Fear and the Nervous System
Korn guitarist's side project released one album in 2012.
Fear and the Nervous System was an alternative metal and industrial rock band started by James "Munky" Shaffer, guitarist for Korn. The group put out a single self-titled album in 2012 and became inactive after that year, with no formal disbandment announcement.
Shaffer first announced the project in early 2008, with plans to release it through his own label, Emotional Syphon Recordings. The music was recorded at Music Grinder Studios in Hollywood, California. The recording process was unusual, more like a week-long jam session where different musicians came in and out. Shaffer and an engineer then assembled songs from those improvisations. Wes Borland, who played on two tracks and created the album artwork, described the method as a strange way to make an album. Shaffer said the band used different guitar tunings to set the sound apart from his work with Korn.
The album was initially expected in August 2008, but Shaffer delayed it because he didn't want to rush. Borland's musical contributions were eventually cut, though his cover art remained. By August 2008, Korn singer Jonathan Davis said he had heard one song and was excited for Shaffer to finish the vocals. In October 2009, Shaffer admitted he wasn't a strong singer and handed vocal duties to Steve Krolikowski of Repeater. The song "Choking Victim" was released as a free download in June 2011. A music video for that track came out in August 2012, followed by the full-length album in physical and digital formats that September. Both the video and the album received mixed to positive reviews from critics. In September 2012, Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst called Fear and the Nervous System a "dope" band and said he hoped for a tour featuring his own group alongside Korn, Deftones, Black Light Burns, Hollywood Undead, and others.
The final lineup included Krolikowski on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Shaffer on lead guitar, Zac Baird on keyboards, Tim Kelleher on bass, and Elias Mallin on drums. Earlier members were Leopold Ross (rhythm guitar), Billy Gould (bass), and Brooks Wackerman (drums).
Quick Facts
- Origin
- New York City, U.S.
- Genre
- Alternative metal, industrial rock, experimental rock
- Years Active
- 2008–2014
- Label
- Emotional Syphon
- Past Members
- James "Munky" Shaffer / Steve Krolikowski / Zac Baird / Tim Kelleher / Elias Mallin / Billy Gould / Leopold Ross / Brooks Wackerman
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In early 2008, Korn guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer announced plans for a new project called Fear and the Nervous System, possibly referencing Michael Powell's 1960 film "Peeping Tom." The record was to be released in late 2008 through Shaffer's own label, Emotional Syphon Recordings, with songs recorded at Music Grinder Studios in Hollywood, California. Shaffer described the recording sessions as unorthodox, more like jam sessions, using different tunings to distinguish the music from his work with Korn. Wes Borland participated in early sessions, contributing to two songs and designing the album's cover art, though his musical contributions did not make the final cut.
After delays, Shaffer initially planned to handle vocals but later admitted he was not "very good at singing." Steve Krolikowski of Repeater was eventually brought in as lead vocalist. The song "Choking Victim" was released for free download in June 2011, followed by a music video in August 2012. The self-titled debut album finally arrived in 2012 on physical and digital formats, receiving mixed to positive reviews. The band became inactive after 2012 with no formal disbandment announcement.
Reader's Guide
Fear and the Nervous System represents a notable side project from a key figure in nu-metal, James "Munky" Shaffer of Korn. The band's significance lies in its experimental approach to songwriting, using improvisational jam sessions and unconventional tunings to create a sound distinct from Shaffer's main band. Despite only releasing one album, the project attracted attention from musicians like Wes Borland and Fred Durst, the latter calling the band "pretty 'dope'" and expressing hope for a tour. The album's critical acclaim and the involvement of multiple musicians from the alternative metal scene underscore its place as a creative outlet for Shaffer during a period of exploration outside Korn. The band's legacy is that of a brief but well-received detour that showcased Shaffer's versatility and collaborative spirit.
Did You Know?
- The band's name may reference Michael Powell's 1960 film 'Peeping Tom'.
- Fred Durst called Fear and the Nervous System a 'pretty dope' band and hoped for a tour with Limp Bizkit, Korn, and others.
- The album was released on two listening formats: physical copies and digital download.
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