Diablo IV Lord of Hatred Expansion Launches with Korns First New Song in 4 Years

On April 28, 2026, the highly anticipated expansion for Diablo IV, titled Lord of Hatred, launched alongside an unexpected musical collaboration: a new single from the iconic nu-metal band Korn. The track, “Reward the Scars,” marks the band’s first original release in four years, blending their signature aggressive sound with the dark, demonic themes of the Diablo universe. The song was written specifically for the expansion, which introduces players to a sprawling new campaign set in the ancient region of Skovos, where the Prime Evil Mephisto awaits his final reckoning.

The Return of Korn

Korn’s frontman, Jonathan Davis, has long been an avid gamer, and the band’s return to music with “Reward the Scars” feels like a natural fit for the Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred expansion. The single was produced by Nick Raskulinecz, who previously worked with Korn on their 2019 album The Nothing. The track’s release coincides with the expansion’s launch, offering fans a thematic anthem to accompany their demon-slaying adventures. Korn’s last studio album, Requiem, was released in 2022, making “Reward the Scars” their first new material since then.

The band announced the single on April 23, 2026, via their official social media channels, sharing a link to stream the track on all major platforms. The post included a cryptic teaser image featuring the Diablo IV logo alongside Korn’s signature aesthetic. “‘Reward the Scars,’ our song inspired by @Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred, is out now,” the band wrote. The timing of the release also aligns with Korn’s headlining performance at Sick New World 2026 in Las Vegas, further amplifying the song’s impact among fans of both gaming and music.

A Dark, Thematic Match

The collaboration between Korn and Blizzard Entertainment, the developer behind Diablo IV, was a deliberate choice to capture the expansion’s oppressive and sinister tone. Lord of Hatred introduces players to Mephisto, one of the franchise’s most infamous villains, whose malevolent presence permeates the new campaign. The song’s lyrics and instrumentation mirror the expansion’s themes of corruption, vengeance, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. An animated music video for “Reward the Scars” was also released, featuring Mephisto in a style reminiscent of 1990s comic books, complete with exaggerated, demonic visuals that align with the Diablo universe.

The music video’s aesthetic is a throwback to the era when Diablo II first captivated gamers, evoking nostalgia for long-time fans of the franchise. The video’s climax, where Mephisto fully embraces his demonic form and unleashes chaos, syncs perfectly with the song’s heavy breakdown, creating a visceral experience that resonates with both gamers and music listeners. The track’s haunting and aggressive tone is tailor-made for the expansion’s narrative, which pits players against Mephisto in a climactic battle for Sanctuary’s fate.

What’s New in Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred

The Lord of Hatred expansion is a major update for Diablo IV, introducing a host of new features and content. The centerpiece is a sprawling campaign set in Skovos, an ancient region where players will confront Mephisto in a final stand. The expansion also introduces two new classes: the Paladin, which players can access immediately upon pre-purchasing the expansion, and a second class that will unlock at launch. The expansion includes Vessel of Hatred, the first major expansion for Diablo IV, which follows the story of Neyrelle as she seeks the Vault of Light to cleanse Mephisto’s soulstone.

Beyond the campaign, Lord of Hatred brings significant updates to the game’s systems, including a loot filter and a skill tree overhaul. These changes aim to refine the gameplay experience, giving players more control over their builds and progression. The expansion also introduces new cosmetic items, mounts, and pets, such as the Skartaran Basilisk Mount and the Skorch Mini Chimera Pet, which are included in the Ultimate Edition pre-purchase bundle. For players who opt for the Deluxe Edition, the expansion offers early access to the Paladin class, an extra stash tab, and additional character slots.

The Cultural Impact of the Collaboration

The partnership between Korn and Blizzard is more than just a marketing stunt; it reflects the deep cultural connection between gaming and music, particularly within the nu-metal genre. Korn’s music has long been associated with the rebellious, angsty energy that defined the late 1990s and early 2000s, a period when Diablo II first became a cultural phenomenon. The band’s return with “Reward the Scars” taps into that nostalgia, offering a bridge between two eras of gaming and music fandom.

For many fans, the collaboration is a celebration of the enduring appeal of both Korn and the Diablo franchise. The song’s release has been met with enthusiasm from the gaming community, with many praising its thematic alignment with the expansion’s dark narrative. The animated music video, in particular, has been highlighted as a standout element, capturing the essence of Mephisto’s villainy while delivering a visual experience that feels both fresh and nostalgic.

Korn’s involvement in the Diablo IV expansion also underscores the growing trend of cross-industry collaborations in entertainment. As gaming continues to evolve into a dominant cultural force, partnerships like this one demonstrate how music, art, and storytelling can converge to create immersive experiences for fans. The success of “Reward the Scars” may pave the way for similar collaborations in the future, further blurring the lines between gaming and other forms of media.

What’s Next for Korn and Diablo IV

With the launch of “Reward the Scars” and the Lord of Hatred expansion, both Korn and Blizzard have set the stage for an exciting chapter in their respective industries. For Korn, the single marks a return to form after a four-year hiatus, and fans will likely be eager to see if the band follows up with more new music. The band’s headlining performance at Sick New World 2026 will provide an opportunity for fans to experience the new track live, further solidifying its place in Korn’s discography.

For Diablo IV, the Lord of Hatred expansion represents a significant milestone in the game’s evolution. The introduction of new classes, regions, and storylines ensures that players will have plenty of content to explore, while the updates to the game’s systems promise to enhance the overall experience. As the expansion rolls out, Blizzard will likely continue to support Diablo IV with additional updates and events, keeping the community engaged and invested in the world of Sanctuary.

The collaboration between Korn and Blizzard is a testament to the power of creative partnerships in entertainment. By combining their respective strengths, the two entities have created a unique experience that resonates with fans of both gaming and music. As the Diablo IV community dives into the Lord of Hatred expansion, “Reward the Scars” will serve as a fitting anthem for their journey into the darkest corners of Sanctuary.