a frenzy. The song morphed into a PDX sing-along of Metallica’s One as Korn merged the heavy And Justice For All riff into the song. Ray Luzier on the drums simply annihilated the kit for the entire set. If someone challenges you to take a drink every time Ray throws a stick in the air however, you should politely decline. Ray is clearly skilled at it and you’d find yourself inebriated by song 5. Korn is touring through September here in the states after a brief jaunt to Japan and through western Europe.
