With such a definitively nu-metal co-headliner as this, it would be reasonable to expect a similar act from the genre’s lower echelons to be featured on the bill in order to further boost the bill’s nostalgia factor; so when NY hardcore mainstays Madball were announced as special guests, some eyebrows were raised. However, while the cavernous SSE Hydro is a million miles from sweaty club shows they are accustomed to, they put in a strong performance, with their groovier moments resonating well with the still sparse early crowd. (3/5)
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While ‘Stampede Of The Disco Elephants’ remains merely a twinkle in Fred Durst’s eye, Limp Bizkit seem to be happy to rest on their laurels, such is the lack of urgency in tonight’s set. Repeatedly asking the audience what they want to hear, Durst and co. play just eleven full songs tonight, and while interspersed with a whole lot of dicking about, when the band hit, they hit hard. Every single note the band play here is met with a furious reaction from a now packed floor, with the likes of ‘My Generation’ and ‘Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)’ going down like the flawless rock club bangers they are.
With such a lean setlist and a ticket price just shy of 60 quid, it’s understandable that some may feel short changed, but in terms of quality, this short burst nostalgic goodness is hard to beat. (4/5)
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Having never really gone away since they helped change heavy music as we know it in 1994, it is to Korn’s credit that they have largely eschewed the cynical hiatus/reunion tactic that so many bands of their era have shamelessly employed – avoiding the nostalgia tag both in attitude and in musical output.
However, having visited these shores regularly in the last few years through festival appearances and touring, this over familiarity appears to have negated the sting in the band’s tail, leaving an audience that not half an hour ago was bouncing as if their lives depended on it slightly colder than one might expect.
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Perhaps aware of the nostalgia factor on this tour, Bakersfield’s finest play things safe, airing only two tracks ‘The Serenity of Suffering’, while avoiding material from ‘The Path Of Totality’ and ‘The Paradigm Shift’ altogether. This does in turn leave more room for older favourites ‘Y’all Want A Single’ and ‘Coming Undone’, to sound as massive as they always have.
Despite their best efforts, Korn fail to hit the high watermark left in Limp Bizkit’s wake: ‘Blind’ and ‘Freak On A Leash’ come pretty close, but even Jonathan Davis can’t help but comment on the crowd’s somewhat tepid response following a storming rendition of ‘Twist’ and ‘Good God’. (3.5/5)
Having often enjoyed the benefit of a shorter, stacked set when playing as a festival main support, or when they outshone Slipknot on their arena tour early last year, it was interesting to see Korn’s normal circumstances turned upside down in Limp Bizkit’s favour. This tour may have been a spectacle for those who looking to relive the genre’s glory days, but in 2016, it certainly feels like both bands are best suited as party starters, as opposed to being the main event.
3.5/5
Words by Josh Graham (@jollyboyjosh_). Photos by Jade Till and taken at Manchester Arena, Manchester – 12/12/2016.
