In an era dominated by digital precision, nu-metal pioneers Korn are taking a bold step back in time. The band is recording their upcoming album— the follow-up to 2022’s Requiem— entirely on analog tape, embracing a raw, hands-on approach that harkens back to their early days. As revealed in a recent interview with BBC Radio 1’s Rock Show With Daniel P. Carter at the 2025 Download Festival, Korn’s guitarists James “Munky” Shaffer and Brian “Head” Welch shared insights into this nostalgic yet challenging process, emphasizing the energy and commitment it demands.
A Return to the Old-School
Munky explained the band’s decision to go analog, saying, “We’re doing it all on tape. We’re all in the room, sweating it out.” This method, where the band records live together in the studio, captures the unpolished intensity that defined their groundbreaking 1994 self-titled debut. Unlike digital recording, which allows for endless edits and overdubs, tape demands precision and focus. As Head added, “If we don’t get it right, we rewind the tape and we do it again. It takes more commitment. It’s, like, this is how we used to make records.”
This approach isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about recapturing the visceral energy that made Korn a genre-defining force. The band’s debut album, which turned 30 in October 2024, was a raw, emotional juggernaut that reshaped metal. By returning to tape, Korn aims to channel that same authenticity, creating a record that feels alive and urgent.
Taking Their Time
Korn isn’t rushing this project. Head noted they’re “taking their sweet ass time with it,” a sentiment that suggests a deliberate focus on quality over speed. This patience is a departure from the often frenetic pace of modern music production, where albums are churned out to meet streaming demands. Instead, Korn is savoring the process, ensuring every riff, groove, and vocal carries the weight of their legacy.
The band’s commitment to analog recording also reflects their desire to reconnect with their roots. Munky highlighted the unique energy of tape, saying, “There’s an energy to it that, I think, we like.” This energy comes from the high-stakes nature of analog, where every take matters, and the band must be fully locked in. It’s a process that demands chemistry and trust—qualities Korn has honed over three decades.
A Milestone Moment
The announcement comes on the heels of a triumphant year for Korn. In 2024, they celebrated the 30th anniversary of their debut album with a star-studded show at Los Angeles’ BMO Stadium, featuring guests like Evanescence, Gojira, and Spiritbox. They also headlined the 2025 Download Festival, cementing their status as metal titans. These milestones underscore Korn’s enduring influence, from their raw beginnings to their current status as a “genuine movement,” as The Ringer aptly described.
Their last album, Requiem, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Albums chart in 2022, proving Korn’s relevance in a crowded musical landscape. With this new album, the band is poised to push boundaries once again, blending their signature heaviness with the organic grit of analog recording.
Why Tape Matters
Recording on tape isn’t just a gimmick for Korn—it’s a statement. In a music industry obsessed with perfection, tape embraces imperfection. It captures the hum of amplifiers, the creak of drum stools, and the sweat of a band pouring their souls into a performance. For fans, this promises an album that feels human, unfiltered, and true to Korn’s ethos of raw emotional expression.
As Head described, the process is intense: “The guy gives us the thumbs up in the window and we start playing and all of us are locked in.” This image of Korn huddled in the studio, waiting for the tape to roll, evokes the gritty determination that fueled their rise. It’s a reminder that, even after 30 years, Korn remains a band willing to take risks and challenge themselves.
What’s Next?
While no release date has been confirmed, Korn’s analog experiment is already generating buzz. Fans can expect a record that’s heavy, emotional, and deeply personal—hallmarks of the band’s best work. Whether it’s the sludgy riffs of Munky and Head, Fieldy’s funky basslines, or Jonathan Davis’ gut-wrenching vocals, this album promises to be a worthy successor to Requiem.
As Korn continues to “sweat it out” in the studio, their commitment to analog recording serves as a powerful reminder of why they’ve endured. In a world of Auto-Tune and algorithms, Korn is doubling down on authenticity, proving that sometimes, the old ways are still the best.
Stay tuned for updates on Korn’s new album, and let us know in the comments: Are you excited for their analog revival?
