*Korn. Photo by Shannon Johnston (@me_onlylouder)*

It's been over 30 years since Korn dropped their self-titled debut album and dragged the raw nerve of alienation onto their stage. They've remained a defining force for an entire generation, shaping the sound and soul of Nu metal.

The wait was finally over on Sunday, September 28th as Korn brought their Kanada Tour to Calgary, joined by Gojira and Loathe.

Far from just an opener, Loathe held their own alongside two heavyweights, turning this tour into a triple threat. Frontman Kadeem France effortlessly switches between smooth, melancholic vocals and full guttural screams, commanding the stage as he responds to the crowd’s feedback. Meanwhile, Erik Bickerstaffe’s guitar work and ethereal backing vocals cut sharp and precise, adding another layer to their sound. The chemistry between the two is a huge part of what makes Loathe so compelling. There’s a constant push and pull that keeps you completely locked in. The band’s visuals were minimal: low strobes and a backlit smokescreen that cast the members as red silhouettes, blending the stage seamlessly into the mosh pit below. English heavy metal still rules! A legacy built on raw and straightforward power. Loathe absolutely lived up to the hype.

Gojira took the world by storm with their groundbreaking performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony. Metal fans everywhere finally felt seen and respected as the band’s powerful rendition of the revolutionary song Ah! Ça Ira injected rebellion into an event usually defined by subdued, politically cautious performances. It was a celebration that resonated deeply, marking a rare moment of metal being represented on one of the world’s biggest stages. They welcomed the global spotlight but continued to push forward with their signature technical sound, the same face-melting intensity that earned them their loyal fanbase.

Photo credit: Gojira by Shannon Johnston (@me_onlylouder)

Straight out of the gate at Sunday's show, Gojira took the stage amid literal smoke and fire. Behind them, a pulsating visual storyboard rich with spiritual symbolism exploring our connection to the Earth through our senses. The band's visuals are an essential extension of their music, amplifying its message.

Their sound is undeniably huge. Songs like Only Pain, Backbone, and my personal favorite, Flying Wales, were played relentlessly, with little banter between. Frontman Joe Duplantier growled the lyrics with a menacing scowl and an almost statuesque stillness. Meanwhile, his brother, drummer Mario Duplantier, sat perched above the band, as if orchestrating a march into battle. In contrast to Joe’s stoicism, Mario broke the tension between songs by standing atop his kit to summon the crowd into a deeper frenzy. If the metalheads who filled the Scotiabank Saddledome hadn’t already heard of Gojira, they certainly left as fans. Had I not been so eager for the headliners, I’d say Gojira left the most monolithic impression of the night.

Audience at Korn. Photo by Shannon Johnston (@me_onlylouder)

My eagerness didn’t waver. Even before the first note, Korn revved up the anticipation by dropping a massive curtain over the stage, cloaking their setup in secrecy. Then, as the first screeching guitar notes of Blind dropped, the building erupted in a nostalgic roar, welcoming what we all came for: chaos.

“ARE YOU READY?” Jonathan Davis commanded the crowd, drawing us into the catharsis. Every dreadlock on stage snapped back and forth in sync with the rhythm.

Everything I had hoped this tour would be was coming to life. It was a full blown 90's throwback and I was completely here for it! Davis’ iconic microphone stand, affectionately known as The Bitch, stood front and center. I couldn't keep my camera off her. Lasers rained down from linear rigs above the band, casting vivid colours across her bio-mechanical chrome bodice.

Korn. Photo by Shannon Johnston (@me_onlylouder)

One after another, Korn tore through their biggest hits: Freak On A Leash, Here To Stay, Got The Life… even bringing out the bagpipes to introduce Shoots and Ladders. 4U, off of their 1999 album Issues, closed out with a visual tribute to metal legend, Ozzy Osborne, a lifelong hero and a key supporter of the band. Each song was a time machine to a simpler era, when all we wanted was to rock Adidas track suits and maybe pierce something our parents would definitely hate.

In a world where genre lines are blurred and rock legends either retire or fade out, Korn remains something vital. Not only pioneers of Nu metal, their legacy has always been rooted in vulnerability. Writing heavy music that hits even heavier because its real. Songs about suicide, addiction, trauma, and isolation weren't just loud, they carried weight. And decades later, they still do.