Korn and Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred Collaboration Details for 2026

The nu metal band Korn has officially partnered with Blizzard Entertainment to release new music tied to the Diablo 4 expansion, Vessel of Hatred. This collaboration arrives as part of the release date window for the expansion, featuring a new track titled "Reward the Scars" and an accompanying animated video that aligns with the dark tone of the game. As we track the countdown to the latest content drops, this partnership highlights the intersection of heavy music and the action-RPG genre.

Korn New Song Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred Collaboration

The collaboration between the band and the studio was described as a natural fit by Korn frontman Jonathan Davis. Blizzard Entertainment approached the band to create a song specifically for the expansion, a request Davis accepted due to his long-standing history with the franchise. The song "Reward the Scars" was adapted from an existing unrecorded track the band had been developing. Davis noted that the title reflects the core gameplay loop of the series, where players grind through difficult encounters to earn high-tier loot.

The release of this music is accompanied by an animated video that draws heavy inspiration from the visual style of the expansion. The collaboration serves as the band's first new music release in four years. For more updates on the latest industry partnerships, check out our gaming news coverage.

Jonathan Davis Diablo 4 Necromancer Build Details

Beyond the musical contribution, Jonathan Davis is an active player of Diablo IV. During recent interviews, he detailed his preference for the Necromancer class. Specifically, Davis utilizes a Bloodwave Necromancer build. He expressed a preference for the mechanics of the blood wave ability, noting that he enjoys the cathartic nature of using the skill to repeatedly clear groups of enemies. Despite the introduction of two new classes in the Vessel of Hatred expansion, Davis indicated that he intends to stick with his current Necromancer setup.

Davis views the game as a method for stress relief. He stated that playing the game allows him to release pent-up aggression in a controlled environment, which he finds more productive than other forms of escapism. His enthusiasm for the game extends to the loot system; he shared an anecdote about calling his son after obtaining his first piece of "purple" gear, emphasizing the excitement that comes with high-level item drops.

Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred Official Soundtrack News

The inclusion of "Reward the Scars" adds to the audio-visual experience of the expansion. The song was written with the specific experience of playing the game in mind. Davis explained that the lyrics were composed after the music was established, with the intent of capturing the feeling of the grind. This is not the first time the franchise has leaned into darker, more aggressive aesthetic choices, but this partnership marks a notable moment for the 2026 release cycle. You can find more details on our Diablo 4 hub.

Thematic Alignment

The partnership relies on the shared history between Korn and the Diablo franchise, both of which gained significant prominence in the 1990s. Both entities utilize dark, violent imagery and cater to a fan base that appreciates high-energy, aggressive media. The animated video for the song integrates these themes, providing a visual representation of the combat found within the game.

Production Context

The track was not written from scratch for the game but was repurposed from a library of unrecorded material. This allowed the band to focus on fitting the lyrical content to the themes of the expansion. According to Davis, the process of creating the song was a smooth transition from their existing creative workflow to a project aligned with the game's atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new Korn song for Diablo 4?

The new song by Korn created for the Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred expansion is titled "Reward the Scars."

Is the new Korn song featured in the Diablo 4 expansion?

Yes, "Reward the Scars" was produced by Korn in collaboration with Blizzard Entertainment to accompany the release of the Vessel of Hatred expansion.

What is Jonathan Davis's Diablo 4 Necromancer build?

Jonathan Davis plays a Bloodwave Necromancer build, specifically focusing on the continuous use of the blood wave ability to clear enemies.