Korn: The Path Of Totality, Live At The Hollywood Palladium Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "Korn: The Path of Totality Tour - Live at The Hollywood Palladium" Blu-ray delivers a compelling video presentation. The 1080i live transfer provided by Shout Factory is solid, offering remarkable detail and depth throughout the concert. The frequent camera switches provide multiple perspectives of the stage and band, maintaining viewer engagement without becoming overwhelming. The vibrant lights and large screen behind the band might be intense at times, yet the colors remain lush, stable, and devoid of blockiness. Notably, motion-judder and compression issues are minimal to non-existent, ensuring a smooth viewing experience.

This Blu-ray’s visual elements excel in creating an immersive concert atmosphere. The band shots are crisp and articulate, allowing fans to appreciate the musicians' performances in high detail. Additionally, highly detailed audience shots contribute to a sense of being physically present at the event. Low background noise levels do not detract from the visual quality, and the ongoing audiovisuals enhance the overall atmosphere of the live performance, making it visually engaging for viewers at home. Fans of Korn will find this Blu-ray presentation particularly satisfying due to its comprehensive and immersive qualities. (Note: This is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release.)

The Blu-ray of "Korn: The Path of Totality, Live at the Hollywood Palladium" features two standard audio tracks: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and LPCM 2.0. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is particularly notable for its immersive and dynamic sound quality. It effectively captures the breadth of Korn's performance, ensuring a balanced mix where Jonathan Davis' vocals remain clear amidst the intense musical backdrop. The new material with DJ elements stands out exceptionally well, demonstrating solid, distortion-free audio that maintains its clarity even as the intensity rises. Crowd noise is present but well-managed, enhancing the live atmosphere without overpowering the music.

By contrast, the LPCM 2.0 track pales in comparison, lacking the depth and richness of the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Switching from DTS-HD to LPCM reveals an immediate drop in sound intensity and a noticeable loss of the edge in electronic elements, particularly evident in tracks like "Illuminati" and "Way Too Far." The LPCM 2.0 track simply doesn't deliver the same level of audio immersion, failing to encapsulate the full auditory experience of a live Korn performance.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track offers an exceptional listening experience, making each beat and vocal shine while preserving the live concert atmosphere. This concert Blu-ray is an auditory treat, with superbly presented performances that fully meet listeners' expectations. The clear winner in this audio presentation is undoubtedly the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which sets a high standard for live concert recordings.

The extras on the "Korn: The Path Of Totality, Live At The Hollywood Palladium" Blu-ray complement the main feature with a deep dive into the band’s evolution and creative process. The interviews provide detailed insights into Korn's new direction combining electro-metal and dubstep, reflecting on their early days and stylistic transformation. Discussions explore the band's inspiration behind "The Path of Totality," the intricacies of their current tour, and personal anecdotes from each member. The conversations are both informative and engaging, giving fans a thorough background on the album's concept art as well, featuring visual artist Roboto.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interviews: In-depth discussions with band members and the album artwork artist about shifts in their musical style and behind-the-scenes tour details.

Korn's Blu-ray release, "The Path Of Totality, Live At The Hollywood Palladium," captures the band's evolution eighteen years after their debut. The album showcases a hybrid of their traditional nu-metal roots with a significant infusion of electronica and dubstep, drawing comparisons to seminal works such as Sepultura's 1996 album, Roots. This sonic amalgamation results in a riveting blend reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails, Prodigy, and Die Krupps. The Blu-ray features a high-energy performance from a December 2011 show at the Hollywood Palladium, promoting their experimental album with noted DJs like Skrillex and Noisia contributing to the intense soundscape.

The visuals and audio of this Blu-ray are particularly noteworthy. Korn performs an eclectic mix of old hits and new tracks, featuring songs like "Get Up!," "Chaos Lives in Everything," and "Narcissistic Cannibal." The setlist also includes compelling covers such as Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall" and Metallica's "One." Assisted by several electronic artists, Korn delivers a fiery performance augmented by stunning stage lighting, creating a dynamic audiovisual experience that could easily engage crowds at any major rock festival in Europe. The chemistry between the band and the guest DJs is palpable, maintaining an intense sound that underscores their willingness to innovate while respecting their past.

For both longtime Korn fans and newcomers, this Blu-ray offers a comprehensive view of the band's current artistic trajectory. While the show’s electrifying nature appeals most strongly to enthusiasts of metal and electronic music, its robust performance and stellar production ensure it stands as a testament to Korn's ongoing relevance in the rock scene. Despite minor distractions from audience members using cameras and phones, the band’s powerful presence and inventive sound make this a must-see for fans of Korn’s evolving musical journey.

"Korn: The Path Of Totality, Live At The Hollywood Palladium" captures the raw energy and innovative spirit that Korn is renowned for. The live performance on this Blu-ray showcases tracks from their groundbreaking album "The Path of Totality," integrating electronica into their signature nu-metal sound. This fusion brings a modern twist to their well-established style, ensuring that both long-time fans and new listeners find something to appreciate. The concert also includes older hits and standout covers, maintaining the intensity and aggressive flair that has made Korn a mainstay in the hardcore/nu-metal scene.

The Blu-ray features an excellent presentation with high production values, providing a visually and sonically immersive experience. It gives fans not only a brilliant live performance but also illuminating insights into the band's creative process and their journey on tour. While the primary appeal is undoubtedly for Korn's fanbase, the exceptional quality of both the performance and the behind-the-scenes content could entice those interested in high-caliber concert recordings and the evolution of modern metal music.

In conclusion, Korn's foray into electronica breathes new life into their legendary sound, making "Korn: The Path Of Totality, Live At The Hollywood Palladium" a noteworthy release. The blend of new material, classic hits, and the enthralling stage presence makes this Blu-ray a solid addition to any music collection. Priced appropriately, it offers significant value and comes highly recommended, particularly for dedicated fans of Korn and those seeking an exceptional live music experience.