{"id":63407,"date":"2026-04-28T02:25:30","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T02:25:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/musicianvoice.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/28\/system-of-a-down-korn-ministry-meet-the-metal-moment\/"},"modified":"2026-04-28T02:25:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T02:25:30","slug":"system-of-a-down-korn-ministry-meet-the-metal-moment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/musicianvoice.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/28\/system-of-a-down-korn-ministry-meet-the-metal-moment\/","title":{"rendered":"System of a Down, Korn, Ministry Meet the Metal Moment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-line-height-copy  lrv-a-font-body-l   \">\n\tWith the announcement of a potential <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/music\/music-news\/sharon-osbourne-says-ozzfest-will-absolutely-return-1235522458\/\">Ozzfest return<\/a> and the gloomy splendor of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/music\/music-news\/nine-inch-noize-performance-coachella-2026-1235543497\/\">Nine Inch Noize <\/a>at Coachella, the contemporary festival landscape is fertile ground for dark, heavy music lineups. Sick New World has heeded the call.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-line-height-copy  lrv-a-font-body-l   \">\n\tThough it was canceled last year reportedly due to financial and logistical issues, the day-long alternative and metal-driven gathering came raging back to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/t\/las-vegas\/\" id=\"auto-tag_las-vegas\" data-tag=\"las-vegas\">Las Vegas<\/a> on Saturday, April 25, showcasing multi-era heavy music \u2014 from Nineties giants <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/t\/system-of-a-down\/\" id=\"auto-tag_system-of-a-down\" data-tag=\"system-of-a-down\">System of a Down<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/t\/korn\/\" id=\"auto-tag_korn\" data-tag=\"korn\">Korn<\/a> to emotive metalcore phenoms Bring Me the Horizon \u2014 plus a sprinkling of synth-goth sounds and tempestuous new hardcore acts.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-line-height-copy  lrv-a-font-body-l   \">\n\tThe multi-sensory downtown Las Vegas surroundings, buttressed by a slew of shiny hotels, made for an ideal destination festival experience, as the long-running Punk Rock Bowling and When We Were Young have proven in the past. But both events were canceled this year, making the return of Sick New World on Saturday \u2014 to the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on Las Vegas Boulevard \u2014 an indicator of the viability for massive rock events of this ilk in the area.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-line-height-copy  lrv-a-font-body-l   \">\n\tDomestically speaking, metal festivals appear to be thriving. In May, Welcome to Rockville hits Florida and Sonic Temple arrives in Ohio. Kentucky\u2019s Louder Than Life touches down in September and Sacramento\u2019s Aftershock in October. Fans of Los Angeles\u2019 new wave-centric Cruel World are still waiting to hear what the status of that multi-day concert may be, though many were seemingly satisfied with the recent announcement of the similarly nostalgic Darker Waves in Huntington Beach, coming in November.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"post-content-image \/\/  \">\n<figure class=\"o-figure   size-large alignnone lrv-u-max-width-100p\" style=\"width:819px\">\n<div class=\"c-lazy-image  lrv-u-border-a-2\">\n<div class=\"lrv-a-crop-16x9\" style=\"padding-bottom:calc((1024\/819)*100%);\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div><figcaption class=\"c-figcaption  lrv-u-flex lrv-u-flex-direction-column lrv-u-align-items-center\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"lrv-u-text-transform-uppercase lrv-a-font-body-xs lrv-u-margin-t-050 lrv-u-text-align-center\">Steve Thrasher\/Sick New World<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-line-height-copy  lrv-a-font-body-l   \">\n\tIn any case, it\u2019s safe to say that visceral music favored by those who identify as outsiders is still thriving and inspiring fans, from Gen X to Gen Z. Saturday\u2019s Sick New World crowd was an even mix of young and old, most donning black \u2014 with some fits as skimpy as those seen at Coachella, though decidedly less boho \u2014 with guys and gals in bondage belts, studded collars, and fishnets bouncing below the stages, in the pits, and posing for pics along the festival\u2019s purple-carpeted entry way.\u00a0<\/p>\n<section class=\"brands-most-popular \/\/ editors-pick-module lrv-u-margin-tb-2 lrv-u-border-a-2 u-box-shadow-5-5 lrv-u-padding-lr-1 a-span1 u-padding-b-1@tablet u-overflow-hidden\">\n<h2 id=\"section-heading\" class=\"c-heading larva  lrv-u-text-align-center u-border-color-black a-font-theme-primary-xxs lrv-u-color-black lrv-u-text-transform-uppercase u-letter-spacing-0063 lrv-u-padding-t-050 u-padding-b-0375@tablet lrv-u-padding-b-050@mobile-max lrv-u-border-b-2\">\n<p>\t\tEditor\u2019s picks<\/p>\n<\/h2>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-line-height-copy  lrv-a-font-body-l   \">\n\tEvanescence, Knocked Loose, Danny Elfman, and She Wants Revenge all announced and debuted new music during their dynamic sets, while headliners Korn played their just-released track, \u201cReward the Scars,\u201d in conjunction with the popular video game, <em>Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred<\/em>. It\u2019s a fierce number, though classics like \u201cShoots and Ladders\u201d and \u201cComing Undone\u201d (which had a fun little mashup moment with Sly Fox\u2019s \u201cLet\u2019s Go All the Way\u201d) got the giddiest singalongs and circle pit action.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-line-height-copy  lrv-a-font-body-l   \">\n\tOne of our favorite sets came from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/t\/cypress-hill\/\" id=\"auto-tag_cypress-hill\" data-tag=\"cypress-hill\">Cypress Hill<\/a>, who didn\u2019t quite fit the metal mold, but still got attendees moving at the fittingly named Green Stage, performing a smokin\u2019 rap set with amped-up DJ-driven riffs on a killer cover of Rage Against the Machine\u2019s \u201cBombtrack,\u201d and a crowd-pleasing version of \u201cJump Around\u201d by House of Pain.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-line-height-copy  lrv-a-font-body-l   \">\n\tOn the adjacent Purple Stage, Marilyn Manson, sounding ghoulish and severe as ever, didn\u2019t engage much with the crowd, spurring a noticeable procession which migrated to other acts throughout his set \u2014 and certainly after his glam-rock take on \u201cThe Dope Show\u201d (sung while sporting a peacock blue faux fur jacket), and \u201cSweet Dreams,\u201d the Eurhythmics cover which served as his breakout hit.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-line-height-copy  lrv-a-font-body-l   \">\n\tLesser known but notably noisier acts were relegated to another section of the grounds, where the Diablo Stage stood, attracting non-stop aggressive movement. Moshing, \u201ccrowd-killing,\u201d skanking, slamming \u2014 the pit below was full of frenetic activity all day, and at times it was pretty intense, though never dangerously so. For the most part, the vibes were positive. Highlights there included <em>The Bear <\/em>actor <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/music\/music-news\/the-bear-actor-matty-matheson-hardcore-band-pig-pen-1235299161\/\">Matty Matheson\u2019s hardcore outfit Pigpen<\/a>, which saw the Canadian chef\/singer eschew his comical persona for a restless and roaring performance; and L.A.\u2019s Health, whose industrial-tinged metal was both ethereal and clamorous.<\/p>\n<section class=\"brands-most-popular \/\/ recirculation-modules lrv-u-margin-tb-2 lrv-u-border-a-2 u-box-shadow-5-5 lrv-u-padding-lr-1 a-span1 u-padding-b-1@tablet u-overflow-hidden\">\n<h2 id=\"section-heading\" class=\"c-heading larva  lrv-u-text-align-center u-border-color-black a-font-theme-primary-xxs lrv-u-color-black lrv-u-text-transform-uppercase u-letter-spacing-0063 lrv-u-padding-t-050 u-padding-b-0375@tablet lrv-u-padding-b-050@mobile-max lrv-u-border-b-2\">\n<p>\t\tRelated Content<\/p>\n<\/h2>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"post-content-image \/\/  \">\n<figure class=\"o-figure   size-large alignnone lrv-u-max-width-100p\" style=\"width:683px\">\n<div class=\"c-lazy-image  lrv-u-border-a-2\">\n<div class=\"lrv-a-crop-16x9\" style=\"padding-bottom:calc((1024\/683)*100%);\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"c-lazy-image__img lrv-u-background-color-grey-lightest lrv-u-width-100p lrv-u-display-block lrv-u-height-auto\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/wp-content\/themes\/vip\/pmc-rollingstone-2022\/assets\/public\/lazyload-fallback.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/wCYPRESSHILL_MANDOHUNDREDS_SNW2026-0001367.jpg?w=683\" alt=\"\" data-lazy-srcset=\"\" data-lazy-sizes=\"\" height=\"1024\" width=\"683\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div><figcaption class=\"c-figcaption  lrv-u-flex lrv-u-flex-direction-column lrv-u-align-items-center\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"u-border-color-black u-border-lr-2 lrv-u-padding-tb-025 lrv-u-padding-lr-075 lrv-u-border-b-2 lrv-u-width-100p lrv-u-text-align-center a-font-basic-secondary-s\">Cypress Hill and Tony Hawk<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"lrv-u-text-transform-uppercase lrv-a-font-body-xs lrv-u-margin-t-050 lrv-u-text-align-center\">MANDO HUNDREDS\/Sick New World<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-line-height-copy  lrv-a-font-body-l   \">\n\tThe Spiral Stage was probably the most diverse, with a wide-ranging lineup that offered Alien Ant Farm (who just made headlines for bringing out Corey Feldman during their cover of Michael Jackson\u2019s \u201cSmooth Criminal\u201d at the Rainbow in Hollywood last week); Elfman (who played material from his scoring work for Tim Burton, as well as Oingo Boingo classics); She Wants Revenge (celebrating the 20th anniversary of their self-titled debut and announcing new studio work); nu-metal faves Coal Chamber and Kittie; plus Clutch, and The Melvins.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-line-height-copy  lrv-a-font-body-l   \">\n\tBut no act made quite the impression at Spiral that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/t\/ministry\/\" id=\"auto-tag_ministry\" data-tag=\"ministry\">Ministry<\/a> did. Playing their industrial metal classic<em> Filth Pig <\/em>in its entirety for its 30th anniversary, Al Jourgensen sounded vicious as ever, as he stood behind a cross podium and ran through a track-by-track rendition of the record. The band took the stage a bit late and fans waiting were \u201ctreated\u201d to an image of Donald Trump imposed on the album\u2019s savage anti-establishment cover, which depicts a man wearing a bloody meat helmet.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-line-height-copy  lrv-a-font-body-l   \">\n\tThe group, which features Madonna\u2019s guitar player Monte Pittman, were joined by original band member Paul Barker for the never before played live cut, \u201cUseless.\u201d The blistering set ended abruptly, after <em>Pig<\/em>\u2019s cover of Bob Dylan\u2019s \u201cLay Lady Lay<em>,\u201d <\/em>and they never got to the last track, \u201cBrick Windows,\u201d with Jourgensen stating \u201cDon\u2019t blame me, blame these fucks!\u201d \u2014 seemingly referring to festival production crews.<\/p>\n<section class=\"brands-most-popular \/\/ recirculation-modules trending-in-article lrv-u-margin-tb-2 lrv-u-border-a-2 u-box-shadow-5-5 lrv-u-padding-lr-1 a-span1 u-padding-b-1@tablet u-overflow-hidden\">\n<h2 id=\"section-heading\" class=\"c-heading larva  lrv-u-text-align-center u-border-color-black a-font-theme-primary-xxs lrv-u-color-black lrv-u-text-transform-uppercase u-letter-spacing-0063 lrv-u-padding-t-050 u-padding-b-0375@tablet lrv-u-padding-b-050@mobile-max lrv-u-border-b-2\">\n<p>\t\tTrending Stories<\/p>\n<\/h2>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-line-height-copy  lrv-a-font-body-l   \">\n\tSystem of a Down closed out the event with an epic 25-song set that was layered with meaning. Sick New World took place just one day after Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day (April 24), a cause close the L.A. band\u2019s heart and heritage. Many of SOAD\u2019s songs are political in nature but the band only spoke about the significance and relevance of the date briefly, letting their majestic music be the message. Guitarist Daron Malakian did mention the band\u2019s different beliefs (its drummer got online attention last week after making a misinformed anti-queer post about Charlize Theron and her kids) and also encouraged the crowd not to let media divide them.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-line-height-copy  lrv-a-font-body-l   \">\n\tAs a light rain sprinkled like tears during parts of the set, emotive and explosive interpretations of hits including \u201cB.Y.O.B.,\u201d \u201cHypnotize,\u201d and \u201cChop Suey\u201d had fans singing along at the top of their lungs, offering a communal bond and shared release. This music\u2019s power comes not only from its tempo and volume, but from the angst that inspires it, which System conveyed so well. Overall, all of the artists at this year\u2019s lineup expressed and expelled a lot on Saturday, and it was a resounding success that promises more to come, too. For the first time since it launched in 2023, Sick New World will offer a second show, touring to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sicknewworldfest.com\/texas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Texas in October.\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/music\/music-live-reviews\/sick-new-world-festival-las-vegas-review-1235554094\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the announcement of a potential Ozzfest return and the gloomy splendor of Nine Inch Noize at Coachella, the contemporary festival landscape is fertile&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":63408,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-63407","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pop","article","has-excerpt","has-avatar","has-author","has-date","has-comment-count","has-category-meta","has-read-more","thumbnail-"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/musicianvoice.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63407","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/musicianvoice.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/musicianvoice.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/musicianvoice.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/musicianvoice.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=63407"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/musicianvoice.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63407\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/musicianvoice.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/63408"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/musicianvoice.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=63407"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/musicianvoice.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=63407"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/musicianvoice.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=63407"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}