Korn, Gojira, and Spiritbox ignite the stage in Camden, NJ (recap, photos)

On September 20th, 2024, the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion came alive as Korn took the stage in New Jersey for their 30th Anniversary Tour, featuring Gojira and Spiritbox. All three bands delivered unforgettable, heavy AF performances.

As I got ready for the night in the parking lot, the atmosphere was electric, filled with wackadoodles and rambunctious rascals blasting Korn from their cars for some reason. I usually avoid listening to the bands I’m about to see on the day of the show, but hey, to each their own.

A moment of tension disrupted the otherwise peaceful parking lot when the man in the car next to me cocked his handgun and casually placed it back in his backpack—a stark reminder of the unpredictable world we live in. Luckily, I kept minimal eye contact, and we chose to park far away from him.

Once inside, the energy skyrocketed as Spiritbox kicked off the night with an impressive heavy set. Their lineup included fan favorites like “Circle With Me” and “Holy Roller,” which resonated deeply with the audience. Their blend of melodic elements and crushing riffs set a high bar for the evening. No joke though, they came out swinging with a super powerful set. I’m sure this tour is absolutely huge for them so they pulled out all the stops and really got the night off on a good foot. The crowd up front didn’t fully match the energy, but it was still a fun experience. I come from the school of mosh pits, but it seems to be dying down for some of the newer metal bands that incorporate more singing elements.

Next, Gojira took the stage, commanding the crowd with their powerful presence. I couldn’t shake the feeling of being like “Beavis and Butt-Head” yelling, “Fire! Fire! Fire!” There were fireballs shooting off the stage during almost every song, and whenever the flames shot up, you could feel the heat from anywhere in the amphitheater.

Gojira delivered an incredible set featuring tracks like “L’enfant Sauvage” and “Stranded,” enhanced by mesmerizing visuals that elevated their already stellar reputation. Their unique blend of technical prowess and emotional depth created a breathtaking experience that really blew everyone away. The stage show was so huge and spectacular it kind of made Korn look lackluster in comparison. You don’t headline the Olympics without coming back with a show to rock the States. They played about a minute of “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)” and made a tour debut of “Born for One Thing.” Gojira vocalist and guitarist Joe Duplantier, who recently participated in a peaceful protest calling for the arrest of anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, made sure to dedicate “Flying Whales” to the whales.

Korn closed out the night, showcasing their iconic sound with classics like “Blind” and “A.D.I.D.A.S.” Just hearing that bass come through the speakers takes me back to when I was 14, when their self-titled album had just come out. I was working at a food court in Upstate NY when I got a $20 tip from a super nice person, and the only thing on my mind was using it to grab that album during my lunch break! I saw Korn back in the day at South Street Seaport during the same week that Slipknot’s Joey Jordison (RIP) began performing some shows with them. I remember RUNNING out of work and having one of the best times at the seaport. Korn absolutely crushed it that night, with everyone singing along to every word until the very end. I can’t wait for them to come back, but I would love to see them at a smaller venue.

The combination of a beautiful evening and thrilling performances made for a memorable night at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. I love nothing more than getting to go to these massive tours with my girlfriend, Dianna, by my side. With Korn, Gojira and Spiritbox leaving a lasting impression, this concert was the perfect way to end the summer.

The Korn, Gojira, and Spiritbox tour continues through late October. Check out all remaining tour dates here and purchase tickets here.

Scroll down for photos of Korn, Gojira, and Spiritbox from the Camden, NJ show in the gallery below. All photos are by Dylan Lappin.

Spiritbox:

Gojira

Korn:

Korn setlist:
Here to Stay
Dead Bodies Everywhere
Got the Life
A.D.I.D.A.S.
Hey Daddy
Good God
Start the Healing
Blind
Ball Tongue
Clown
Shoots and Ladders (included snippet of Metallica’s “One”)
Twist
Make Me Bad
Insane
Y’All Want a Single
Encore:
Falling Away From Me
Oildale (Leave Me Alone)
Freak on a Leash

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