Korn: A Pine Knob Night With Kings of Nu Metal
Korn came through Pine Knob Music Theatre on Friday, September 27, and I stepped into the world of pure adrenaline and raw emotion. The chart-topping legends were joined by the formidable sounds of Gojira and the captivating Spiritbox. With a lineup that showcases some of the best acts in the genre, I was very excited to see where the night went. And it was everything and so much more!
SPIRITBOX
Kicking off the night was Spiritbox, which is a band I’ve been following for a while now. While we weren’t permitted to capture their performance live (see a few images from 313 Presents House Photographer Mirak Habbiyyieh here), I can’t help but express my excitement for their music and the trajectory they are on. This Canadian band has garnered significant acclaim since their formation in 2017, led by the powerhouse vocals of Courtney LaPlante, who brings both ferocity and beauty to their sound.
SEE THE FULL SETLIST FROM SPIRITBOX HERE:
GOJIRA
Fresh off their viral performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Gojira took the stage by storm! The French metal titans have earned a devoted following with their distinctive sound and profound lyrical themes, and anyone in the audience (including myself) was lucky to witness them live. From the moment the lights dimmed and the opening notes rang out, I was captivated. Their music is a perfect blend of technical proficiency, heavy rhythms, and environmental consciousness that resonates deeply with fans around the world.
Gojira’s stage presence was complimented by a stunning light show and jaw-dropping pyrotechnics that made their performance an absolute spectacle. Three songs from their setlist stood out as highlights for me, those being ones that I was, fortunately, able to photograph! “The Axe” kicked things off with its thunderous intensity, and the crowd was immediately hooked. “Backbone” showcased the band’s ability to mix intricate instrumentation with powerful, groove-laden riffs—a crowd favorite! And last but not least, “Stranded” encapsulated their blend of melodic and aggressive sounds, pulling the audience into an exhilarating journey.
SEE THE FULL SETLIST FROM GOJIRA HERE:
KORN
Finally, it was time for the main event—Korn, the pioneers of nu-metal. As a longtime fan, photographing this legendary group felt almost surreal, and I was so excited to capture the magic of their performance in such an iconic venue. Originally formed in 1993, band members Jonathan Davis (vocals), James “Munky” Shaffer (guitar), Brian “Head” Welch (guitar), Ray Luzier (drums), and the new addition of Ra Diaz (bass) brought their unique flair to the stage, creating a compelling and unforgettable experience.
As they opened with “Here to Stay,” the entire venue erupted into a collective roar. The energy was electrifying, and I felt every bit of that crowd’s passion as I snapped photos of Davis commanding the stage with his powerful vocals and overall dynamic presence. Next, they took us on a dark journey with “Dead Bodies Everywhere,” a haunting track that allows fans to immerse themselves in Korn’s intense storytelling and heavy sound.
Capturing the high-octane moment was exhilarating; it was as if the guitar riffs and beating drums came alive through my lens. The night reached its peak with “Got the Life,” one of my all-time favorites. The infectious rhythm had the crowd dancing and singing along, uniting us all in a euphoric celebration of music. The camaraderie in the audience, coupled with the band’s infectious energy, made this moment truly special.
SEE THE FULL SETLIST FROM KORN HERE:
Overall, attending Korn’s show at Pine Knob was an experience filled with joy, nostalgia, and a sense of community that only live music can bring. Every band delivered stellar performances, and each moment crafted an unforgettable memory. If you ever have the opportunity to see Korn live, or to experience Spiritbox and Gojira on tour, I wholeheartedly recommend taking that chance.
SEE KORN ON THE ROAD: THE REMAINING 2024 TOUR & FESTIVAL DATES
Sat, OCT 5
BMO Stadium
Los Angeles, CA
Sun, OCT 6
Shoreline Amphitheatre
Mountain View, CA
Tue, OCT 8
Moda Center
Portland, OR
Thu, OCT 10
Tacoma Dome
Tacoma, WA
Sat, OCT 12
Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
Nampa, ID
Sun, OCT 13
Delta Center
Salt Lake City, UT
Wed, OCT 16
Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Greenwood Village, CO
Fri, OCT 18
T-Mobile Center
Kansas City, MO
Sun, OCT 20
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
The Woodlands, TX
Mon, OCT 21
Frost Bank Center
San Antonio, TX
Wed, OCT 23
BOK Center
Tulsa, OK
Fri, OCT 25
CHI Health Center Omaha
Omaha, NE
Sun, OCT 27
Xcel Energy Center
Saint Paul, MN
Fri, DEC 6
Good Things Festival (Melbourne) 2024
Melbourne, Australia
Sat, DEC 7
Good Things Festivals (Sydney) 2024
Centennial Park, Australia
Sun, DEC 8
Good Things Festival (Brisbane) 2024
Brisbane, Australia