Released on August 18, 1998, "Follow the Leader" is the third studio album by American nu metal band Korn. Produced by Ross Robinson and Korn, the album marked a significant turning point in the band's career, catapulting them to mainstream success and cementing their status as one of the pioneering bands of the nu metal genre.
In 1997, Korn was on a roll, having just signed with Epic Records and releasing their sophomore album "Life is Peachy". However, the band was dissatisfied with the album's production and felt that it didn't accurately represent their sound. Determined to create a more polished and intense record, Korn teamed up with producer Ross Robinson, who had previously worked with bands like Slipknot and Limp Bizkit.
Lyrically, the album deals with themes of anger, frustration, and personal struggle, reflecting the band's own experiences and emotions. Songs like "Freak on a Leash" and "Got the Life" showcase the band's ability to craft catchy, high-energy anthems, while tracks like "Ball Tongue" and "Pretty Fly" highlight their darker and more experimental side.
"Follow the Leader" was a massive commercial success, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over 4 million copies in the United States alone. The album spawned several hit singles, including "Freak on a Leash", "Got the Life", and "Ball Tongue", all of which received significant airplay on radio and MTV.
The album's success helped establish Korn as one of the leading bands of the nu metal genre, alongside other notable acts like Linkin Park, Slipknot, and Limp Bizkit. "Follow the Leader" has been certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA and remains one of the best-selling nu metal albums of all time.
"Follow the Leader" is characterized by Korn's signature blend of heavy riffs, aggressive vocals, and introspective lyrics. The album's sound is marked by Jonathan Davis' emotive and often screamed vocals, James "Munky" Shaffer's and Dimebag Darrell's crushing guitar work, and the rhythmic foundation laid down by bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu and drummer Ray Luzier.
The recording process for "Follow the Leader" was intense and grueling, with the band members pushing themselves to new creative limits. The album was recorded at Malibu's Red Shore Recording Studios, where the band members would often record their parts in isolation, adding to the album's heavy and aggressive sound.