"The Paradigm Shift" is the eleventh studio album by the American nu metal band Korn. Released on October 8, 2013, this album saw the return of the band's long-time guitarist Brian "Head" Welch. It was the first Korn album since 2003 to feature Welch, marking his return after leaving the band in 2005.
Renowned for their distinctive sound, Korn ventured into a more electronic sound with "The Paradigm Shift." The album was produced by Don Gilmore and mixed by Jim Monti, giving it a polished, radio-ready sound, evident in tracks like "Never Never," the album's lead single. "The Paradigm Shift" combines elements of Korn's traditional sound, filled with heavy guitar riffs and aggressive vocals, with an electro-industrial backdrop.
The album received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its creativity and the successful incorporation of electronic elements into their distinctive sound. With this album, the band continues to innovate their music style while holding on to their high energy and raw emotion that have characterized their music since their formation.
The overall theme of "The Paradigm Shift" revolves around frontman Jonathan Davis' struggle with drug addiction and his subsequent recovery. According to Davis, much of the album was written while he was under the influence or in withdrawal, reflecting the pain, anxiety, and struggle during that period. The album's raw emotional energy coupled with their new experimental sound makes "The Paradigm Shift" a crucial entry in Korn's discography.
