Korn have a lengthy history of interesting covers — from War’s “Low Rider” to Cameo’s “Word Up!” Today (July 28th), the Grammy award-winning rockers added to that with a riff-fest, frenetic take on the Charlie Daniels Band classic “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” joined by rapper YelaWolf.
The cover, which was recorded during the sessions for the band’s latest album, The Nothing, is available exclusively via Bandcamp. All proceeds from the track will be donated to Awakening Youth, a nonprofit organization devoted to young people faced with the loss of a parent due to divorce, addiction, death, being surrendered for adoption, or other reasons.
Over a galloping bounce, Korn rip dueling guitar leads as distortion extends into sonically eerie feedback. Frontman Jonathan Davis travels through this timeless story, trading off verses with YelaWolf as they take on the roles of “The Devil” and “Johnny.” The fiddle battle for Johnny’s soul has never sounded quite like this and definitely honors the late Charlie Daniels. Check out the cover below.
“I’ve always said it, but country music is some of the darkest ever,” explains Davis. “Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, and, of course, Charlie Daniels all turned pain into some really powerful music that sounded alive. ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia’ is a classic story, and we wanted to release it now to help others in need.”
This cover also continues the relationship between Korn and Awakening Youth. The organization figured prominently in the documentary LOUD KRAZY LOVE about guitarist and co-founder Brian “Head” Welch. Awakening Youth fulfills a mission to uplift at-risk young men and women in the wake of losing a parent. The team offers one-on-one individualized support to personally encourage and motivate and, ultimately, restore families.
