On the first day of October 2025, Rogers Arena was transformed into a seismic zone as Korn brought their “Kanada 2025” tour to Vancouver, co-headlined by the French progressive metal powerhouse, Gojira. The pairing of two bands, one instrumental in defining nu-metal’s emotional heft and the other pushing the boundaries of modern progressive metal, created an undeniable draw. The large venue was packed with a multi-generational audience, their anticipation a palpable current beneath the arena lights, ready to witness a double dose of heavy music delivered with precision and fury.
Gojira ignoted the evening, who set a formidable tone with a relentless 11-song set. Opening with the crushing force of “Only Pain” and transitioning seamlessly into the groove of “The Axe,” the band showcased their technical brilliance and environmentalist themes. Guitarist and vocalist Joe Duplantier commanded the stage with his signature growl and surgical riffing on tracks like “Backbone” and the fan-favorite, “Stranded.” The band demonstrated their dynamic range, shifting from the frantic pace of “The Cell” to the anthemic power of “Flying Whales” and “Amazonia,” cementing their reputation as one of the most compelling and musically sophisticated acts in modern metal, and expertly preparing the crowd for the headliner.
As the house lights dimmed for the second time, the arena erupted. Korn took the stage and immediately launched into “Blind,” the song’s signature bass slap and unsettling vocalizations confirming the band’s mastery over their genre. Jonathan Davis, in his customary kilt, led the charge, his tortured vocal delivery serving as the emotional core of the performance. The band’s tightness was evident as they delivered a brutalizing succession of early hits, including the abrasive “Twist,” the anthemic “Here to Stay,” and the unmistakable groove of “Got the Life.”
The heart of Korn’s performance lay in the deep dive into their foundational catalog, a nostalgic journey for many in attendance. The rhythm section of Fieldy on bass and Ray Luzier on drums provided a massive, percussive framework that underscored the band’s signature sound. A mid-set highlight arrived with “Shoots and Ladders,” which included a playful yet potent snippet of Metallica’s “One,” showcasing the band’s appreciation for metal history. The mood shifted from aggressive to strangely beautiful during the chorus of “Coming Undone,” which incorporated a portion of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” for a moment of unified chaos.
The latter portion of the main set offered a barrage of iconic tracks that defined the band’s peak. The crowd roared along to “Twisted Transistor” and the instantly recognizable “A.D.I.D.A.S.” The sequence of “Dirty,” “Somebody Someone,” and “Y’All Want a Single” sustained the frantic energy, with Davis’s vocal catharsis reaching a fever pitch. The energy was unrelenting, with the band utilizing minimal stage production to maximize the sheer visceral impact of their sound, relying instead on heavy lighting and the power of their riffs.
The night concluded with an explosive four-song encore that left no doubt about Korn’s legacy. After a brief Ozzy Osbourne tribute, the band dove into the classic trifecta of “Falling Away From Me,” “Divine,” and the inescapable “Freak on a Leash.” The Vancouver stop on the “Kanada 2025” tour was a masterclass in metal performance, a perfect fusion of Gojira’s progressive sophistication and Korn’s foundational nu-metal fury. The experience at Rogers Arena was a loud, heavy, and emotionally resonant reminder that both bands remain vital forces in the world of heavy music.
