Korn Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Ranking the discography of a band as raw and influential as Korn is a monumental task. Their sound didn't just define a genre; it gave voice to a generation's angst and alienation.

Each album is a snapshot of a specific time, a raw nerve exposed. That's why diving into the Korn albums ranked by fan sentiment is so revealing.

This list is guided by the voices of the dedicated listeners who have followed the band's journey. It helps us understand what many consider the best Korn albums.

We'll also look at the numbers to see how they stack up based on current popularity data.

Ranking Korn's albums: The fan favorites

Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.

We're starting with the most beloved.

1. Korn (1994)

Korn's debut studio album was released on October 11, 1994. It was recorded with producer Ross Robinson, who helped the band capture their unique, aggressive sound.

The album explores dark and difficult themes. It touches on child abuse, drug abuse, and bullying, channeled through Jonathan Davis's visceral vocal delivery.

Many consider this album to be the one that started the nu metal genre. It peaked at number 72 on the Billboard 200 and has sold over 2.1 million copies in the United States.

Key tracks:

• Blind
• Shoots and Ladders

It's no surprise that the self-titled debut holds the top spot. For countless fans, this album is the definitive Korn statement.

Its raw, unfiltered, and deeply unsettling energy was unlike anything else at the time. It remains a benchmark for heavy music and a testament to the band's groundbreaking vision.

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2. Issues (1999)

Released on November 16, 1999, Issues is the fourth studio album from Korn. It arrived at the peak of their mainstream success.

The album was promoted by the band's highly successful Sick and Twisted Tour. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 575,000 copies in its first week.

An MTV contest was held to design the album's cover, resulting in four different versions being released.

Key tracks:

• Falling Away from Me
• Make Me Bad

Holding a firm place near the top, Issues is revered by fans for its dark, melodic, and cohesive atmosphere. It felt less chaotic than its predecessors but no less intense.

The album's focus on songwriting and haunting soundscapes solidified its status as a fan-favorite, showcasing a more refined yet equally powerful version of the band.

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3. Untitled (2007)

Korn's eighth studio album was intentionally released without a title on July 31, 2007. Vocalist Jonathan Davis stated he wanted fans to "call it whatever they wanna call it."

It is the band's only studio release without an official drummer. Session work was provided by Terry Bozzio and Brooks Wackerman.

The album was noted for its experimental and atmospheric sound. It was certified gold in the United States.

Key tracks:

• Evolution
• Hold On

The untitled album's high ranking speaks to the fans who appreciate Korn's willingness to experiment.

Its industrial textures and unconventional song structures made it a bold and divisive record. Yet, for a significant part of the fanbase, this artistic risk paid off, creating a uniquely dark and memorable experience.

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4. Untouchables (2002)

Untouchables is Korn's fifth studio album, released on June 11, 2002. It featured the Grammy-winning single "Here to Stay."

The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. It sold an impressive 495,991 copies in its first week.

Known for its expensive and meticulous production, the album received positive reviews from music critics and was certified platinum in the US.

Key tracks:

• Here to Stay
• Thoughtless

Many fans point to Untouchables as Korn's most polished and sonically ambitious record. The massive, layered production created a gothic and epic sound.

Its blend of crushing heaviness and melodic depth is why it remains a critical and fan favorite, often praised for its immaculate sound quality and powerful songwriting.

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5. Take A Look In The Mirror (2003)

Released on November 21, 2003, this is Korn's sixth studio album. It was the last to feature the full original lineup until 2013.

Take A Look In The Mirror was self-produced by the band. It was intended as a return to a more raw and aggressive sound, reminiscent of their earlier work.

The album was certified platinum in the United States in December 2003.

Key tracks:

• Y'all Want a Single
• Right Now

This album is celebrated by fans who craved a return to the band's primal aggression. It's a deliberately raw and heavy-handed record.

Its respectable fan ranking shows a strong appreciation for Korn's decision to strip things back and unleash pure, unfiltered rage.

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6. Follow The Leader (1998)

Follow The Leader is the third studio album by Korn, released on August 18, 1998. It was the band's mainstream breakthrough.

The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. It sold 268,000 units in its first week.

Singles "Got the Life" and "Freak on a Leash" became massive hits, with their music videos receiving heavy rotation on MTV. The album is certified five-times Platinum by the RIAA.

Key tracks:

• Freak On a Leash
• Got the Life

As the album that launched Korn into superstardom, Follow The Leader holds a complex place in the fan canon. It introduced the band to a massive global audience.

While some longtime fans felt it was a step towards a more commercial sound, its powerful singles and hip-hop collaborations make it an undeniable and important part of their history.

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7. The Nothing (2019)

Korn's thirteenth studio album, The Nothing, was released on September 13, 2019. It was produced by Nick Raskulinecz.

The album is deeply personal for Jonathan Davis. It was recorded following the deaths of his wife and mother, and the lyrics reflect his intense grief and pain.

The Nothing received critical acclaim, with many praising its emotional weight and raw honesty. It debuted at number eight on the US Billboard 200.

Key tracks:

• Cold
• You'll Never Find Me

This album is seen by many fans as a powerful return to form in the modern era. The raw emotion, stemming from real-life tragedy, is palpable.

Listeners connect deeply with the vulnerability and darkness of the record, making it one of Korn's most respected later-career efforts.

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8. The Path of Totality (2011)

Released in December 2011, Korn's tenth album was a significant departure from their usual sound. It was produced by various electronic music and dubstep producers.

The album features collaborations with artists like Skrillex, Noisia, and Excision. Jonathan Davis described the project as an effort to "trail-blaze" and create something different.

Despite receiving mixed reviews, the album was named "Album of the Year" by Revolver magazine.

Key tracks:

• Narcissistic Cannibal (feat. Skrillex & Kill the Noise)
• Get Up! (feat. Skrillex)

Easily Korn's most polarizing album, The Path of Totality split the fanbase. Some fans embraced the bold fusion of metal and dubstep as a forward-thinking experiment.

Others felt it strayed too far from the band's core identity. Its position in the ranking reflects this divide, though it's still appreciated by those who value its experimental spirit.

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9. Life Is Peachy (1996)

Korn's second studio album was released on October 15, 1996. The band reunited with producer Ross Robinson to capture a similarly raw energy as their debut.

Life Is Peachy explores themes of drugs, sex, betrayal, and revenge. It debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, selling 106,000 copies in its first week.

The album was certified double platinum in the US and earned a Grammy nomination for the track "No Place to Hide."

Key tracks:

• Twist
• A.D.I.D.A.S.

While it didn't reinvent the wheel, Life Is Peachy amplified the chaotic energy of the debut. It's a frantic, unhinged, and often bizarre record.

Fans who love Korn at their most disturbed and unpredictable often champion this album. Its lower ranking suggests it may be seen as less focused than the debut or Issues, but it's still a crucial piece of their early sound.

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10. The Serenity of Suffering (2016)

Released on October 21, 2016, The Serenity of Suffering is Korn's twelfth studio album.

Guitarist Brian "Head" Welch described the album as "heavier than anyone's heard us in a long time." It was seen as a return to the band's aggressive roots.

The album debuted at number 4 on the US Billboard 200 and featured a guest appearance from Corey Taylor of Slipknot.

Key tracks:

• A Different World (feat. Corey Taylor)
• Rotting In Vain

This album was largely welcomed by fans as a solid, heavy record that balanced modern production with the classic Korn sound.

Its position in the fan ranking suggests it's a well-liked but perhaps not a top-tier classic. It successfully delivered the heavy, groove-oriented sound fans expect without necessarily breaking new ground.

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11. See You On the Other Side (2005)

See You On the Other Side, Korn's seventh album, was released on December 6, 2005. It was their first as a quartet after the departure of guitarist Brian "Head" Welch.

The album saw the band experimenting with industrial and electronic sounds. They collaborated with pop music production team The Matrix.

It was a commercial success, debuting at number three on the Billboard 200 and eventually being certified platinum.

Key tracks:

• Coming Undone
• Twisted Transistor

This record marks a transitional period for the band and the fanbase. The collaboration with pop producers The Matrix created a slicker, more industrial sound.

While the singles were popular, some fans felt the album's production glossed over the band's signature raw edge, which may contribute to its placement in the lower half of the fan rankings.

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12. Requiem (2022)

Requiem is the fourteenth studio album from Korn, released on February 4, 2022. It was produced by the band and Chris Collier.

The album was created during the COVID-19 pandemic. This gave the band more time to experiment and record to analog tape, adding a unique texture to their sound.

At just over 32 minutes, it is Korn's shortest studio album to date. It received generally positive reviews from critics.

Key tracks:

• Start The Healing
• Forgotten

As one of the band's most recent releases, Requiem is still finding its long-term place among fans.

It was praised for its tight, focused songwriting and warm, analog production. While appreciated, it may not have had the time to build the same nostalgic connection as the classic albums.

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13. The Paradigm Shift (2013)

Korn's eleventh studio album was released on October 8, 2013. It was produced by Don Gilmore.

This album is significant as it marks the return of original guitarist Brian "Head" Welch after an eight-year absence.

The sound was described as a mix of the melodic elements of Issues with the heaviness of Untouchables. It debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200.

Key tracks:

• Love & Meth
• Never Never

The return of Head was a massive moment for Korn fans, and this album carries that excitement. It blends their classic dual-guitar attack with more electronic and melodic textures.

However, some fans found the combination less cohesive than other efforts, which might explain its position despite the historic nature of the reunion.

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14. Korn III: Remember Who You Are (2010)

Released on July 13, 2010, Korn's ninth album was a conscious effort to return to their roots. It was produced by Ross Robinson, who helmed their first two records.

The album was recorded as a quartet and is the first to feature drummer Ray Luzier. It was intentionally stripped-down, avoiding the layered effects of their more recent work at the time.

Jonathan Davis described the album as being "about the vibe" and capturing a simple, raw energy.

Key tracks:

• Oildale (Leave Me Alone)
• Let the Guilt Go

This album's attempt to recapture the magic of the early days with producer Ross Robinson proved divisive.

While some fans appreciated the return to a rawer sound, others felt it was a forced effort that didn't quite capture the lightning-in-a-bottle energy of the original records. Its placement here reflects its status as one of the band's more debated releases.

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Picked your top Korn classic? Check out Korn's discography on their Roll The Record Artist hub.

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Korn albums: A look at popularity data

While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.

This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.

Below is a ranking of Korn's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.

Popularity Rank	Album Title	Release Year
1	Follow The Leader	1998
2	Issues	1999
3	See You On the Other Side	2005
4	Korn	1994
5	Life Is Peachy	1996
6	Take A Look In The Mirror	2003
7	Untouchables	2002
8	The Nothing	2019
9	The Path of Totality	2011
10	Untitled	2007
11	Requiem	2022
12	The Serenity of Suffering	2016
13	The Paradigm Shift	2013
14	Korn III: Remember Who You Are	2010

Quick FAQs about Korn's albums

Q: What makes Korn's debut album sound so raw?

A: Producer Ross Robinson had the band record most of the album with all members playing simultaneously, rather than tracking instruments separately. This method, combined with recording at Indigo Ranch Studios, helped capture their intense live energy.

Q: What are the main themes of Korn's self-titled album?

A: The album delves into very personal and dark themes, largely drawn from Jonathan Davis's childhood. These include bullying (as heard in "Faget"), drug abuse, and child abuse, giving the record its famously raw and emotional content.

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So there you have it – a deep look at the Korn albums ranked by the fans.

It's clear that from their genre-defining debut to their modern work, each album has earned its place in the band's complex legacy.

Ultimately, the best Korn album is the one that connects with you. It's about the moments and feelings those songs represent in your own life.

What does your personal ranking of Korn's discography look like?