The Paradigm Shift

Following the year after the release of The Path of Totality, Korn had begun proposing ideas for their next album. James "Munky" Shaffer stated that the album would contain darker elements similar to Issues (1999) mixed with the heaviness of Untouchables (2002). On May 2, 2013, it was revealed that original guitarist Brian "Head" Welch rejoined the band after an eight-year absence and had been recording for the new album. The first single, "Never Never", was officially released on August 12, 2013. "Spike in My Veins" was originally written and recorded with Noisia for inclusion on J Devil's debut album, but ended up being reworked as a Korn song. == Composition ==

Regarding the sound, Munky says, "The new music is inspired by our Issues album, or even Untouchables, that era. It’s a little more melodic and a little more aggressive at the same time." Jonathan Davis described the writing and recording process as "weird". He explains: "They started writing, I think, in August, and I didn't get into the studio until March, because I was going through all kinds of crazy shit. My boy got diabetes and I had come off medication for my depression, and that fucked me up. I was in a straight haze." Davis entered rehab, then returned to writing the album. "It was weird – I moved into the studio. I stayed there for four months, I only came home on weekends. I moved my boys in with me, so I had my kids with me the whole time. It was an interesting creative space." Davis continued, "I don't know how the hell I did it. I was so fucked up from coming off all that medicine, and I feel so good about the record. When I look back now, I'm like, 'Wow, how did I come up with this shit?'" == Album title and packaging ==

The album cover, designed by Roboto, features two opposing heads, reminiscent of the Rubin vase illusion. The title was explained by Munky: The standard edition of the album features 11 new tracks, while the deluxe edition contains an additional two tracks and a bonus DVD documenting the return of co-founding guitarist Brian "Head" Welch. A special edition of the album was released on July 22, 2014, as The Paradigm Shift: World Tour Edition. It contains brand new studio and live recordings. The first new track, "Hater", was released as a single on June 19. == Reception ==

Critical reception The Paradigm Shift has received generally positive reviews. Metacritic scores the album with a rating of 65, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Max Barrett of Rock Sound wrote the album was "a completely different monster to its predecessor, and for all the right reasons" in his favorable review of album. The album has sold 174,000 copies as of September 2016 in the US. == Track listing ==

; Korn • Jonathan Davis – lead vocals, keyboards, programming • Brian "Head" Welch – guitars, backing vocals • James "Munky" Shaffer – guitars, backing vocals • Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu – bass • Ray Luzier – drums ; Other credits • Don Gilmore – production, mixing • Nightwatch – production ("Spike in My Veins") • Jasen Rauch – additional production ("Love & Meth"), engineering, programming • Mark Kiczula – engineering • Zaylien – keyboards, programming • Nick Suddarth – keyboards, programming • Brad Blackwood – mastering • Peter Katsis – A&R • Roboto – cover art • Sébastien Paquet – film director == Charts ==