The nu-metal pioneers are resurrecting the raw, down-tuned fury of their 1994 debut album with a new dual preamp and fuzz pedal—but you’ll have to act fast.
Nu-metal fans, rejoice—and get your wallets ready. Following the absolute frenzy of last year’s gear drop, Korn has officially announced a brand-new collaboration with boutique pedal builders Distortion Inc. This time, the spotlight shines on co-guitarist Brian “Head” Welch to deliver another dose of pure, unadulterated 1990s nostalgia.
Dubbed the Head Indigo Sludge, this limited-edition dual preamp and fuzz pedal is engineered to perfectly replicate the iconic, grinding guitar tones that defined Korn’s seminal, self-titled 1994 debut album.
Recreating the Indigo Ranch Magic
Last year, Korn guitarist James “Munky” Shaffer released his own signature Indigo Sludge pedal. It captured his early-era sonic aggression so perfectly that all 500 units—priced at $250 each—sold out instantly, leaving empty-handed fans begging for more.
Responding to overwhelming fan demand, Head is stepping up to the plate with a pedal tailored to his own “deliciously nasty” tonal standards. Both pedals trace their DNA back to the legendary Indigo Ranch studios, where Korn worked alongside producer Ross Robinson to track the raw, explosive riffs that birthed a entire musical movement.
“This pedal isn’t ‘inspired by’ – it’s built on the same ingredients that forged the sound,” Head said of the release.
Unlike generic distortion boxes, the Indigo Sludge isn’t just an approximation; it’s a time capsule.
Under the Hood: Seven-String Brutality
Designed specifically to handle the massive low-end of seven-string guitars—a gear choice Korn famously pioneered—the pedal features a comprehensive control layout to sculpt your perfect heavy tone.
The Interface
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Top Row: Dials for Master, Gain, Volume, and Distortion.
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Bottom Row: A comprehensive three-band EQ flanked by a dedicated Tone control.
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Mini-Switches: Controls for Presence and Octave to add bite and sub-harmonic chaos.
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Dual Footswitches: Independent controls to engage both sides of the pedal on the fly.
The Sound
The pedal is split into two distinct sections. The preamp section mimics the high-gain preamp stages heard all over Korn’s earliest records, delivering a tight, saturated crunch. Meanwhile, the fuzz circuit blends endless sustain with chaotic, hairy clipping—perfect for replicating those eerie, dissonant textures Head is famous for.
Aesthetic & Authenticity
While Munky’s pedal featured a striking red visage, Head’s version pays direct homage to Korn’s debut album art, opting for a color scheme that closely mirrors the original 1994 cover.
Furthermore, to combat scalpers and ensure authenticity, Distortion Inc. has partnered with PRVNZ to provide secure, digital authentication for every single unit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I buy the Head Indigo Sludge pedal?
The pedal is currently available for pre-order exclusively through Korn’s official webstore.
How much does the pedal cost?
While official pricing for Head’s version hasn’t been explicitly separated from the previous drop, it is expected to match the $250 USD price point of Munky’s original release.
How many units are being made?
Distortion Inc. has confirmed this is an ultra-limited run. Given that Munky’s pedal was limited to just 500 pieces, expect a similarly scarce production run for Head’s model.
Does it work well with standard 6-string guitars?
Yes, but it is specifically voiced to handle the low-end frequencies and high-gain tracking required for down-tuned 7-string and baritone guitars without turning to mud.
The Verdict
9.5/10 — A Must-Have for Nu-Metal Purists
If you missed out on Munky’s pedal last year, consider this your ultimate redemption arc. The Head Indigo Sludge is a masterclass in nostalgic gear design. Instead of slapping a band logo on a generic fuzz circuit, Distortion Inc. has meticulously captured the exact, high-gain preamp violence of the Indigo Ranch era.
Between the robust EQ options, the added octave functionality, and the digital authentication to protect your investment, this is a premium piece of rock history.
Unfortunately, they have already SOLD OUT!
#Korn
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