Korn, Rotting in Vain | Track Review 🎵

“Rotting In Vein” might be the spark Korn needs to achieve commercial relevancy once more after several albums that performed lackadaisically on the charts. 

It has been years since Korn has been truly relevant. The last platinum-certified album by the metal vets came with 2005 LP, See You on the Other Side.  Since then, the band has one gold album to their credit – Untitled (2007).  That considered, successfully promoting upcoming album, The Serenity of Suffering should be a top priority.  Thankfully, promo single “Rotting in Vain” seems like a perfect starting place.

“Rotting in Vain” cooks from the jump. An excellent crescendo and layer of electronic sounds kicks off the minor-key record. Soon, guitars replace the synthetic sounds, before they return on the first verse.  No time is wasted before the bomb is dropped – the f-bomb that is!

“I wouldn’t be angry if you just f*cking cried / your tears would arouse me, refreshing my supply.”

All in the spirit of metal – or extra oomph – whichever comes first.

F-bomb aside, the highlight of “Rotting in Vain” is the chorus, which is catchy and filled with angst.

“Digging deep inside of me / getting past this agony / I can’t seem to get away / Another day rotting in vain”

With “Rotting in Vain,” everything feels right – in the most hellish way possible.  “In the pocket,” the groove and continual riff drive this gem.  Johnathan Davis kills it with commanding vocals, perfectly capturing the agony of “another day rotting in vain.” Even yet, the ad-lib section with nonsensical vocals is creative, adding more personality and sheer exceptionalness.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, “Rotting in Vein” is a soundly produced, well-executed song. Dark and filled with angst, it exemplifies how and what metal should be.  Hopefully, this is the spark that Korn needs to do some damage when The Serenity of Suffering arrives in October 2016. 

Korn • The Serenity of Suffering • Roadrunner • Release: 10.21.16

Photo Credit: Roadrunner