Korn has never been strangers to horror.
Throughout the nu-metal band’s history, horror has intersected much of their output, be it the personal horrors Jonathan Davis experienced as a young person, or the horrors they witness day-to-day. So it’s not surprising that the band often gets tapped for inclusions in horror movies, whether it’s Davis doing the vocals in Queen of the Damned or the band serving up “Proud” for the I Know What You Did Last Summer soundtrack.
Beyond films, Davis is an avid gamer, and the worlds of horror and music collided for him when the band was asked to make the theme for 2012’s Silent Hill: Downpour.
Korn’s “Silent Hill” main theme matches the game well. It follows the story of Murphy Pendleton, an escaped convict coming to terms with his own crimes in the warped reality of Silent Hill. The haunted town makes him re-examine his own actions and psyche. Korn’s theme is merging horns and orchestral elements with the band’s heavy riffing. Davis embodies Pendleton’s inner-torment in his lyrics, oscilating between melancholy and anger.
In an interview with FEARnet (and archived by Silent Hill Memories), Davis spoke on his history with the series, saying,
“It was fun. I’ve always loved that game. I always like the horror kind of games and it was an honor for them to even ask me to do it. I worked out a song they liked, they liked the vibe of it, and went ahead and did it.”
He also mentioned that he got to do something very special and incorporate his son into the mix.
“My son is featured on it. It’s actually his first time singing with me. He’s the little kid in the background singing songs and laughing.”
Though the game might not be a high point for the series, few things can top the hot streak of 2-4, it’s commendable that publisher Konami tapped Korn for the theme.
Check out the theme below. If you’re curious how the game is, check out this classic Let’s Play.
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