KORN – photo by Diane Webb

Korn and Gojira Dominate Tacoma Dome with a Night of Heavy Metal Intensity

Tacoma Dome, October 10, 2024 – The Tacoma Dome shook under the weight of two powerhouse acts on Thursday night, as nu metal veterans Korn headlined a sold-out show with French metal juggernauts Gojira as direct support. Canadian metal band Spiritbox was also slated to open, but unfortunately, heavy traffic caused by a conflicting Seattle Seahawks NFL game left many fans, including myself, unable to catch their set.

Despite the late arrivals, the energy in the venue quickly ramped up as Gojira took the stage, delivering a powerful performance that set the tone for the night.

Gojira Electrifies the Crowd with Precision and Power

Gojira kicked off their set with “Born for One Thing,” a track from their acclaimed 2021 album Fortitude. The opening riff exploded through the Tacoma Dome, accompanied by perfectly timed bursts of pyrotechnics and CO2 fog that created a dramatic visual spectacle. Lead vocalist and guitarist Joe Duplantier’s roaring vocals were relentless, and the band’s precision was unmistakable. They followed up with “The Axe” and “Backbone,” offering a mix of groove-heavy rhythms and pummeling intensity that got the crowd moving early.

Mid-set, they treated the audience to fan favorites like “Flying Whales” and “Stranded,” showcasing their range from atmospheric passages to hard-hitting, thrashing sections. The band also played “L’enfant sauvage” from their 2012 album of the same name, igniting cheers from longtime fans. Toward the end of their 12-song set, Gojira performed “Mea culpa (Ah! Ça ira!) / Remembrance,” the track that catapulted them to mainstream attention after being featured in the 2024 Summer Olympics. They closed with “Amazonia,” a song with a socially conscious message about deforestation, capping off a stunning performance that solidified their status as one of the most formidable live acts in modern metal.

Korn Brings Nu Metal Nostalgia with a Vengeance

After a short break, the stage was veiled in darkness as anticipation for Korn’s headlining performance built. Suddenly, the massive black curtain dropped, revealing the band as they launched into “Here to Stay,” a staple from their 2002 album Untouchables. The crowd erupted, and Korn made it clear they were there to make an impact.

Jonathan Davis, Korn’s charismatic frontman, stalked the stage with his signature intensity, his vocals as sharp and guttural as ever. The band wasted no time, powering through heavy hitters like “Dead Bodies Everywhere” and the bass-driven anthem “Got the Life,” as fans screamed along to every word. Their set included a balanced mix of classics and newer material, including “Start the Healing” from their latest album Requiem.

In a poignant moment mid-set, Davis paused to reflect on Korn’s long history with the Tacoma Dome. He recalled their last performance at the venue 22 years ago and thanked their loyal fans, particularly those who have been with them for the full 30-year journey. Davis also acknowledged the younger generation of Korn fans, many of whom weren’t even born when the band first emerged in the 1990s, and expressed gratitude for their support.

Korn kept the energy high throughout, treating the crowd to deep cuts like “Good God” and the eerie “Shoots and Ladders,” which was briefly interwoven with a snippet of Metallica’s “One.” They closed the main set with “Y’All Want a Single,” a defiant anthem that whipped the crowd into a frenzy.

The band returned for a three-song encore, kicking off with the haunting “Falling Away From Me.” They followed it with “Oildale (Leave Me Alone)” before concluding with their iconic track “Freak on a Leash.” As the familiar bassline of “Freak on a Leash” filled the Tacoma Dome, the crowd surged with renewed energy, singing every word. The final notes left the Tacoma Dome buzzing with excitement, and the performance solidified Korn’s legacy as nu metal legends.

Thursday’s show at the Tacoma Dome was a masterclass in metal, with both Korn and Gojira delivering performances that left an indelible mark on the audience. Korn’s nostalgic, hard-hitting set paired with Gojira’s technical prowess and visual spectacle made for an unforgettable night. Fans left the venue buzzing, knowing they had witnessed two titans of the genre at their very best.

Setlists:

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
Michael & Geri (played from tape)
Blind
Ball Tongue
Clown
Shoots and Ladders (with a snippet of Metallica’s “One”)
Twist
Make Me Bad
Y’All Want a Single

Encore:
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!) / Remembrance
Silvera
Amazonia

KORN Gallery

GOJIRA Gallery