Ranking Every Korn Album: From Worst to Best

Korn, the pioneers of nu metal, have left an indelible mark on the heavy music scene since their explosive debut in the 1990s. With a discography spanning over two decades, they’ve experienced highs and lows, but their best albums continue to resonate with metal fans worldwide. Here’s a comprehensive ranking of all 14 Korn albums, showcasing their evolution and impact on the genre.

Table of Contents

14. Korn III: Remember Who You Are (2010)

Korn’s reunion with producer Ross Robinson promised a return to their roots with a raw and heavy sound. However, Korn III falls short of expectations, delivering a lackluster rehash of their earlier material. While tracks like “Oildale (Leave Me Alone)” show glimpses of brilliance, the album struggles to find its footing, resulting in a frustrating experience for fans.

13. Take A Look In The Mirror (2003)

Amidst the decline of nu metal in the early 2000s, Korn’s “Take A Look In The Mirror” reflects a band grappling with their own legacy. While standout tracks like “Right Now” and “Y’all Want A Single” demonstrate flashes of their signature intensity, the album as a whole feels disjointed and uninspired, failing to leave a lasting impression.

12. Untitled Album (2007)

Korn’s eighth studio album sees them venturing into new territory by collaborating with pop-oriented producers The Matrix. While the experiment yields mixed results, with tracks like “Bitch We Got A Problem” and “Evolution” injecting fresh energy into their sound, the album ultimately falters in its second half, struggling to maintain momentum.

11. See You On The Other Side (2005)

“See You On The Other Side” finds Korn grappling with the weight of their own legacy, delivering a mixed bag of familiar sounds and experimentation. While songs like “Twisted Transistor” and “Coming Undone” showcase their enduring appeal, the album feels like a retread of past glories, lacking the innovation that defined their earlier work.

10. The Paradigm Shift (2013)

Marking the return of guitarist Head after a decade-long absence, “The Paradigm Shift” is hailed as a triumphant comeback for Korn. Tracks like “Love And Meth” and “Never Never” showcase the band’s renewed energy and creativity, but the album struggles to maintain consistency throughout, preventing it from reaching greater heights.

9. The Serenity Of Suffering (2016)

Building on the momentum of their reunion with Head, “The Serenity Of Suffering” sees Korn delivering a potent mix of aggression and melody. Tracks like “Rotting In Vain” and “The Hating” capture the band at their most ferocious, but guest appearances, including Slipknot’s Corey Taylor, fail to elevate the album to its full potential.

8. The Path Of Totality (2011)

“The Path Of Totality” stands out as one of Korn’s most daring and divisive albums, blending metal with electronic elements in a bold departure from their traditional sound. While tracks like “Narcissistic Cannibal” and “Chaos Lives In Everything” showcase their willingness to experiment, the album’s genre-mashing approach divides fans and critics alike.

7. Issues (1999)

Released at the peak of their commercial success, “Issues” solidifies Korn’s status as metal superstars. With hits like “Falling Away From Me” and “Make Me Bad,” the album combines dark themes with infectious hooks, showcasing the band’s evolution while staying true to their roots. Despite its success, “Issues” faces stiff competition from their more groundbreaking releases.

6. Life Is Peachy (1996)

Following their explosive debut, “Life Is Peachy” sees Korn embracing experimentation with mixed results. Tracks like “Good God” and “No Place To Hide” highlight their raw energy and aggression, but the album’s erratic pacing and occasional missteps prevent it from reaching the heights of their later work.

5. The Nothing (2019)

“The Nothing” stands as a testament to Korn’s resilience in the face of tragedy, with frontman Jonathan Davis channeling his grief into some of the band’s most powerful material in years. Songs like “Cold” and “Can You Hear Me” explore themes of loss and despair with unflinching honesty, reaffirming Korn’s place in the metal pantheon.

4. Requiem (2022)

In a departure from their more experimental efforts, “Requiem” sees Korn returning to their roots with a stripped-down approach that emphasizes their core strengths. Tracks like “Forgotten” and “Lost In The Grandeur” showcase their signature blend of aggression and melody, earning praise from fans and critics alike for its nostalgic appeal.

3. Follow The Leader (1998)

“Follow The Leader” catapults Korn into the mainstream with its infectious hooks and genre-defying sound. Hits like “Freak On A Leash” and “Got The Life” showcase their knack for crafting anthemic choruses, while deeper cuts like “Dead Bodies Everywhere” reveal the band’s darker, more experimental side. Despite some filler tracks, “Follow The Leader” remains a classic of the nu metal era.

2. Untouchables (2002)

Widely regarded as one of Korn’s crowning achievements, “Untouchables” combines crushing riffs with atmospheric production to stunning effect. Tracks like “Hollow Life” and “Here To Stay” exemplify the band’s mastery of dynamics and texture, earning praise for its ambitious scope and sonic depth.

1. Korn (1994)

At the top of the list sits Korn’s groundbreaking debut album, which revolutionized the metal landscape upon its release. From the seething rage of “Blind” to the introspective despair of “Faget,” every track on “Korn” radiates with raw emotion and unbridled intensity. More than two decades later, it remains a seminal work that continues to influence generations of metal musicians.

In conclusion, Korn’s discography is a testament to their enduring legacy and pioneering spirit. While some albums may fall short of expectations, each release contributes to the band’s evolution and impact on the metal genre. Whether revisiting their early classics or exploring new sonic territory, Korn continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide with their electrifying music.