Rock Music

Released in 1999 on Follow the Leader, the song became one of Korn’s biggest hits. Jonathan Davis described the lyrics as being about feeling controlled and exploited, particularly by the music industry. The title itself reflects that idea of being treated like an animal on a leash.

The song is also known for its unusual structure. It moves between heavy, rhythmic verses and a melodic chorus before building toward one of the most recognizable moments in Korn’s catalog: Davis’ wordless vocal breakdown near the end, where his voice becomes almost another instrument.

The music video became just as iconic. Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, with animation created by Todd McFarlane, it begins with a group of hunters shooting at animals before following an animated bullet as it travels through a surreal world and eventually enters the band’s live performance.

“Freak on a Leash” won two MTV Video Music Awards in 1999, including Best Rock Video and Best Editing. It became one of the defining visual and musical moments of late 90s nu metal.

#korn #jonathandavis #freakonaleash #numetal #metal