KORN have returned with brand new music, but not in the way fans might have expected.
The band has surprise released a new track titled “Reward The Scars”, which appears as part of the soundtrack for the upcoming Diablo IV: Lord Of Hatred expansion pack. The song is now available to stream, while the full expansion is scheduled to arrive on April 28 across multiple gaming platforms.
“Reward The Scars” marks KORN’s first new material since the release of their 2022 album Requiem. Produced by Chris Collier alongside the band, the album proved to be a commercial success upon release, topping Billboard’s Hard Rock Albums chart and making strong entries across several other charts, including Top Rock Albums, Top Alternative Albums, and the Billboard 200, where it debuted at No. 14.
The band’s lineup situation, however, has remained a topic of ongoing discussion in recent years. Bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu stepped away from touring duties in 2021, citing personal reasons and a need to address what he described as “bad habits.” Since then, he has been replaced on the road by SUICIDAL TENDENCIES bassist Roberto “Ra” Díaz, though Fieldy still contributed bass on Requiem.
Reflecting on his decision to step back, Fieldy recently discussed the circumstances in a conversation on the Shady Characters podcast alongside former L.A.P.D. bandmate Richard Morrill. He pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a key turning point.
“COVID happened. That’s it,” he said. “I’m like, ‘I’m not going out there.’ That’s what happened, ’cause it was new. Now. I’m like… The whole time — I mean, I didn’t get vaccinated or anything — but when you reflect on it, that’s what happened. They’re like, ‘We’re going to Florida and all this.’ And I’m like, ‘I’m not going to get vaccinated.’ I’m not going. I go, ‘People, this is weird right now.’
“But I mean that’s kind of what happened,” he continued. “But it gave me time to sit, and once you sit, you can reflect and you’re like, you’re kind of just waiting you know to what’s next, ’cause I don’t know what the rest of this day is going to bring. I’m just on fire for whatever, whatever is ready.”
Reflecting on his decades-long run with KORN, he added a more personal perspective on the experience.
“Man, I look back at my life and like, you know, almost 30 years with KORN, that was a blast, man. I mean, it was… I can’t explain it. It’s like you’re going on you’re going to the ultimate [thrill]… It’s not easy. But it is a blast. I don’t look back going, ‘That sucked.’
“I mean, I could look at it and complain, but how are you going to complain? That was everything everybody dreams of. And I got to go almost like a vet. I put in 30 years and now here I am. You know? it’s like I’m cool with that.”
When asked directly about his current status with KORN, Fieldy kept things open-ended, suggesting that while he’s not involved right now, the future isn’t entirely closed off.
“I’m retired from KORN today, but we’ll see what the day brings tomorrow.”
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.