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Live Review
by SashaS
20-6-2004
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| Korn: the full Korn-ification bloom |
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Live: Korn
Hammersmith Apollo, London
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Korn: the kornification still rules
The changeover takes much longer and it appears to be caused by activity around the drum platform that is black-curtains shrouded. When the rostrum is finally revealed it becomes clear that there was a big need to because it is one of the biggest drum kits you’ll see this side of a Hollywood store. The fact is that Dave Silveria needs it and certainly knows how to use it.
He starts off with a mini-solo of the tribal flavour while the other members take their positions to the ovation that peaked as high as a spewing volcano. Finally, the kilt glides in - Mr Jonathan Davis. And, the heavy joy commences: Fieldy slaps bass harder, the drum skins having da cojoñes pounded outta ’em, the flanking guitars of Munky and Head simply slicing the riffs.
The band is welcomed with such ovation that it is puzzling their latest albums weren’t selling in the same road-train loads that the earlier discs had. The possible reason could be that the band’s moved on but its audience ain’t ready yet: there are few instances tonight when the band takes a song to some unusual places - jamming, experimenting, keeping it real and the fresh deal - with the fans rooted to the floor or lost in awe?
Kornheads don’t appear lost in awe but having difficulty accepting the broadening of the expression which must frustrate the members although they play strongly, confidently and with passion that notches the new Decibel levels. There is a feeling of weeding going on in the HM world and most of them do not cut it anymore. Count Korn out - they still R.U.L.E. without any Metallica-like moderation!
The hits, and other fans’ favourites - ‘Right Now’, ‘No Place to Hide’, ‘Got the Life’, ‘Here To Stay’, ‘Freak On a Leash’, ‘A.D.I.D.A.S’, ‘Blind’ - are sung-along with JK needing not to deliver choruses, this army of 4 thousand simply is wallowing in the power of their show. Which brought a few architectural considerations to the mind’s fore: this Odeon [as it were] was built for more sedate, seated and clapping-only performances. Not even the most forward thinkers could envisage birth of the youth-gen and rocking soundtrack that, when Korn play, causes foundation to shake with a tremor that is easily registered by a siesmograph.
Jonathan - yeah, the trademark bagpipes walk the stage’s edge - looks happier live [that usual although no comic moments are ever to be expected] while voicing his career-long issues although neurosis remain: hardly saying anything inbetween songs and prefers to disappear off stage. Well, he is in the safety of behind-the-amps - ten-strong each side of the drums - area, housing sound-desk, variety of personnel, refreshment, few wives/girlfriends… [Good spying spot this balcony’s front…] There he awaits for the applause to die down and another intro to commence before reappearing behind his naked-femme’s body that is his mike-stand.
There’s a feeling of weeding going on in the HM world and most of the acts do need some of that refreshing ‘killer’… instinct! A number of critics are predicting an imminent sunset in the Korn world. Moribund? Not a hope in Arnie’s California, mate, if tonight’s Leviathan-sized show and kids’ reaction are anything to go by. Count Korn out, they still R.U.L.E.!
Tonight’s noise feast feels like there’s never been The Strokes, The Vines, Franz Ferdinand, or many other wee contenders.
SashaS
20-6-2004
Korn album ‘Take a Look in a Mirror’ is available now on Immortal/Epic
Korn release ‘Greatest Hits - Volume One’ later this summer.
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