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User
Reviews 6
Approval 86%
Soundoffs 16
Album Ratings 612
Objectivity 65%
Last Active 01-05-23 12:08 am
Joined 04-20-18
Review Comments 1,198
| Korn vs. Deftones
In the mid 1990's, Korn and Deftones single-handedly created nu-metal, and at the while indirectly stoked the flames of rap-metal. Hailing from Bakersfield and Sacramento in CA, these two bands existed in similar touring regions/circles, were known to each other, and were loosely linked from the start. Over the years - both bands ultimately transcended nu-metal, establishing their own individual/recognizable styles and trajectories. Here goes a comparison of the discographies of the two... | | 1 |  | Soundtrack (Film)
The Crow: City of Angels
I first heard Korn and Deftones as tracks 11 and 12 (respectively) on the 1996 The Crow: City of Angels Soundtrack - and the similarity and differences between the two bands was apparent from the start. Although both tracks were like nothing I had heard prior; Korn provided a darker, more bass-heavy dirge in the form of "Sean Olson". Conversely, "Teething" by Deftones was a down-tuned rap-metal hybrid unlike anything done before (by RATM, Stuck Mojo, etc.). As a result of these two tracks, I went out immediately and bought both of their initial albums. Deftones wins here - with Teething being one of my all-time favorite tracks of theirs. Also, their live (Day of the Dead) performance in the actual movie, The Crow: City of Angels, was one of the few highlights in a subpar sequel to The Crow. | | 2 |  | Korn
Korn
Korn (1994) vs Adrenaline (1995). Both initial albums were highly formative. Back in the mid 1990's, I slightly favored Adrenaline more than Korn - given the incorporation of rap metal elements into Adrenaline (e.g., in Bored, 7 Words, Engine No. 9). But over the years, Adrenaline has not aged as well as Korn - some of the Deftones influences are too clearly worn on their sleeve. The Korn album remains highly unique, with my all-time favorite track being Clown. Further, select tracks from Korn (e.g., Blind) remain a key staple of Korn's live set. As the ultimate progenitor of the nu-metal genre, Korn wins here. | | 3 |  | Deftones
Around the Fur
Life is Peachy (1996) vs. Around the Fur (1997). Life is Peachy has some classic Korn tracks (e.g., Twist/Chi, ADIDAS) and I always loved Wicked, but this sophomore album seemed a small step (relative to the prior album Korn). On the other hand, Around the Fur is the most metal that Deftones ever were. This album was a huge progression from Adrenaline into the realm of alternative metal - and is my favorite of the entire Deftones discography. Around the Fur wins here. | | 4 |  | Deftones
White Pony
Follow the Leader (1998) vs White Pony (2000). The third album finds each band entering the mainstream. Follow the Leader was a mixed bag, having some of Korn's greatest moments (Got the Life, Freak on a Leash) but also the worst (All in the Family, Cameltosis). As a result, parts of this album are juvenile and have not aged well over the years. Conversely, Deftones used White Pony to fully transcend nu-metal, creating and embracing their own form of alternative metal. The album itself is still relevant and remains a tour-de-force up to today. And I have to throw in kudos for the superb track Passenger, featuring MJK from Tool. White Pony wins here. | | 5 |  | Korn
Issues
Issues (1999) vs. Deftones (2003). For the fourth album, both bands took a significant step back from the limelight, abandoning some of the more mainstream-leaning components of Follow the Leader and White Pony. The Deftones self-titled album is often poorly-reviewed, but in retrospect was a key stepping stone to their later output. Issues was a darker, mournful album - interspersed with creative segues. I will always have a soft spot for Issues, as this album helped me get through a nasty breakup. Issues wins here, but both are great albums. | | 6 |  | Korn
Untouchables
I'm going to give Korn a +2 for having a bit more creative output than Deftones during the late 1990's/early 2000's. I really enjoyed both Untouchables and Take a Look in the Mirror, especially the latter's heavier aspects. | | 7 |  | Korn
See You on the Other Side
See You on the Other Side (2005) vs. Saturday Night Wrist (2006). Both albums see Korn and Deftones in bleak spots - with either lost band members (Korn) or severe infighting (Deftones). Some adore SNW - but I find it to be a decent listen, but not Deftones finest hour. Comparatively, as an industrial metal fan, I enjoyed the transition to See You on the Other Side. It's See You on the Other Side for me! | | 8 |  | Korn
Untitled
Untitled (2007) vs. Eros (2008-2009). Further hard times for both bands. What I heard of Eros, I liked - but obviously, the album never came out. Untitled was a bit of step down from See You on the Other Side, but had its moments. Ultimately, this one goes to Korn. | | 9 |  | Deftones
Diamond Eyes
Korn III: Remember Who You Are (2010) vs. Diamond Eyes (2010). Diamond Eyes was the start of a great decade for Deftones - a superb album cementing their unique take on alternative metal for years to come. Alternatively, Korn attempted to rekindle their roots - this awkward attempt failed superbly, resulting in an album that is a true slog to listen to. Diamond Eyes wins here. | | 10 |  | Korn
The Path of Totality
The Path of Totality (2011) vs. Covers (2011). 2011 found both bands providing something different. Covers was a solid compilation of Deftones covers made over the years, including select tracks also released on B-Sides and Rarities (2005). The Path of Totality was a divergence into dubstep - and although not high on most lists, it is one of my favorite releases of Korn's. Have to give this to Korn for playing outside the box. | | 11 |  | Deftones
Koi No Yokan
Koi No Yokan (2012) vs. The Paradigm Shift (2013). Deftones are rolling by this point - with KNY being another great album. Head returns to Korn - and The Paradigm Shift is a significant step on the return to greatness. I love both albums, but have to give this one to KNY. | | 12 |  | Korn
The Serenity of Suffering
The Serenity of Suffering (2016) vs. Gore (2016). At this time, Korn is firing on all cylinders - with SoS being one of their best albums IMO. Just the video for Insane is enough to put this over Gore, which was a good Deftones album, but somewhat dialed in to their typical sound. This is not to say that I dislike Gore - actually, I hold it high - but SoS wins here. | | 13 |  | Korn
The Nothing
The Nothing (2019) vs. Ohms (2020). Ohms is a solid offering from Deftones - another great album in the decade from 2010 to 2020. The Nothing is also great, seeping with darkness and pain. Both albums are great - but I have to give this to Korn for inclusion of more emotion - you can truly feel J.D.'s torment over the loss of his estranged Wife. | | 14 |  | Korn
Requiem
Requiem (2022) vs. new Deftones album (~2023). This is Deftones to win, as Requiem is essentially a glorified EP. Not a bad release from Korn, but seemed like Covid fodder and was hoping for more. | |
JDubb
12.29.22 | Love both bands - but ultimately Korn wins here (9 to 5). Some of this is due to Korns increased output (14 vs 9 studio albums). But also that Korn has frequently changed up their style - frequently providing something new, fresh, and relevant (but also resulting in utter failures like Korn III). Deftones has been consistently great in the later 1990's/early 2000's and from 2010-2020, but can lack the intense feel (e.g., pain/torment) that Korn is able to channel into their music. |
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