Korn at Southampton Guildhall

Rise to Remain hit the stage with the energy of a toddler on red bull and the crowd matched the bands enthusiasm despite only being at half strength. With their set lasting just under an hour the initial onslaught settled down, with the band playing several similar songs after another. The momentum picked up again with the last two songs bringing on a ‘wall of death’ followed by a ten minute mosh pit. Their set ended with a bow and a promise of return from the lead singer and they were gone. Definitely a band to watch out for in the future.

At 9.00pm Korn arrive precisely on time, perhaps to make up for the short set, but whatever the reason, the reception is overwhelming. The first we hear of the band is the sound of symbol crashes from the enthusiastic drummer Ray Luzier followed by a very casual entrance by the rest of the band. This was only a modest disguise for what was to come next, as no sooner did the strobe begin to flash, the entire attitude of the band altered and it was as if some feral animal had seized control. Song after song of harsh guitar, gristly lyrics, and crazed drumming sent the crowd into a 90 minute frenzy, with several full grown men singing and dancing as if this was the last time they would hear the music of this band.
Looking around the audience, this is the true definition of an all ages gig, consisting of older fans that were much younger when the band first hit these shores, down to the early teens who are just getting into the stereotypical selection of metal bands every 14 year old loves.
Whilst a truly invigorating performance from the band, Jonathan Davis, the lead singer made no real effort to engage the crowd and there were many fans looking slightly crestfallen towards the end. Having said this, the quality of the sound, lighting and general stage set up was fantastic, the centrepiece of the stage was of particular note, being possibly the most ornate drum kit I have ever seen. All said and done the show has definitely set the bar high for the rest of the tour. If you weren’t there, you missed out.