The Paradigm Shift is the eleventh studio album by American nu metal band Korn.

[5] It is the first Korn album to feature original guitarist Brian "Head" Welch since 2003's Take a Look in the Mirror.

[6] James "Munky" Shaffer stated that the album would contain darker elements similar to Issues (1999) mixed with the heaviness of Untouchables (2002).

[7] On May 2, 2013, it was revealed that original guitarist Brian "Head" Welch rejoined the band after an eight-year absence and had been recording for the new album.

The track "Lullaby for a Sadist" was originally written in 2010 prior to the idea of a dubstep-infused album, but the song did not make the cut for Korn III: Remember Who You Are.

[9] "Spike in My Veins" was originally written and recorded with Noisia for inclusion on J Devil's debut album, but ended up being reworked as a Korn song.

"Me and Munky [James Shaffer] haven't been playing guitar together for eight years, so we came in just wanting to jam out with the bass player Fieldy [Reginald Arvizu] and Ray [Luzier], our drummer.

'"[10] The album cover, designed by Roboto,[11][12] features two opposing heads, reminiscent of the Rubin vase illusion.

[23] AllMusic stated the album "shows the kind of creativity and inventiveness that ... helped to make them an influential force in heavy music.

[28] All tracks are written by James Shaffer, Jonathan Davis, Brian Welch, Ray Luzier, Reginald Arvizu, and Don Gilmore