Guitarist Brian “Head” Welch explains why Korn singer Jonathan Davis remains unique in the musical landscape thanks to his inimitable style and emotional expressiveness.
A voice that marked the history of music
In a recent interview for the podcast EverblackBrian “Head” Welch, guitarist of Korn, praised the originality and importance of Jonathan Davis in the identity of the group. The Korn singer is recognized for his distinctive vocal style, blending emotional intensity and creativity. Head explained how Davis helped make Korn a unique group in the music scene.
“You add this strange, unique, incredible voice to what we do, and it makes Korn what Korn is,” Head said. “It helps us to be unique. Obviously, Korn is the band as a whole, with our instruments and our sound, but Jonathan brings something special. He never rapped, he does scat, he likes to experiment with things that no one was doing.”
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A pioneer of emotional expression
Head also highlighted how Davis was one of the first singers to show such vulnerability and emotional depth in his performances, particularly from Korn's debut album.
“I was talking with Munky the other day, and there's something really special about him [Davis] and in the way he opens up and shares his emotions. On the first album you could feel his soul,” he continued. “I don’t know who did that before him, at that level. There were obviously precursors like Layne Staley [Alice In Chains] or maybe Trent Reznor [Nine Inch Nails]but Jonathan did it in such an emotional way.”
Head added that this approach even predates bands like Linkin Park, who are often cited for integrating deep emotions into music. “This was before bands like Linkin Park. I’m grateful for Jonathan Davis.”
A style that defined a generation
Since the release of Korn's self-titled debut album in 1994, Jonathan Davis has pushed the boundaries of metal singing, creating a unique blend of vulnerability, anger, and musical originality. His use of scat — an improvised vocal technique often associated with jazz — added a new dimension to Nu Metal, making Korn a pioneer of the genre.
