Nu-metal icons Korn have returned to the spotlight with a brand new single, drawing direct inspiration from the relentless loot-grind of Blizzard’s Diablo franchise. Marking their first musical offering in four years, the track arrives alongside a haunting, grim animated music video timed to coincide with the launch of the Diablo 4 expansion, Lord of Hatred.
The collaboration feels like a natural marriage of aesthetics. Both Korn and the Diablo series emerged in the late ’90s, anchored by a shared appreciation for macabre imagery and the cathartic release of aggressive energy. For frontman Jonathan Davis, the connection is personal; he is an ardent Diablo devotee. He frequently channels his energy into a “Bloodwave Necromancer” build, reveling in the satisfaction of “continuously smashing fools with that big blood wave.” Despite the introduction of new classes in Lord of Hatred, Davis remains fiercely loyal to his current playstyle.
During a recent sit-down, Davis shared that he utilizes Diablo 4 as a vital outlet to “decompress and vent any frustrations.” He advocates for the medium, noting, “Gaming is genuinely beneficial for people. It provides a necessary escape. It’s a far healthier alternative to destructive habits—it’s just pure fun.”
When Blizzard reached out to propose a partnership, Davis didn’t hesitate. “It was an absolute no-brainer,” he recalls. “I’ve been a superfan of the game for years, so jumping on board was an easy decision.”
The band transformed an existing instrumental track into “Reward the Scars,” a song lyrically tailored to the Diablo experience. Davis explains the creative process: “The music always comes first. As I began writing, the lyrics started reflecting that loop of gameplay. The title felt perfect because it encapsulates the essence of the grind—putting in the work to be rewarded with that high-tier loot.”
He recalls the adrenaline rush of his first “legendary” drop with infectious enthusiasm. “I actually called my son because I was so hyped,” he admits. “It might sound strange, but there is something genuinely thrilling about hunting for that perfect gear.”
The accompanying video for “Reward the Scars” leans into the dark, visceral themes of Lord of Hatred. However, despite the grim visuals, Davis maintains a profoundly optimistic outlook on his three-decade career.
“I’m driven by the desire to create,” Davis shares. “I often find that my best material emerges when my back is against the wall. I believe we all have a purpose, and mine is to channel these universal experiences into something that resonates with others. When I recorded that first Korn album at 24, I had no idea I would reach so many people—that I would become a voice for those who felt isolated. It turned out that by sharing my own struggles, I found that I wasn’t alone, either.”
“Ultimately, I’m here to help,” he concludes. “Whether it’s helping an audience lose themselves in the intensity of a show, or providing a listener with solace during a difficult time, that is what fuels my creativity. That purpose is why I’m still here.”
Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred is available now on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. Fans can stream “Reward the Scars” via Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal, or pick up a 7-inch picture disc from Loma Vista.
Source: Polygon
