REVIEW-Nocturnal Underground w/Korn, Breaking Benjamin

The rains cleared and the clouds parted over Columbus, Ohio’s Live Express arena as the Nocturnal Underground Tour made its only stop in the “Heart of it All” on Friday, September 30th. Anyone within driving distance knows that the weather had been constantly wet for a solid 48 hours previous to the show. So, I made sure I womaned up and had a rain suit in the back of my vehicle just in case. Nothing was going to stop me from having the best time possible in the presence of some of the most talented musicians to ever grace a stage. Nothing. Would I look ridiculous if I needed it? You bet! Did I give a shit? Not a one.

Anyway, luckily for me – and the sold-out crowd of metalheads, rabblerousers and hardy partiers packing the outdoor arena – the weather gods shined down on us with nary a drop of the wet stuff. It was glorious. Unfortunately for me, due to a more than two-hour drive from my front door to the arena gate, I missed the first act for the Nocturnal Underground Tour, Silver Snakes. However, I heard they put on one hell of a show. Next time, guys, next time!!

As I snagged my ticket and shoved my way through the crowd, I heard an uproar of shouting. I knew something was about to go down hard. One glance to the stage, and I saw my second-favorite Scranton, Pennsylvania, natives Motionless in White commanding control of the crowd. Chris “Motionless” Cerulli handled the microphone as only he can. Josh Balz (keyboard, synth, and backing vocals), Ryan Sitkowski (lead guitar), Ricky “Horror” Olson (rhythm and bass guitar, backing vocals), Devin “Ghost” Sola (backing vocals and bass guitar), and Vinny Mauro (drums) provided their signature instrumental and vocal backings. The crowd hung onto every word of “Devil’s Night,” “Contemptress,” “America,” and “570.” Though they played a few other songs, too, I distinctly remember hearing the lyrics reverberate through the air during the obvious crowd favorites. With the energy set to level ten, Motionless in White exited the stage while the crowd ached for more.

After a quick stage switch, the opening notes of “So Cold” ripped through the quickly-chilling autumn air. The crowd went absolutely ape shit as Breaking Benjamin took their turn kicking ass and taking names, as they always do on stage. Ben Burnley, supported by Aaron Bruch (bass) and Keith Wallen (rhythm guitar), used his well-polished and always formidable vocal stylings to take the crowd through a 14-song set. Shaun Foist did his drumming duties diligently as he provided the strong rhythmic backbone to the set. Likewise, Jasen Rauch showed off his blazin’ guitar skills, leading the crowd over the ebbs and flows between melodies as only he has proven able. The crowd sang along (almost as loud as Ben and the others at times!) to “Angels Fall,” “Blow Me Away,” “Ashes of Eden,” “Polyamorous,” and the show closer, “Diary of Jane”.

Through it all, Ben and the guys never missed a beat. It never seems like enough when these guys play; I am always ready for more! It was another incredible performance, of that there was no doubt. As fists and devil horns flew over my head, I watched the crowd show Breaking Benjamin the love they deserved. They took the energy up to level eleven. However, that wasn’t the only thing that was amped up. Likewise, the crowd was pumped up and ready to continue the night of rock and roll mayhem, debauchery, and subsequent shenanigans. Thus, I know I wasn’t the only one wanting “one more song” as Breaking Benjamin exited stage right. At that point, I was left knowing one thing stood between me and the long, arduous drive home: nu metal pioneers, Korn. And, I was more excited than a little kid on Christmas!

Uniquely, I had the opportunity to watch the Korn Production Crew set things up backstage for the Nocturnal Underground Tour, and man, I was impressed! First of all, I have never seen a group of young people work so hard before on a single task in my life, and I am in the field of education! From moving back drops to adjusting equipment and switching over the drum kits, no detail was left unturned by the exceptionally hard-working group. Oftentimes, audiences and reviewers alike take for granted all the work needed to make sure shows go off without a hitch. In my opinion, I can say that the Korn crew pulled it off masterfully. So, kudos to the crew for keeping our favorite dread-heads rocking faces off, without glitches, every night. I’ll buy you a beverage if I ever see you guys out again; you absolutely kick ass.

First, the carnival-esque backdrop (which is also the album cover for their new album, The Serenity of Suffering, out later this month) lit up blue as Korn took the stage. Jonathan Davis grabbed his one-of-a-kind and absolutely kick-ass microphone stand, and the crowd lost their minds. True, the energy was high for the leading bands of the night; there was no question about that. However, let me tell you it was absolutely electric when Korn started their turn at a 14-song set. Undoubtedly, I have never, ever seen so many people in one very small space moving at the same time, with and against each other at times. Moreover, the air pulsed, not only with the music, but with energy. It was palpable in the air around me. Unquestionably, I was in for a treat of Korn’s epic proportions. And, they did not disappoint!

From “Right Now” to “Hear to Stay,” “Somebody Someone” and “Y’all Want a Single”, Jonathan Davis, James “Munky” Shaffer (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), Brian “Head” Welch (lead guitar and backing vocals), Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu (bass), and Ray Luzier (drums) absolutely killed it on stage.That is the only way I can fully describe their performance. From Head’s incredibly strong guitars and vocals (man, I forgot how much I missed hearing him play!!) to the familiar Fieldy sound on bass, the tightness of this performance was absolutely inspiring. Munky’s guitar skills still blew me away, and Ray did an awesome job keeping them all together and better than ever! Therefore, I was absolutely mind-blown. This was truly Korn at their finest.

Fancy adjectives escaped my mind as I listened to a band I have seen no fewer than four times before Friday night. Indeed, I had to pinch myself. It’s true, I thought Korn was amazing back then. But, they are even MORE incredible now than they have ever been. After all, these musical geniuses paved the way for, and inspired, so many great bands, including their co-headliners. Not to mention the two Grammys that Korn has to their names, for “Freak on a Leash” and “Here to Stay.” The thought never crossed my mind that an all-time great band like Korn could get better than they were in their heyday. Therefore, it’s my pleasure to report never have I ever been happier to be proven wrong.

First of all, it is clear that these guys (save Ray) have been doing what they do together, and doing it better than ever, for twenty-three years. 23!! Because of this, their sound is cohesive, tight, and strong. I know there were youngsters in the crowd who were born after 1993 and have never known a world without Korn in it! That thought alone made me feel a bit old at my almost 35 runs around the sun. Above all, as I watched the crowd rise and fall, mosh and headbang, while never missing a note supporting Jonathan on his vocal shreddings, I knew that everyone in the crowd – young, old, whatever – was a Korn fan, at least for the night. As it can be seen, music is the great unifier, and in Columbus, Ohio, that could not have been more evident.

Adding to that, the pyrotechnics were blazing, the lights were incredible, and the stage seemed just like home for the band out of Bakersfield, California. Of course, the bagpipes sounded as sick as they always do on “Shoots and Ladders”, as we know Jonathan would never disappoint us and not have them on hand. At first, the cheers of the crowd almost drowned out the pipes. But, I am glad Jonathan has no problem playing them expertly and as loud as possible so they were not missed. To be sure, it was incredible to witness. I forgot how much I just love Korn and how much I have missed seeing them live on stage.

After all, it takes moments like that – the pipes, the opening chords of two of my favorites, “Falling Away From Me” and “Freak on a Leash” – to remind you how rich of a history a certain band has in music and in your life. And, Korn reminded us all that they haven’t gone anywhere, they’re as strong as they’ve ever been, and they’re here to stay. And I, for one, am more than a little stoked about that.

Basically, if you have a chance to do so, run (do not walk; you’ll be late!) to catch a show during the final weeks of the Nocturnal Underground Tour, finishing its run on October 19^th in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Also, pick up your copy of Korn’s release, The Serenity of Suffering, when it releases on October 21^st wherever albums or digital downloads are sold. I know I can’t wait to get my copy!