Brian Welch Reveals Korn’s "Exciting News" Is Coming Soon

The guitarist confirms the band is working on fresh ideas despite pandemic challenges.

By Atticus Novak

Jan 25, 2021

Korn band lineup posing together in a black-and-white promo photo — **Korn’s** signature sound helped define the nu-metal movement, and their look has always matched the vibe—raw, dark, and just a bit off-kilter. This photo captures that energy without needing any flames or broken TVs in the background. **Did you know that,** when **Brian “Head” Welch** left the band in 2005 to focus on his spiritual path, he later claimed God told him to go back to Korn—literally. After nearly a decade apart, he rejoined in 2013, proving even divine intervention can have a killer riff. - 📸 Image: Reproduction / Press Release

Summary

Brian ‘Head’ Welch hints at ’exciting news’ for Korn, possibly involving new material or a long-rumored covers album.
Korn has been brainstorming ideas despite challenges from the pandemic, with members working remotely and occasionally meeting in person.
An official announcement is expected ‘pretty soon,’ but details remain cryptic—likely tied to their first major project since The Nothing in 2019.

Brian “Head” Welch, guitarist for Korn, has been dropping hints about something “really exciting” on the horizon. Back in December, he mentioned big plans brewing for 2021. Now, in a chat with Kerrang!, he’s back at it, promising an announcement that feels like it’s right around the corner. Is this the long-awaited return to the studio? Or maybe that mythical covers album they’ve been batting around since quarantine? Either way, let’s not hold our breath—bands love to dangle shiny objects before dropping… well, less shiny ones.

Welch, playing the role of “cryptic spokesperson,” explained the situation like this:

“I asked the manager, because I’m doing Love and Death, but I know people are gonna ask me about Korn. He told me, ‘just tell them the truth. You’ve been getting together, working on stuff, and there’s exciting news coming. We’re gonna make some kind of announcement soon, and that’s all you can say.’”

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Translation? New material is probably happening, but don’t expect a full album reveal tomorrow.

Welch even acknowledged how obvious it is that Korn is toying with fresh music ideas. According to him, “It’s no secret that every band is getting together and throwing ideas around. There’s gonna be a flood of albums once the dust settles.” So, yes, they’ve been brainstorming—but it hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. Apparently, the pandemic has made even getting the band in the same room a logistical nightmare.

“Munky lives in Los Angeles,” Welch shared, detailing the challenges. “One in five people there has it. Thank god Munky hasn’t, especially with his living situation—his wife, her family, his mother-in-law—they’re all being super careful. But, despite the chaos, we’ve managed to get together a bit, share ideas, and figure out where we’re heading.”

That’s the rock ‘n’ roll equivalent of saying, “We’ve written some riffs and texted each other a few times.”

Yeah, the last full-length album from Korn, The Nothing, dropped in 2019. If they’re indeed inching toward new material, it’s about time. The fans—sorry, the die-hards—are hungry for something substantial. Whether it’s another heavy-hitting LP or a left-field project like the rumored covers album, at least it sounds like progress is being made.

Welch summed it up by saying they’re planning to announce something “pretty soon.” Of course, “pretty soon” in band-speak could mean anything from next week to five months from now. Stay tuned, they say. But after decades of hearing promises like these, maybe keep your expectations grounded—just in case it’s another reissue or a weird livestream event.

If this really is the next chapter for Korn, great. If not? Well, let’s just hope it’s better than whatever “exciting news” turned out to be the last time your favorite band hyped you up.

Korn’s 1997 hit "A.D.I.D.A.S." wasn’t just a nu-metal anthem—it was also a lightning rod for controversy, thanks to its title (which allegedly stands for "All Day I Dream About Sex"). While it fueled parental outrage and tabloid fodder, it also cemented the band’s status as one of the most unfiltered voices in '90s alt-metal. Fun bit: frontman Jonathan Davis used to perform this song wearing an actual Adidas tracksuit, not as a marketing deal, but because he liked how it felt on stage. Adidas didn’t pay them a cent at the time. Years later, they tried to cozy up to the band—because nothing says corporate regret like missing out on merch gold.

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