Released on August 18, 1998, "Follow the Leader" is the third studio album by American nu metal band Korn. Produced by Ross Robinson and Korn, the album marked a significant turning point in the band's career, catapulting them to mainstream success and cementing their status as one of the pioneering bands of the nu metal genre.
Lyrically, the album deals with themes of anger, frustration, and personal struggle, reflecting the band's own experiences and emotions. Songs like "Freak on a Leash" and "Got the Life" showcase the band's ability to craft catchy, high-energy anthems, while tracks like "Ball Tongue" and "Pretty Fly" highlight their darker and more experimental side.
"Follow the Leader" is characterized by Korn's signature blend of heavy riffs, aggressive vocals, and introspective lyrics. The album's sound is marked by Jonathan Davis' emotive and often screamed vocals, James "Munky" Shaffer's and Dimebag Darrell's crushing guitar work, and the rhythmic foundation laid down by bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu and drummer Ray Luzier.
The recording process for "Follow the Leader" was intense and grueling, with the band members pushing themselves to new creative limits. The album was recorded at Malibu's Red Shore Recording Studios, where the band members would often record their parts in isolation, adding to the album's heavy and aggressive sound.