Nu metal was quite the theatrical heavy music phenomenon. From face paint to coordinated outfits and gaudy accessories, bands fully embraced the performative aspect of the genre – Korn took this on board

In the lead up to the release of his upcoming solo album, Korn’s Jonathan Davis has opened up to Kerrang about some of his other aspirations that he’s yet to fulfil.

During the interview, Davis opened up about his dream to someday write a “dark, metal” musical. Now, considering Davis is responsible for spine-tingling anthems like ‘Freak On A Leash’ and ‘Shoots And Ladders’, don’t expect anything like the feel-good sing-a-longs of the Sound Of Music or Matilda to arise from a musical under his control. Davis clearly stated that his musical wouldn’t be like other “stupid-ass”, instead it’d be more “fucked up”.

“I would love to write a musical!” Davis says. “A long time ago, I was talking to Clive Barker about doing a dark, fucked-up musical, but people get busy and it didn’t happen.” He adds, “It’s definitely on my bucket list to do a really dark, metal musical—not some stupid-ass one.”

Davis noted that it was the musical Jesus Christ Superstar that sparked his love for the theatre and initially inspired him to want to venture into the wide world of theatre.

He’s also confirmed that Korn will in fact head into the studio soon to work on a new album, a follow up to 2016’s The Serenity Of Suffering. He noted that after he’s finished up the band’s European tour he’ll “come back, go into the studio with those guys, and start working on a new record.”

Davis continued to ponder on Korn’s legacy, noting his pleasure at the band’s enduring relevance. “Who would’ve thought we’d still be here doing this, and still relevant after all these years? We’re not doing casinos and doing the nostalgia circuit! It’s fuckin’ awesome” he said.

Davis’ solo album, a project ten years in the making, Black Labyrinth will be released next Friday, May 25th.

The article was originally published on Tone Deaf