Full Breakdown
Korn Returns with “Reward the Scars,” First New Music in Four Years
4/24/2026, 10:20:00 PM
New Single Launch and Game Collaboration
Korn released the single “Reward the Scars” on 23 April 2026, marking the band’s first new material since the 2022 album *Requiem*. The track was issued as a surprise drop and serves as part of the soundtrack for the *Diablo IV* expansion Lord of Hatred, scheduled for release on 28 April 2026. Production was handled by longtime collaborator Nick Raskulinecz, who previously worked with the group on 2016’s *The Serenity of Suffering*.
Background & Recent Activity
After *Requiem* topped Billboard’s Hard Rock Albums chart, Korn continued extensive touring, including a headline slot at the 2025 Download Festival and a 40,000-person show at London’s Gunnersbury Park in 2024. In 2021 the band’s founding bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu departed following a refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccine; Roberto “Ra” Díaz has performed bass duties live since late 2021. The group has repeatedly emphasized a focus on live performance rather than a new studio album.
Key Personnel
- Jonathan Davis – lead vocals
- Brian “Head” Welch – guitar, spokesperson on new-music strategy
- James “Munky” Shaffer – guitar
- Roberto “Ra” Díaz – live bassist (replacing Fieldy)
- Nick Raskulinecz – producer of “Reward the Scars”
- Blizzard Entertainment – developer of the *Diablo IV* expansion (partner in the song’s placement)
Timeline of Recent Milestones
- 23 Apr 2026 – “Reward the Scars” released on streaming platforms.
- 25 Apr 2026 – Korn’s first 2026 live appearance at the Sick New World festival, Las Vegas.
- 28 Apr 2026 – *Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred* expansion launches.
- May 2026 – Latin American tour dates announced.
- 26 Oct 2026 – UK tour opens in Leeds; subsequent dates in Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Dublin, and a headline show at London’s O2 on 4 Nov 2026.
Data & Statistics
- *Requiem* (2022) reached #1 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Albums chart.
- Gunnersbury Park concert (2024) attracted an estimated 40,000 attendees.
- The band’s career spans over three decades, with 30 years of continuous activity reported by bassist Fieldy.
Official Statements & Responses
Band guitarist Brian Welch indicated that Korn is prioritizing its live schedule and does not view a new album as an immediate priority. He noted that the group remains “happy with what we got” regarding the new track but expects a longer interval before any full-length release. Fieldy clarified that his departure stemmed from vaccine-related travel restrictions and described his current status as “retired from Korn today,” leaving open the possibility of future involvement.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans have voiced speculation about the bass tone on “Reward the Scars,” questioning whether Fieldy will rejoin the lineup or if Díaz will remain the permanent bassist. This discussion reflects broader uncertainty about the band’s personnel direction following Fieldy’s exit.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re focusing right now on our live show,” — Brian “Head” Welch, guitarist
- “There could be a couple of surprises this year. We’re going to have some cool announcements for dates around the world and stuff coming this year.” — Brian “Head” Welch
- “And we’re very happy with what we got, but it’s just gonna take a while,” — Brian “Head” Welch
What’s Next
Korn will continue its 2026 touring cycle, beginning with the Sick New World festival, followed by Latin American dates in May and a UK/Europe headline tour in October–November. The band has not announced a timeline for a new studio album, leaving future recording plans open. The “Reward the Scars” single remains tied to the *Diablo IV* expansion, potentially extending its exposure through the game’s audience.
