BRIAN WELCH on KORN's New Album: 'We're Doing It All On Tape'
The guitarist explains why the band is returning to analog recording for their next album.
Summary
- Korn is recording their next album directly to tape, using full-band live takes to capture the raw energy.
- The band is taking their time with the process—no release date is even on the horizon yet.
- Fieldy’s return remains uncertain, while Korn prepares for major dates with System Of A Down and Gojira.
Korn is back in the studio, but don’t expect any instant gratification. This time, they’re ditching modern convenience for a much older, sweatier process.
During a chat with BBC Radio 1’s Rock Show With Daniel P Carter (as transcribed by The PRP, guitarist Brian “Head” Welch explained that the band has fully embraced analog recording.
“We’re doing it all on tape,” Welch said. “Like, we’re all in the room, sweating it out, tape is rolling. The guy gives us the thumbs up in the window and we start playing and all of us are locked in. And if we don’t get it right, we rewind the tape and we do it again.”
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Why Tape?
It’s not just about being retro for the sake of it. According to Welch, the analog approach forces the band to commit to their performances in a way that digital recording simply doesn’t.
“It takes more commitment. It’s like this is how we used to make records,” he said. “So there’s an energy to it that we, I think, we like.”
The slower process means fans will need a bit of patience. As Welch casually put it, Korn is “taking their sweet ass time with it.”
The Fieldy Question
One piece of the puzzle remains unclear: whether longtime bassist Fieldy will participate in the album.
His ongoing absence has been a topic of speculation, but no official word has been given on his involvement this time around.
The band has kept that door half-open, leaving everyone guessing.
2025 Tour Schedule
While the album brews, Korn is keeping their live chops sharp with an international run of shows. Get Korn Tickets Here.
Here’s where they’ll be showing up:
June
- 19 - Clisson, FRA - Hellfest Open Air
- 21 - Dessel, BEL - Graspop Metal Meeting
- 24 - Nimes, FRA - Arena Of Nimes
- 26 - Viveiro, SPA - Resurrection Fest
- 28 - Lisboa, POR - Evil Live Festival
August
- 1 - Chicago, IL - Lollapalooza
- 27 - New Jersey, NJ - Metlife Stadium (with System Of A Down, Polyphia & Wisp)
- 28 - New Jersey, NJ - Metlife Stadium (with System Of A Down, Polyphia & Wisp)
September
- 17 - Ottawa, ON - Canadian Tire Centre (with Gojira & Loathe)
- 19 - Quebec City, QC - Videotron Centre (with Gojira & Loathe)
- 20 - Montreal, QC - Bell Centre (with Gojira & Loathe)
- 22 - London, ON - Canada Life Place (with Gojira & Loathe)
- 25 - Winnipeg, MB - Canada Life Centre (with Gojira & Loathe)
- 28 - Calgary, AB - Scotiabank Saddledome (with Gojira & Loathe)
- 29 - Edmonton, AB - Rogers Place (with Gojira & Loathe)
October
- 1 - Vancouver, BC - Rogers Arena (with Gojira & Loathe)
- 4 - Sacramento, CA - Aftershock Festival
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Tickets for select dates available starting November 8.
