In the May 2018 issue of Alternative Press, we interviewed Korn’s Jonathan Davis about his new solo record, Black Labyrinth.
Photo by Jonathan Weiner

Jonathan Davis says heavy music is his least favorite

In the May 2018 issue of Alternative Press, we interviewed Korn’s Jonathan Davis about his new solo record, Black Labyrinth.

Read more: Hear Circa Survive, Saosin singer Anthony Green’s new solo album

The Album Anatomy feature gives fans a deep, behind-the-scenes look at what went into making the record (and if you know Davis, you know he has some crazy stories to tell). While you can read the piece by picking up a copy of the print issue, we thought we’d share a few extras with you as a bonus.

Ever wonder why Korn and Davis’ sound is so eclectic and unique? That’s because the musician’s admiration for music did not start with the heavy kind:

“The last music I like is heavy music, to be honest with you. I’m a straight fuckin’ kid of the ’80s. I’m an old New Romantic fuckin’ freak. I was an MTV kid, and as I got older and became a teenager, I got into more stuff like Christian Death goth stuff. When I hit 16 or 17, I got into New York freestyle music and that whole underground dance culture. That’s where my heart lies with music. I didn’t get into heavier music until Pantera’s Vulgar Display Of Power. I was more of a new wave alt. I like show tunes and shit [like] Jesus Christ Superstar.”

When you listen to Black Labyrinth, you’ll also pick up on some religious commentary due to intra-band conflicts with Korn guitarist Brian “Head” Welch. Welch, who is known for his series of books which discuss his foray into Christianity and his departure from Korn, stirred up a lot of negative feelings for Davis:

“When I was writing the lyrics for this record is when Head left the band. So I was very pissed off at fucking religion at the time, so there’s a lot of anti-religion shit. I don’t have any issues with the idea behind Christianity. Who the fuck am I to say what you should believe in? It’s just, I have a problem with church organizations. I have a problem with a religion that shuns gay people and shuns freaks that they don’t find pleasing to their eye, and that really makes me upset. If I’m thinking of the almighty Creator, I think it’s just love.”

Black Labyrinth is out now on Sumerian Records. You can pick up a copy here.