Despite being one of the most consistently touring bands in the world, it has been along fifteen and a half years since Korn performed in Calgary. Despite 6 studio albums in that time and many worldwide tours, it wasn’t until September 28th, 2025’s Saddledome concert that Korn once again performed for the Calgary faithful. While the wait was arduous, the sold-out crowd showed all was forgiven when they began to roar as the first riffs of Blind echoed through the arena. When singer Jonathan Davis growled "Are you ready?" as a curtain dropped, the answer was absolutely, yes.
What followed was a blistering set of some of the bands greatest hits. Hereto Stay, Got the Life, and the nursey rhyme singsong of Shoots and Ladders had the heads banging, the mosh pit going, and the rafters rumbling.
With 14 studio albums under their belts, the setlist did focus primarily on their early albums. There were no songs from the bands most recent album, 2022’s Reqium and only Cold from 2019’s The Serenity of Suffering. Instead, Davis, guitarists Brian "Head" Welch and James "Munky" Shaffer, drummer Ray Luzier and touring bassist Ra Diaz delivered instantly known songs like Twisted Transistor and A.D.I.D.A.S. Impressive visuals and lighting added to the stage show. Davis continues to be a captivating frontman, stalking the stage in his trademark kilt, hair flying as he jumped up and down behind his custom aliens-themed mic stand.
If there is one criticism for the show, it is the brief run time of 90 minutes. With 31 years of songs, there is no reason to perform for such a short time, even with 2 other bands on the bill. 2 nights earlier Bryan Adams performed for nearly 2 and a half hours, and 83-year-old Paul McCartney continues to play 3hour shows. With concert ticket prices ever increasing, the value is in the headliner. All to soon the band was wrapping things up with Freak on a Leash. "We will be back again soon" Davis proclaimed to the screaming audience. Let’s hope that is the case, because Calgary sold out the show and proved that there is a need for Korn to come back before another 15 years goes by.
Special guest Gojira’s hour long set featured all the bells and whistles –unusual for a non-headlining band. The French foursome has been performing since 1996 and got a big boost by being the first metal band to play at the Olympic Opening Ceremonies in Paris. Flames shot in the air, lasers shot over the crowd, and Gojira put left everything on stage with songs like Only Pain, Flying Whales and the song they played at the opening ceremony Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!). While there were certainly established fans in the Dome, Gojira undoubtedly added more with this performance.
6:45 is a tough spot for a band, but Liverpool band Loathe made the most of their 10-song set as fans trickled into the seats.
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Contributor Jason Clevett |
Locale Calgary |
Person Korn |
Topic Concert Review |
