Korn, Live At Montreux 2004, Blu-ray (2008)
Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment [Release date: Aug. 27, 08]
Video: 1.78:1 (16:9) 1080p HD
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, English DD 5.1, English PCM Stereo 2.0
Subtitles: None
Length: 75 minutes
Rating: ***
Korn is one of those “Nu Metal” bands that combine elements of heavy metal with a generous proportion of rap and hip-hop influences. Creatively, they peaked in the late nineties, and this 2004 concert film documents one of the last performances by the group’s classic lineup. The performances were recorded shortly after the release of the group’s album Take A Look In The Mirror, which was poorly received critically and commercially and eventually led to the departure of original guitarist Brian “Head” Welch. A retooling of the group’s sound followed, and subsequent albums have also met with mixed success. While not a huge fan of the group or of the genre, there’s nonetheless an almost “guilty pleasure” appeal to much of this material for anyone who’s a fan of any level of metal music.
Singer Jonathan Davis (and I call him a “singer” in the absolute loosest definition of the word) is the driving force of Korn, and his growling, gutteral vocals are one of the band’s signature elements. This music first gained a great deal of popularity because the band rejected many of the current conventions of the music industry; their music was rough and raw and is injected with a heavy dose of expletives. The uninitiated need to beware – these songs definitely come with a language advisory! Over the years, however, Korn has almost fallen into the mainstream category; with the ever-increasing shock value coming from newer acts, Korn just doesn’t seem that cutting edge anymore. And this disc reflects that – you can definitely sense that the audience doesn’t react with the same level of enthusiasm to the newer material as they do to classic tracks such as “Freak On A Leash” and “Dead Bodies Everywhere.”
Technically, the disc is quite good, and pretty much on par for a live concert recording. Image quality is good, though not as exceptionally crisp or clear as the best concert offerings out there, and the colors are often oversaturated. There’s also a bit of video noise present. The DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack is excellent and showcases the band at their unbridled best in terms of sound quality; you’ll definitely have no problem breaking your lease with this disc. In terms of extras, there are none – zilch!
Fans will find this Blu-ray presentation indispensable; while I must admit I enjoyed watching the show, I’m not quite certain if I (or especially my wife or neighbors) could take a steady diet of this stuff. Recommended, especially for hard-core fans.
TrackList: Right Now; Break Some Off; Got The Life; Here To Stay; Falling Away From Me; Blind; Shoots and Ladders; One; Freak On A Leash; A.D.I.D.A.S.; Dead Bodies Everywhere; Did My Time; Another Brick In The Wall; F****t; Somebody Someone; Y’all Want A Single
— Tom Gibbs
