'Follow the Leader'

Korn first appeared on my radar some time in high school (I suspect sophomore year) with the Life is Peachy album. They were annoying then and they never ceased to be completely obnoxious.

Worst of all, I think they’re completely disingenuous caricatures: The overly serious, “artistic” and forlorn lead singer; the devil-may-care eccentric bass player; and the enigmatic, quiet guitar players. Just a bunch of white boys with no identity (upon review, they seem to be very multi-ethnic although I think only the bass player is Hispanic). They wear the uniforms of some sad ghetto gangsta ... with feelings. Meanwhile being very angry!

I think you can tell a band’s make-up by their influences. This is Korn’s influences as reported in interviews: Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Alice in Chains, Sepultura, Faith No More, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soundgarden, Helmet, Rage Against the Machine, Slayer, Pink Floyd, Primus, Tool, Ministry, Mr.Bungle, Biohazard, Nine Inch Nails, Pantera, Black Sabbath and Jane’s Addiction.

Actual influences are probably in the Tool, Primus and Ministry vain. They sound like none of the others. But secretly you sorta get the feeling they wished they did.