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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Music Box • Musician

Korn

Korn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Korn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. They are widely credited with helping pioneer and popularize the nu metal genre.

What it is

Korn is a heavy band known for blending metal with hip-hop, alternative rock, and other styles. The core lineup includes lead vocalist Jonathan Davis, guitarists James "Munky" Shaffer and Brian "Head" Welch, bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and drummer Ray Luzier (who joined in 2007). Their sound is often described as dark, downtuned, and rhythmically aggressive.

Why it matters

Korn is considered one of the originators of nu metal, a genre that dominated rock radio in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Albums like *Follow the Leader* and *Issues* sold millions worldwide, and songs such as "Freak on a Leash" and "Blind" became anthems. The band has won multiple Grammy Awards and influenced countless later acts.

Key details

Korn formed in 1993 from members of the earlier band L.A.P.D. Their self-titled debut album came out in 1994. Major commercial success arrived with *Follow the Leader* (1998) and *Issues* (1999). The band remains active as of 2025, with a stable lineup that includes original members Davis, Shaffer, Welch, and Arvizu.

In short

  • Korn helped create and define nu metal in the 1990s.
  • Their biggest albums include *Follow the Leader* and *Issues*.
  • Lead singer Jonathan Davis is a constant member since formation.
  • The band is still active and touring.
Canadian angle

Korn has toured and sold records in Canada like many major international rock acts, but the provided sources do not identify a specific Canada-only connection.

Quick questions

Who is Korn?
Korn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993 and widely credited with helping pioneer the genre.
What genre is Korn?
Korn is most commonly described as a nu metal band, though sources also associate them with alternative metal and hard rock.
Is Korn still together?
Yes. Korn is listed as active from 1993 to the present, with a current lineup that includes Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Brian "Head" Welch, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and Ray Luzier.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korn
    Supports: Formation date, origin, genre, current lineup, lead vocalist, drummer replacement, and status as a nu metal pioneer.
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korn
    Supports: American nu metal band classification, origin, current members, and Jonathan Davis as lead vocals.
  3. Last.fm — https://www.last.fm/music/Korn/+wiki?ver=10
    Supports: Genre, formation, and commercial success figures.
  4. Metal Storm — https://metalstorm.net/bands/biography.php?band_id=885&bandname=Korn
    Supports: Genre, famous songs, and general significance.
  5. Kerrang! / Hellorayo — https://www.hellorayo.co.uk/kerrang/entertainment/music/korn-career
    Supports: Formation year, lineup, sales, and Grammy wins.
  6. Apple Music — https://music.apple.com/us/artist/korn/466532
    Supports: Formation year, origin, and band roots in L.A.P.D.