Korn Rocks the PNC Music Pavilion: A Night of Unrelenting Energy with Gojira and Spiritbox
On a hot summer evening at the PNC Music Pavilion, fans gathered for what would become one of the most electrifying rock and metal shows of the year. Headlined by the iconic nu-metal pioneers Korn, the night also featured performances by French metal titans Gojira and rising stars of the metalcore scene, Spiritbox. The diverse lineup promised a night of heavy, groove-laden riffs, soaring vocals, and thundering drums that kept the energy high from start to finish.
Spiritbox: A Hypnotic Opening Act
Opening the night was Canadian metalcore band Spiritbox, whose unique blend of melodic soundscapes and brutal breakdowns has made them one of the most talked-about new acts in the metal scene. Lead vocalist Courtney LaPlante captured the audience’s attention immediately with her powerful vocal range effortlessly transitioning from haunting, ethereal cleans to ferocious growls. Tracks like “Holy Roller” and “Circle With Me” drew the crowd in, showing off the band’s ability to balance crushing heaviness with atmospheric beauty.
Spiritbox’s performance felt almost transcendent, and though they are a newer act compared to the giants they were opening for, they commanded the stage with the confidence of seasoned veterans. Their set was the perfect primer for what was to come—a sonic exploration that built anticipation for the heavier acts still to follow.
Gojira: The Masters of Technical Brutality
Next on the lineup was Gojira, a band whose reputation for technical mastery and environmentally conscious lyrics has earned them a cult-like following. The French quartet stormed the stage with an energy that was both visceral and transcendent. Frontman Joe Duplantier led the charge with his guttural vocals and intricate riffing, while drummer Mario Duplantier put on a clinic of polyrhythms and blast beats that left the audience in awe.
Their set featured a mix of fan favorites like “Flying Whales” and “Stranded,” along with newer tracks from their critically acclaimed album Fortitude. The combination of precision, power, and passion in their live performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. Gojira’s ability to blend crushing metal with moments of contemplative melody gave the audience a rollercoaster of emotion, as their songs touched on themes of environmentalism, spirituality, and humanity’s place in the cosmos.
By the end of their set, the crowd was fully engaged, heads banging in unison and fists raised high, preparing for the night’s grand finale.
Korn: Legends of Nu-Metal
When Korn finally took the stage, the atmosphere in the PNC Music Pavilion shifted. The band’s entrance was met with thunderous applause as fans—many of whom had been following Korn since the 1990s—welcomed the nu-metal legends back to the spotlight. Led by the unmistakable voice of Jonathan Davis, Korn wasted no time diving into their catalog of hits, opening with the aggressive “Falling Away from Me.”
The band’s stage presence was nothing short of magnetic. Brian “Head” Welch and James “Munky” Shaffer traded heavy, downtuned riffs while Roberto “Ra” Diaz slapping bass added that unmistakable Korn groove, shaking the very foundation of the venue. Ray Luzier on drums delivered a ferocious performance, locking in the band’s signature percussive assault. Davis, with his bagpipes in hand, provided haunting and cathartic moments, especially during the fan-favorite track “Shoots and Ladders.”
Korn’s set was a mix of classics like “Freak on a Leash,” “Blind,” and “Got the Life,” along with tracks from their more recent album Requiem. What was most striking about Korn’s performance was their energy—it was as if time hadn’t touched them. The band’s chemistry on stage, built from decades of playing together, was palpable, and Davis’s emotional intensity was contagious. His unique vocal style, ranging from tortured whispers to guttural screams, carried the raw emotion that has always been a hallmark of Korn’s sound.
As the night progressed, Korn’s ability to balance aggression with introspection resonated with the crowd. Their music, often centered around themes of pain, alienation, and personal struggle, felt cathartic for many of the fans who had grown up with the band’s music as a soundtrack to their own lives.
A Night to Remember
The PNC Music Pavilion was alive with an energy that only a lineup like this could generate. From the up-and-coming brilliance of Spiritbox, to the technical mastery of Gojira, and the enduring power of Korn, the night offered something for every kind of metal fan. The crowd, a mix of old-school Korn devotees and new-generation metalheads, left the venue with ears ringing and spirits lifted.
In an era where music festivals and shows are often diluted by formulaic lineups, this concert stood out as a reminder of why live music, especially in the metal genre, is such an exhilarating experience. Korn, Gojira, and Spiritbox brought their all to the stage, making this a night that fans won’t soon forget.
As the echoes of the final encore faded, the lasting impression was clear—Korn remains a force to be reckoned with, while Gojira and Spiritbox continue to pave their own unique paths in the ever-evolving world of metal.
