REVIEWS
KORN - THE PARADIGM SHIFT
Let's face it, the 1994 through 1996 era of KoRn is dead and gone. There is no reason to sit and beat a dead
horse, so let's just move on shall we? The 2013 era of KoRn has brought back some hope for the band with their
brand new album, "The Paradigm Shift", which sees the triumphant return of co-founding guitarist Brian "Head"
Welch. So wipe away your sad tears of the past and throw your devil horns into the future!
"The Paradigm Shift" sees KoRn evolving their sound yet again, but in a much more satisfying way, according
to these ears. It is void of the desperate attempt, as heard on their 2010 album, "KoRn 3: Remember Who You
Are", to rekindle the rough sound of the original self-titled classic we all know and love. It is also back to a more
heavy rock sound that their 2011 album, "The Path of Totality", seemed to push away. For those of you who liked
the dub-step don't worry though, there are still little sprinkles of the electronics here, as heard on their lead single
"Never, Never". For those who have missed that heavy guitar sound for the last 10 years, guess what...IT IS
BACK!
The opening track, "Prey For Me", is nothing short of a, "OH HELL YEAH! I want to mosh and break stuff!"
kind of moment. At least that is what I was thinking! The album just becomes a lot heavier, and dare I say it, more
mature, as they take your ear drums for a groovy ride through the albums 11 songs. "Love and Meth" is another
song that just makes you praise the music Gods that KoRn seems to be back, and kicking some ass again!
I will say that I think this album is a very special one indeed, not just because Head is back, but this seems to be
a very good direction for KoRn to be heading. No pun intended...or was it? Vocalist, Jonathan Davis, seems to be
in top form here, clearly enjoying what his band is creating nowadays. You can feel it with the rest of the band as
well, that the missing spark is back! The band sounds whole again, not like they are just trying things to see what
sticks, they sound like KoRn again, plain and simple! So if you are just going to sit and say that KoRn is dead, then
go ahead and say it. Live in the past and don't move on with the rest of us! We can enjoy "The Paradigm Shift", and
any future albums from them without you! So keep crying! - Josh Mohr
41