Korn Returns to Tape Recording for New Album to Recapture Raw Early Sound

Metal pioneers Korn are going old school for their next album, opting to record on analog tape with the entire band playing together. This departure from current studio techniques is a deliberate effort to recapture the raw, distinctive sound that characterized the band’s early days.

Guitarist James “Munky” Shaffer revealed the band’s decision to record on tape during an appearance on Rock Show with Daniel P. Carter. The announcement was made at the Download Festival in the UK, signaling a shift away from the typical modern approach of piecemeal recording processes. Korn’s previous album, Requiem, which topped the charts in February 2022, was recorded using more traditional methods and saw great success.

The band’s first album, released in 1994, was recorded using tape machines, which contributed to the unique texture and power of their music. By returning to analog recording techniques, Korn hopes to reignite the energy and passion that characterized their early work. Shaffer described the process of recording on tape as intense, with all band members present in the studio, playing together live as the tape rolls. If a mistake is made, they rewind and try again, requiring a higher level of commitment and cohesion from the entire group.

This return to live recording is not new for Korn, as they previously employed a similar approach for their album Korn III: Remember Who You Are in 2010. The band found that recording together in real-time helped them capture their classic sound and strengthen their musical chemistry. Working in the same room allows them to feed off each other’s energy and create a more cohesive final product for their upcoming album, with producer Ross Robinson supporting this unconventional method.

Despite celebrating three decades since their debut, Korn shows no sign of slowing down. Last October, they hosted a massive concert in Los Angeles, featuring guest acts such as Evanescence, Gojira, and Spiritbox. Although bassist Fieldy has been absent from live performances since 2021, he still contributed to Requiem, with Ra Díaz from Suicidal Tendencies stepping in as a live fill-in. This dedication to their craft and commitment to their signature sound demonstrate Korn’s enduring passion for creating music that resonates with fans old and new.