Korn & Gojira

October 25, 2024 – CHI Health Center – Omaha, NE

On Friday night, October 25, 2024, the CHI Health Center was the ultimate destination for rock fans, as Korn, Gojira, and Spiritbox took over the arena for an unforgettable night of hard-hitting music! Thousands of fans packed the arena, and they definitely got their money’s worth.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t granted press access to cover Spritibox, but from the sounds coming from the arena, it sounded like they were awesome.

As we entered the arena in preparation for Gojira, the crowd was already buzzing.

In case you’re not familiar, Gojira is a French heavy metal band known for their progressive and technical approach to metal, as well as their environmental activism and powerful live performances. Formed in 1996 in Bayonne, France, the band originally went by the name Godzilla before adopting the name Gojira in 2001. Their current lineup includes Joe Duplantier (vocals and guitar), Mario Duplantier (drums), Christian Andreu (lead guitar), and Jean-Michel Labadie (bass).

Gojira’s unique sound combines aggressive riffs with complex rhythms, and their lyrics often touch on themes like nature, spirituality, and the human condition.

The band’s 2005 album From Mars to Sirius put them on the international map, and since then, they’ve consistently released acclaimed albums, including The Way of All Flesh, L’Enfant Sauvage, Magma, and Fortitude. Magma (2016) earned them Grammy nominations for Best Rock Album and Best Metal Performance. Over the years, Gojira has received widespread praise and numerous awards, including several Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards, and their influence has made them one of the most respected bands in modern metal. They have over 2.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and their latest release, “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ca ira!),” is definitely worth adding to your hard rock playlist!

These guys know how to put on a show, and seeing them live is an experience every metal fan should have at least once—it’s pure, relentless energy from start to finish. When they took the stage, the crowd was already buzzing, but the moment Joe Duplantier’s voice roared through the speakers, the place erupted. Mario Duplantier’s drumming was on another level; his beats practically shook the floor and kept everyone’s heads banging in sync, and the way Christian Andreu and Jean-Michel Labadie shredded on their guitars? It was mesmerizing. The setlist was a perfect mix of Gojira’s classics like “Flying Whales” and more current songs from Fortitude that kept things heavy and intense.

The band also brought a real sense of purpose to the show, with Joe taking a moment to talk about the importance of protecting the environment—something that’s close to their hearts and woven into a lot of their songs. Between the flawless technical skill, the raw power of their performance, and their connection with the audience, Gojira’s set was more than just music; it was an unforgettable experience.

Gojira Setlist:

Born for One Thing
The Axe
Backbone
Stranded
The Cell
Flying Whales
Grind
Another World
L’enfant sauvage
Mea culpa (Ah! Ca ira!) / Remembrance
Silvera
Amazonia

After a brief intermission, it was time for Korn!

Korn is a nu-metal band from Bakersfield, California, known for their heavy, down-tuned guitars, raw vocals, and gritty lyrics that explore themes like alienation, abuse, and mental health. Formed in 1993, Korn practically invented the nu-metal genre, blending elements of metal, hip-hop, and alternative rock into a distinctive sound that left a lasting impact on music in the late ’90s and early 2000s. The band’s current lineup includes Jonathan Davis (vocals), James “Munky” Shaffer (guitar), Brian “Head” Welch (guitar), Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu (bass), and Ray Luzier (drums).

Korn’s self-titled debut album in 1994 shook up the rock scene, and their follow-up albums, Life Is Peachy, Follow the Leader, and Issues, made them superstars, with Follow the Leader debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. They’ve won several awards, including two Grammys: one for Best Short Form Music Video for “Freak on a Leash” and one for Best Metal Performance for “Here to Stay.” Over the years, Korn has continued to evolve and stay relevant, releasing albums that explore new sounds while keeping their signature intensity. With their legacy cemented as nu-metal icons, Korn remains one of the most respected names in metal today. They have over 11.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and they don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

Their set was an intense, electric experience that hit hard and left everyone buzzing. The second the lights dropped and that eerie, twisted intro music started, the crowd knew they were in for something special. Munky and Head’s guitar riffs were heavy and relentless, tearing through classics like “Got the Life” and “Y’all Want a Single,” and the crowd sang every word back with all they had.

Fieldy’s bass lines practically rattled the walls of the CHI Center, and Ray Luzier kept the beat pounding like a machine, fueling the mosh pits that opened up across the floor. Jonathan’s vocals were raw, and he had that mix of aggression and vulnerability that makes Korn’s music so powerful live. They threw in newer tracks too, but they played to the fans with their iconic hits. Between the visceral sound, the dark stage setup, and Korn’s unmistakable energy, their set was pure, raw nu-metal that reminded everyone why Korn still reigns supreme.

Fantastic show!

Korn Setlist: