Brian 'Head' Welch: 5 Shocking New Updates On Korn's Guitarist, His New Label, And The 2025 Album Delay
Brian 'Head' Welch, the pioneering guitarist and co-founder of the nu metal titans Korn, continues to be one of the most dynamic and unpredictable figures in modern rock. As of December 2025, his professional life is a whirlwind of new ventures, from launching a new record label to tackling the highly anticipated next Korn album, a project that has fans buzzing about its old-school recording method.
The latest updates reveal a fascinating duality: while he is busy signing new bands and pushing his own side projects, the timeline for new Korn music has shifted, tempering earlier excitement with a realistic 2025/2026 release window. This deep dive covers everything you need to know about the current status of 'Head' and his many creative endeavors.
Brian 'Head' Welch: A Complete Biography and Profile
Brian Philip Welch, known universally by his stage name 'Head', is an American musician, songwriter, and author whose influence on the nu metal genre is immeasurable. His journey, marked by incredible success, public struggles, and a powerful personal transformation, makes him a unique figure in music history.
- Full Name: Brian Philip Welch
- Stage Name: Head
- Born: June 19, 1970
- Hometown: Torrance, California (Grew up in Bakersfield)
- Primary Instrument: Guitar (Known for his 7-string Ibanez guitars)
- Main Band: Korn (Founding Member and Guitarist)
- Side Project: Love and Death (Vocals, Guitar)
- Pre-Korn Bands: Pierct, Russian Roulette, L.A.P.D. (with Fieldy and Munky)
- Notable Solo Album: Save Me from Myself (2008)
- Korn Tenure: 1993–2005; Rejoined 2013–Present
Welch co-founded Korn in 1993 in Bakersfield, California, alongside vocalist Jonathan Davis, rhythm guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer, bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and drummer David Silveria. His signature, aggressive riffing style and unique guitar tones helped define the groundbreaking sound of nu metal.
The Latest Update: Korn's New Album and the Analog Revival
The most anticipated news for fans is the status of Korn's follow-up to their 2022 album, Requiem. While earlier reports suggested a 2024 release, 'Head' has provided a candid update, indicating a more realistic timeline.
A Shift to a 2025/2026 Release Window
In late 2024, Brian Welch confirmed that the band is actively working on new material and has a significant amount of music written. However, he noted that the process is moving slowly, with the band members—including Munky, Jonathan Davis, and drummer Ray Luzier—currently "in hiding" to focus on the creative process. This update suggests that a full album release is more likely to land in late 2025 or even 2026, as the band has no major North American tour plans scheduled for early 2025.
Recording to Tape: An Old-School Method
One of the most intriguing details about the new Korn record is the band's decision to utilize an old-school, analog recording method: recording to tape. This technique, a departure from the purely digital production of many modern albums, is a deliberate choice intended to capture a warmer, more raw, and dynamic sound.
This commitment to analog recording is a significant entity in the Korn narrative, reflecting a desire to harness the organic energy reminiscent of their early, influential works. Fans are eager to hear how this process impacts the chemistry between 'Head' and Munky Shaffer's guitars, and the foundational groove laid down by Ra Díaz, who is currently filling in on bass.
Beyond Korn: XOVR Records, Love and Death, and Signature Guitars
Brian 'Head' Welch's career has always extended beyond his work with Korn. The past year has seen him solidify his role as a mentor and entrepreneur, launching a new record label and continuing to develop his personal musical brand.
The Launch of Crossover Records (XOVR Records)
In a major professional move, 'Head' announced the launch of his new record label, Crossover Records, stylized as XOVR. This venture is a passion project aimed at signing artists who blend genres and challenge musical norms, reflecting Welch's own diverse listening tastes. The label’s first major release is the new, long-awaited album from the band Spoken, which features his Love and Death bandmate and close collaborator, JR Bareis.
XOVR Records is positioned to be a haven for artists looking for a supportive environment to explore their faith and creativity without being confined to a single genre, embodying the "crossover" spirit that Welch himself represents.
Love and Death and Recent Collaborations
While Korn remains his primary focus, his side project, Love and Death, is still an active part of his musical life. The band, which also features Jasen Rauch on bass, released the album Perfectly Preserved, and tracks like "Down" have kept the project in the public eye.
Additionally, 'Head' continues to lend his talents to other artists. A recent notable collaboration was his featured performance on the track "Fall On Your Knees" by the band HolyName, showcasing his willingness to work across the heavy music spectrum and support emerging Christian rock entities.
The Ibanez K7YANG Signature Guitar
For gear enthusiasts, 2025 brings exciting news with the confirmed release of a new signature instrument: the Ibanez K7YANG. Welch has been a long-time user of Ibanez seven-string guitars, with his iconic K7 model being a staple of the nu metal sound. The K7YANG is set to be the latest evolution of this partnership, offering fans and musicians a chance to capture his distinctive, heavy tone. This is a testament to his enduring technical influence on the world of guitar playing.
Brian 'Head' Welch's Enduring Legacy and Future
Brian 'Head' Welch's current activities paint a picture of an artist fully engaged in his creative life. His commitment to Korn, demonstrated by the decision to use a challenging analog recording process for the new album, shows his dedication to artistic integrity over commercial speed.
The launch of XOVR Records and the continued work with Love and Death solidify his role as a multifaceted music industry figure—not just a guitarist, but a producer, mentor, and entrepreneur. As the world awaits the next sonic chapter from Korn, 'Head' is ensuring his legacy thrives across multiple platforms, proving that his influence on heavy music is far from over.
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