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Korn Rocks the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion with Explosive Performances by Gojira and Spiritbox! Korn's October 20, 2023, show at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, Texas, was a night to remember, headlined by the nu-metal pioneers alongside heavyweights Gojira and breakout stars Spiritbox.
The night opened with Spiritbox, whose atmospheric yet crushing sound set the perfect tone. While their set was relatively short, Spiritbox made every moment count, leaving the audience eager for more. Their unique mix of metalcore, djent and atmospheric elements has positioned them as a band to watch, and their performance on this night further reinforced their rising status in the metal world. Courtney LaPlante, Spiritbox’s lead vocalist, was the focal point of the band’s intense stage presence. Her versatile voice, shifting effortlessly between ethereal clean singing and brutal growls, gave the set a dynamic edge. Opening with “Cellar Door,” the band immediately pulled the audience into their haunting yet powerful soundscape. LaPlante’s haunting delivery of tracks like "Jaded" and "Angel Eyes" demonstrated her ability to mix emotional vulnerability with sheer aggression. The highlight of their set was the live debut of “Soft Spine,” a newly released song that had fans taking notice. The track’s crushing riffs and hypnotic melody showcased Spiritbox’s ability to blend genres seamlessly, a quality that has made them stand out in the metal scene. Other fan favorites like “Circle With Me” and “Holy Roller” turned the energy up, with the latter transforming the Pavilion into a headbanging frenzy. Spiritbox proved why they are one of the most exciting new acts in modern metal. The Canadian band delivered an electrifying set that captivated the crowd from start to finish. Spiritbox’s ability to create a deep connection with their audience, despite their position as the opening act, was a testament to their growing star power. The band’s tight musicianship, alongside LaPlante’s commanding stage presence, solidified their place as a must-see live act. Gojira took the stage next showcasing their signature blend of progressive metal and environmental themes. Tearing through a 12-song set Gojira opened with “Born For One Thing,” immediately setting the tone with their signature blend of heavy riffs and intricate melodies. Their performance was a relentless barrage of energy, featuring tracks like “Stranded” and “Flying Whales,” which turned the crowd into a sea of headbangers and raised fists. The sheer power of their sound was complemented by their precise musicianship, with Joe Duplantier’s vocals and Mario Duplantier’s intricate drumming standing out throughout the set. A standout moment of the night was their performance of “Silvera,” which was preceded by a snippet of the French revolutionary song “Ah! Ça ira.” This unique touch gave their set a sense of historical weight, adding an extra layer of meaning to their already powerful performance.What sets Gojira apart is their ability to blend crushing heaviness with moments of beauty and reflection. Overall, Gojira’s set was a reminder of why they’ve risen to the forefront of the metal world. Their combination of technical skill, emotional depth and environmental activism makes their live performances an unforgettable experience. Finally, Korn closed out the night with a powerful 17-song set that spanned their entire career. The set was a thrilling journey through Korn’s discography. Opening with the fan-favorite "Here to Stay," they delighted fans with a rare performance of "Dead Bodies Everywhere.” The set also featured iconic hits like “A.D.I.D.A.S.,” "Blind" and "Falling Away From Me," ensuring long-time fans and newcomers alike left satisfied. Korn’s intensity and connection with the crowd made for an unforgettable experience. Frontman Jonathan Davis was in top form, delivering his trademark growls and emotionally charged vocals with fervor. Davis’ powerful stage presence, coupled with the band’s tight, visceral sound, elevated the performance to an immersive experience for the audience. The interplay between his vocals and the band’s signature heavy grooves, provided by guitarists James "Munky" Shaffera and Brian "Head" Welsh, Ray Luzier on drums and bassist Ra Díaz, made for a relentless, high-energy show. Before the song "Start The Healing" Jonathan gave a shout out of true appreciation to the local fans for their continuous support over the years. He said he was so very thankful that after 30 years this band from Beverly Hills was still going strong. A particularly memorable moment came during “Shoots and Ladders,” where Korn incorporated a snippet of Metallica’s "One," an unexpected but thrilling nod to another metal giant. The band’s ability to blend their original material with subtle tributes like this shows their respect for the genre’s broader landscape. The encore featured the explosive “Freak on a Leash,” with the entire pavilion erupting as Davis screamed the iconic lyrics while streamers rained sown over the crowd. This track, more than any other, seemed to define the night for both the band and the audience, as they celebrated Korn’s legacy while reaffirming their relevance in today’s heavy music scene. Ultimately, Korn’s performance at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion was a reminder of why they’ve remained a metal mainstay for decades. Their set was a perfect balance of nostalgia and fresh intensity, leaving long-time fans satisfied and new listeners eager for more. Overall, the combination of Spiritbox’s ethereal heaviness, Gojira’s technical mastery and Korn’s legendary status made for a killer night of metal. Korn Setlist: Here to Stay Dead Bodies Everywhere Got the Life A.D.I.D.A.S. It's On! Good God Start the Healing Blind Ball Tongue Clown (followed by an instrumental jam) Shoots and Ladders (with a snippet of Metallica's "One") Twist Make Me Bad Y'All Want a Single Falling Away From Me Oildale (Leave Me Alone) Freak on a Leash Gojira Setlist: Born for One Thing The Axe Backbone Stranded The Cell Flying Whales Grind Another World L'enfant sauvage Mea culpa (Ah! Ça ira!) Silvera Amazonia Spiritbox Setlist: Cellar Door Jaded Angel Eyes Soft Spine Circle With Me Holy Roller |
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