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James Shaffer
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James Shaffer
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Key Information

James Christian Shaffer (born June 6, 1970), also known by his stage name "Munky", is an American musician best known as a co-founder and guitarist of the nu metal band Korn. He was ranked at No. 26 of Guitar World's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time.[1]

Shaffer set up the side-project band Fear and the Nervous System in 2008 and is also the founder of Emotional Syphon Recordings, which has signed acts like Monster in the Machine and Droid.

Early life

[edit]

Shaffer was born June 6, 1970, in Rosedale, California.[2] He was adopted by his parents as an infant, along with two other siblings. Shaffer and the other members of Korn grew up in the agricultural town of Bakersfield, California, two hours north of Los Angeles.

His nickname "Munky" originated from how his toes looked when spread apart, resembling a monkey's fingers.[3]

As a teenager, Shaffer severed the tip of his finger in an accident with a three-wheeled ATV. His doctor recommended playing an instrument as physical therapy, which led him to pick up the guitar.[4]

Career

[edit]

Early musical career

[edit]

Shaffer, along with future Korn members David Silveria and Reginald Arvizu, formed the band L.A.P.D. with singer Richard Morrill in the late 1980s.[5] When the band moved from Bakersfield to Los Angeles,[6][7] Silveria dropped out of high school and Shaffer stayed in Bakersfield. When Shaffer reunited with the band, they found a manager and released an EP entitled Love and Peace Dude in 1989 through Triple X Records. L.A.P.D. released their first full-length studio album on May 3, 1991, entitled Who's Laughing Now. After releasing two albums, L.A.P.D. broke up. They were also briefly known as Creep, recording a demo with a singer named Corey until Shaffer, Arvizu, and Silveria enlisted Brian Welch and Jonathan Davis to form the band that went on to become Korn.

Korn (1993–present)

[edit]
Main article: Korn

When thinking of a band name, someone suggested "corn", but the band rejected that name. Shaffer then had the idea to spell the name with a "K" instead of a "C", and a backwards "R", so the band's name would appear as "KoЯn". According to both Shaffer and Jonathan Davis, the idea came from the logo of toy retailer Toys R Us, which several members had worked at during their youth. The stylized name was chosen to create a distorted, childlike aesthetic.[8]

On February 22, 2005, Brian "Head" Welch left the band citing a spiritual awakening. Shaffer accepted his friend's choice and the two remained on good terms. Welch rejoined Korn on May 2, 2013, and contributed to the album The Paradigm Shift released in October 2013.[9]

Drummer David Silveria left the band in 2006, initially stating it would be a temporary break to focus on family and business. Shaffer later revealed that Silveria had fully distanced himself from music at the time.[10]

Fear and the Nervous System (2008–present)

[edit]
Main article: Fear and the Nervous System
Shaffer on stage in São Paulo, Brazil in April 2010

On March 4, 2008, it was announced that Shaffer would be releasing a solo record with his side project Fear and The Nervous System. The band included Shaffer on guitars, Brooks Wackerman (of Bad Religion) on drums, Leopold Ross on guitars and programming, Bill Gould (of Faith No More) on bass, and Zac Baird (Korn's keyboardist) on keyboards and programming. Guitarist Wes Borland contributed early recordings and the album artwork.[11]

The album, originally slated for 2008, was delayed due to scheduling conflicts and was eventually released digitally in October 2011.[12]

Shaffer later stepped back from vocal duties, stating he did not feel confident singing. Steve Krolikowski of Repeater was announced as the lead vocalist.[13]

Emotional Syphon Recordings (2006–present)

[edit]

In 2006, Shaffer founded Emotional Syphon Recordings, an independent label created to support diverse and daring new artists. The first bands signed were Droid and Monster in the Machine. Shaffer stated that his goal was to give artists complete creative freedom and release music across multiple genres.[14]

Venera (2023–present)

[edit]

In 2023, Shaffer announced the formation of Venera, a glitch and dark electronic music project with composer Chris Hunt. Their self-titled debut album was released on Ipecac Recordings on October 13, 2023.[15]

Personal life

[edit]

On January 15, 2000, Shaffer married Stephanie Roush. Together, they had a daughter named Carmella Star Shaffer, born in 2001.[16] In 2004, Shaffer and Roush divorced.

Shaffer began dating actress and model Evis Xheneti in 2005. They were married on January 2, 2012, in Paris, France.[17] They have three children together, born in 2012, 2015, and 2019. Their first son, D'Angelo Draxon Shaffer, was born in November 2012.[18]

Equipment

[edit]

Shaffer predominantly uses Ibanez guitars,[19] most often his signature Ibanez Apex 7-string model.[20]

Discography

[edit]
See also: Korn discography
With L.A.P.D.
With Korn
With Fear and the Nervous System
With $UICIDEBOY$ x Travis Barker
  • 2019 – Live Fast, Die Whenever
With Venera
  • 2023 – Venera
  • 2025 – Exinfinite

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

James Shaffer

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Shaffer, professionally known as Munky, is an American best known as the co-founder and rhythm guitarist of the band Korn, which he helped form in 1993 alongside vocalist , lead guitarist Brian "Head" Welch, bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and drummer . Shaffer began playing guitar at the age of 13 following an injury to his left in a childhood accident, which doctors recommended he rehabilitate through musical practice. Prior to Korn, Shaffer was a member of the band L.A.P.D., which released two albums before disbanding and paving the way for Korn's formation in . With Korn, Shaffer contributed to the band's signature downtuned, aggressive guitar sound influenced by artists like , , and , helping define the genre through their breakthrough 1998 album Follow the Leader, which topped the chart. The band has achieved significant commercial success, selling over 40 million albums worldwide, including 16.5 million in the United States. Korn has earned two Grammy Awards: Best Short Form Music Video for "Freak on a Leash" in 2000 and Best Metal Performance for "Here to Stay" in 2003. Shaffer has also founded the independent Emotional Syphon Recordings and remains an active member of Korn, which has released 13 studio albums and continues to tour as of 2025.

Early life

Childhood and family background

James Christian Shaffer was born on June 6, 1970, in Rosedale, California, a small unincorporated community in Kern County. He was adopted as an infant by his parents, along with two other siblings, and grew up in a working-class household shaped by the agricultural environment of the region. During his childhood, Shaffer's family relocated to nearby , where he was raised amid the blue-collar dynamics of a farming town. Details on his immediate family life remain sparse, though Shaffer has spoken of his adoptive parents as selfless figures who provided a stable foundation despite limited resources. A defining early event occurred at age 13, when Shaffer suffered a severe injury while attempting to sneak out on a ATV. The vehicle's chain was loose and rattling; as he reached down to adjust it, his left became caught, severing the tip completely. The accident resulted in permanent partial loss of function in his left hand, requiring ongoing adaptations for dexterity and grip in everyday tasks. Medical advice following the injury emphasized rehabilitation exercises, which later influenced his personal development.

Initial musical interests

James Shaffer began playing guitar around the age of 13 following a childhood in which he severed the tip of his left while repairing the chain on a three-wheeled ATV. As part of his recovery from , doctors recommended music as to regain dexterity in his hand, prompting him to pick up a nylon-string borrowed from his brother and teach himself through trial and error. Shaffer's initial musical inspirations drew heavily from heavy metal and pioneers. He cited Ozzy Osbourne's Diary of a Madman (1981) as a formative influence, recalling it as the first cassette he purchased at age 12, particularly drawn to ' classical-infused guitar work that ignited his passion for heavy music. Black Sabbath's recordings, especially the riffing style of —who also overcame a finger injury—provided enduring inspiration, shaping Shaffer's appreciation for dark, heavy tones. Similarly, Van Halen's self-titled debut album (1978), with tracks like "Eruption," profoundly impacted his perception of guitar innovation and energy, awakening his senses to the possibilities of before he even played an instrument. Transitioning to electric guitar during high school, Shaffer experimented with affordable gear like a Peavey Mystic and Randall amp, honing basic techniques in Bakersfield's burgeoning local music environment. This period marked the deepening of his interest in heavy metal and rock, fueled by attending local shows that exposed him to live performances and community scenes.

Professional career

Early musical endeavors

James Shaffer's early musical endeavors took root in the late in , where he formed the short-lived band alongside future collaborators Brian "Head" Welch and Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu. This initial project captured the era's prevalent glam influences but quickly disbanded as the members gravitated toward styles. In 1989, Shaffer co-founded L.A.P.D.—initially standing for "Love and Peace Dude"—with Fieldy on bass, on drums, and singer Richard Morrill. The band performed in Bakersfield's developing underground scene, blending funk metal elements inspired by groups like , and transitioned from amateur rehearsals to semi-professional local gigs. L.A.P.D. achieved a milestone in 1991 by signing with independent label Triple X Records and releasing their debut album Who's Laughing Now?, which featured Shaffer's growing guitar prowess amid the local nu-metal and rap-metal influences. Despite this progress, the band encountered significant hurdles, including internal conflicts and Morrill's abrupt departure in 1992, resulting in its dissolution. Bakersfield's insular agricultural environment offered limited venues and resources, compelling bands like L.A.P.D. to rely on grassroots efforts such as club performances and regional tours to build momentum. Prior to these efforts, Shaffer briefly participated in other nascent projects in the Bakersfield area, honing his skills amid the sparse local opportunities before L.A.P.D.'s formation.

Korn involvement

James "Munky" Shaffer co-founded in 1993 in , alongside guitarist Brian "Head" Welch, bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, drummer , and vocalist . The band emerged from the ashes of their previous group L.A.P.D., with Shaffer and Welch bringing their heavy, downtuned guitar approach to create Korn's signature sound. This formation marked the beginning of Shaffer's central role in the band, where he has remained a core member through lineup changes and decades of evolution. Shaffer's contributions to Korn span songwriting, crafting iconic guitar riffs, and involvement in production across their , from the self-titled debut album in 1994 to in 2022, and into the ongoing recording of their next project. He has co-written numerous tracks, often collaborating closely with Welch to develop layered, atmospheric guitar textures that define Korn's intensity, as seen in staples like those on Untouchables (2002). In production, Shaffer has influenced the band's raw, live-energy approach, including on later works like The Nothing (2019), where he emphasized emotional depth in construction. Korn's achievements under his involvement include two , notably for Best Metal Performance with "Here to Stay" in 2003, over 40 million albums sold worldwide, and extensive global tours such as the . Shaffer himself was ranked No. 26 on Guitar World's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time in 2004. In recent years, Shaffer has continued to drive Korn's momentum, headlining the 2025 Download Festival in the UK where the band delivered a high-energy set. During the event, he praised Sleep Token's headline performance, noting how they "shut up the naysayers" with a production larger than Slipknot's stage, highlighting his appreciation for innovative metal acts. For their forthcoming album, Shaffer revealed in June 2025 that Korn is returning to analog tape recording, capturing all instruments live in one room to recapture the raw, immediate energy of their early days—"if we don't get it right, we rewind the tape and do it again." This method underscores Shaffer's commitment to authentic band dynamics amid their enduring career.

Side projects and collaborations

In 2008, James Shaffer formed the band as a solo project to explore music beyond his work with Korn, drawing inspiration from personal experiences including the death of his father. The group featured collaborators such as bassist and drummer , blending industrial and elements with heavy, atmospheric guitar riffs and electronic textures. Their self-titled debut album was released on November 1, 2011, via Shaffer's Emotional Syphon Recordings, showcasing tracks like "Riot" that emphasized raw emotional intensity over traditional song structures. Following the album's release, the project saw no further activity after 2012, with Shaffer returning his focus to Korn. Shaffer's side pursuits evolved toward electronic and ambient genres in the 2020s, culminating in the formation of Venera in 2023 alongside composer and filmmaker Chris Hunt. The duo's self-titled debut album, released on August 18, 2023, via the Berlin-based PAN label, delved into dark ambient soundscapes inspired by sci-fi and cinematic themes, featuring contributions from guests like drummer Deantoni Parks and guitarist Alain Johannes. Building on this foundation, Venera announced their sophomore album Exinfinite in July 2025, which was released on September 12, 2025, expanding the project's immersive, droning electronics with vocal features from artists including FKA twigs on "Caroline," Chelsea Wolfe on "All Midnights," and Dis Fig on "End Uncovered," alongside production input from Hunt and Shaffer. This shift marked a departure from the rock-oriented intensity of Fear and the Nervous System toward introspective, boundary-pushing ambient explorations. Beyond his own projects, Shaffer has made select guest appearances on tracks by other artists, including a guitar contribution to VOWWS's single "Shudder" in June 2025, which incorporated his signature riffing into the band's darkwave style. These collaborations, often involving musicians associated with his , highlight Shaffer's ongoing interest in cross-genre experimentation while maintaining a focus on atmospheric and industrial influences.

Business and other ventures

Emotional Syphon Recordings

Emotional Syphon Recordings is an founded by Korn guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer in 2006. The label was established to provide a platform for daring and diverse musical acts, emphasizing artist freedom and creative exploration across multiple genres, particularly alternative and heavy music. Shaffer aimed to support musicians in making a while maintaining a small-scale, independent operation, with plans to build a roster of around 10 strong bands over time. The label's early operations focused on signing and releasing debut albums for promising indie acts, distributed through ADA (Alternative Distribution Alliance). Its inaugural signings included the Long Beach-based band Droid, whose self-titled debut album was released on July 10, 2007, and Monster in the Machine, which issued its debut Butterfly Pinned on August 21, 2007. These releases highlighted the label's commitment to experimental sounds, with Droid blending nu-metal influences and Monster in the Machine exploring progressive heavy elements. Shaffer personally oversaw aspects of the artists' development, drawing from his experiences with Korn to foster an environment free from major-label interference. Shaffer also utilized the label to promote his side project, , releasing its self-titled album on September 18, 2012. Despite initial momentum, the label faced significant industry challenges, including the decline in physical sales and the shift to during the late . Self-funded by Shaffer, it incurred financial losses, prompting him to reflect in 2012 that starting a label at that time was particularly difficult. Activity on Emotional Syphon Recordings diminished after 2012, with no major new artist signings or releases reported through 2025, though it remains an active venture under Shaffer's oversight. The label's legacy lies in its role as a niche outlet for innovative heavy music during a transitional era in the industry.

Recent endeavors

In early 2025, James "Munky" Shaffer expanded into by launching a limited-edition fragrance in collaboration with Berlin-based Studios and the agency EveryHuman. Titled Reference Times James “Munky” Shaffer, the debuted exclusively at the Studios exhibition in on February 2, 2025, targeting Korn fans with a scent designed to evoke his distinctive persona through notes inspired by intensity and introspection. Shaffer has remained active in media engagements, reflecting on his career trajectory. In a November 2023 YouTube interview on the Artist Decoded podcast, he discussed his evolution from Korn's early days to exploring new creative outlets, emphasizing personal growth amid past challenges. Earlier that year, in March 2023, he appeared on the Scan My Brain podcast, opening up about overcoming and suicidal thoughts, highlighting his journey toward sobriety and advocacy. In June 2025, during Korn's performance at the in the UK, Shaffer provided commentary praising emerging acts like for their innovative stage production, noting how they "shut up the naysayers" with a setup surpassing even Slipknot's scale. Shaffer's broader creative expansions include promotional ties to his experimental project , where he has collaborated on marketing initiatives blending music and visual media to reach diverse audiences. His side projects have influenced this diversification, allowing him to explore non-traditional outlets beyond guitar-driven work. Amid these ventures, Shaffer reflected on Korn's long-term sustainability in a June 2025 BBC Radio 1 interview, discussing the band's return to analog tape recording for their upcoming album as a way to recapture raw energy while adapting to industry changes. He emphasized the process's collaborative intensity, with the group tracking live in one room to foster genuine creativity after decades in the business.

Personal life

Relationships and family

Shaffer married his first wife, Stephanie Roush, on January 15, 2000. The couple welcomed a daughter, Carmella Star Shaffer, in June 2001, but divorced in 2004. In 2012, Shaffer wed actress Evis Xheneti in on January 2. They have two sons together: DraXon Shaffer, born November 7, 2012, and Rebel Shaffer, born August 20, 2015. Shaffer has spoken publicly about the demands of balancing his role as a father with Korn's extensive touring schedule. In a 2019 interview, he described life with his three children as "crazy," noting the challenges of integrating time amid band commitments. His relationship with Carmella has been strained, as noted by Xheneti in 2019, who stated that Shaffer "barely has a relationship" with his from his first , despite efforts to include her in life.

Health challenges

At the age of 12, James Shaffer suffered a severe that resulted in the partial of the tip of his left while attempting to silence a loose chain on a three-wheeled ATV. In a later interview, Shaffer recounted the incident occurring during his childhood, after which doctors recommended guitar playing as to restore mobility and strength to the injured finger, ultimately shaping his adaptive techniques for gripping and fretting the instrument. Shaffer has been open about his struggles with and alcohol addiction, which intensified after personal losses including the deaths of both parents. In 2009, following a severe , he was arrested by a team and involuntarily committed to a psychiatric ward, an experience that became a . He achieved sobriety around 2010 and has maintained it for over 15 years as of 2025, crediting , family support, and personal reflection for his recovery. In September 2021, Shaffer tested positive for during Korn's tour, forcing him to miss several dates while the band continued with a temporary replacement. He reported feeling relatively well but prioritized isolation to avoid spreading the virus, rejoining the tour after recovery within about two weeks. Shaffer faced the illness a second time in early 2022, again recovering without long-term complications, though he noted the physical toll of such health setbacks amid rigorous touring schedules. In September 2025, Shaffer tested positive for COVID-19 for a third time during Korn's tour, missing several shows before rejoining the band onstage on September 18 in Texas after recovery. Throughout these challenges, family support has played a key role in his recoveries.

Musical equipment and style

Signature gear

James "Munky" Shaffer has relied on a core lineup of signature guitars, amplifiers, and effects pedals throughout his career with Korn, prioritizing durable, high-output instruments suited to the band's nu-metal sound. His setup emphasizes seven-string guitars for low-end riffing, high-gain amplification for saturated tones, and modulation effects for atmospheric depth, with evolutions reflecting shifts from experimental prototypes in the 1990s to refined, production-ready signatures in later decades. Shaffer's primary guitars center on Ibanez's signature APEX series, introduced in the mid-2000s as an evolution of his earlier custom models. The APEX30-MGM, finished in Metallic Gray Matte with an ebony fretboard, features a five-piece maple/walnut , Blaze 7-string pickups, and an Evertune bridge for stable tuning during aggressive playing; it was designed to withstand stage abuse while maintaining intonation. Other APEX variants include the APEX200 (2014–2019), a Japanese-made model in Dark Gray Matte with a similar neck-through construction and fixed bridge, and the APEX100 (2011–2014), an earlier Japanese prototype emphasizing affordability and playability. Earlier in his career, during the , Shaffer used the UV777, a pioneering seven-string with a reverse and , which helped define Korn's debut album tone before transitioning to the more streamlined APEX line. In the , the K7YIN model in Matte Black incorporates modern updates like a slim profile and Graph Tech TUSQ nut for enhanced sustain and feedback resistance. For amplification, Shaffer has consistently employed Triple Rectifier heads since Korn's formation in the early , using dual 150-watt Solo heads per side for his live and studio rigs to achieve the band's signature thick, aggressive . These amps, often paired with 4x12 cabinets loaded with V30 speakers, provide the high-gain foundation of his sound, with settings favoring maximum bass and treble for scooped mids. In recent years, particularly for recordings, he has incorporated Kemper Profiling amps for clean tones, allowing digital modeling of vintage sounds while retaining analog warmth in his primary chain. Shaffer's effects setup includes a mix of modulation and pitch-shifting pedals, routed through an A/B/Y box for clean/dirty switching. Key units are the DigiTech XP100 Whammy-Wah for octave jumps and dive-bombs, essential to Korn's rhythmic hooks since the 1990s; the TS9 Tube Screamer for mid-boost and drive; the TC Electronic Hall of Fame Reverb for ambient tails; and Boss pedals like the MT-2 Metal Zone for additional distortion. He also employs the Electro-Harmonix Nano Small Stone phaser and Pigtronix Gatekeeper noise reducer to control feedback in high-volume environments, strung with Dunlop Heavy Core .010–.065 sets for optimal tension in drop tuning. By the 2020s, his rig has leaned toward analog-focused effects, including the 2025 Indigo Sludge Preamp + Fuzz pedal, which captures early Korn fuzz tones from archival sessions.

Playing technique and influences

James "Munky" Shaffer and "Head" Welch helped pioneer the use of down-tuned seven-string guitars in nu-metal, crafting aggressive, percussive palm-muted riffs that defined Korn's low-end heaviness and rhythmic drive. By tuning to drop A, Shaffer and "Head" Welch created deep, chugging patterns that emphasized groove over speed, influencing countless bands in the genre to adopt extended-range instruments for similarly thunderous tones. Shaffer's innovations extended to his creative deployment of effects, notably wah-wah pedals, which he used to infuse riffs with vocal-like expressiveness and dynamic swells, adding emotional depth to Korn's abrasive soundscapes. In side projects such as , a collaboration with composer Chris Hunt, he delved into experimental ambient and industrial , producing atmospheric drones and glitchy textures that contrasted his riff-heavy Korn work. Shaffer's influences evolved from Eddie Van Halen's tapping and hard-rock flair in tracks like "Eruption" to industrial pioneers such as Nine Inch Nails, whose pulsating electronics informed Korn's fusion of metal aggression with synthetic elements. As a teenager, Shaffer severed the tip of his left index finger when the chain came off his three-wheeled ATV and caught his finger while he was pushing it quietly to sneak out to a party, prompting him to take up guitar as physical therapy to rebuild dexterity and ultimately shaping his resilient, effects-reliant approach to rhythm playing.

Discography

With Korn

James Shaffer, known as Munky, has been Korn's rhythm guitarist since the band's formation in , contributing guitar parts, riffs, and co-writing credits to all of their studio albums. His playing style, characterized by downtuned seven-string guitars and percussive rhythms, helped define the band's sound across their discography. Shaffer typically receives credits for , additional guitars, and songwriting on nearly every track, often collaborating with producers like on early works, though he has not served as a primary producer for Korn's releases. Korn's debut album, Korn (1994), featured Shaffer's raw, aggressive guitar work on tracks like "Blind" and "Shoots and Ladders," establishing the band's heavy, groove-oriented style; he is credited with throughout, produced by . On (1996), Shaffer's contributions included layered riffs on songs such as "Twist" and "A.D.I.D.A.S.," again as rhythm guitarist under Robinson's production. Follow the Leader (1998), produced by Steve Thompson and Toby Wright, showcased Shaffer's evolving technique with guest features from artists like , where he provided core guitar foundations for hits like "." Issues (1999), self-produced by the band with Brendan O'Brien, highlighted Shaffer's songwriting on tracks including "," earning a Grammy for Best Metal Performance. For Untouchables (2002), produced by Michael Beinhorn, Shaffer delivered intricate rhythm parts on the opener "Here to Stay" and other tracks, contributing to the album's darker tone. Take a Look in the Mirror (2003), self-produced, saw Shaffer co-writing aggressive riffs for songs like "Did My Time," reflecting the band's internal tensions. On See You on the Other Side (2005), produced by Atticus Ross and the band after signing to Virgin Records, Shaffer's guitars drove electronic-infused tracks such as "Twisted Transistor," marking a transitional phase. The Untitled album (2007), produced by Ross, featured Shaffer's experimental layers amid the band's lineup changes. Korn III: Remember Who You Are (2010), helmed by Ross, emphasized Shaffer's return to heavy riffing on cuts like "Burn the Obedient." The Path of Totality (2011), produced by Ross with electronic artists like Skrillex, integrated Shaffer's guitars into dubstep-influenced hybrids on tracks such as "Get Up!" The Paradigm Shift (2013), produced by Don Gilmore, featured Shaffer's rhythm guitars alongside the returning Brian "Head" Welch on tracks like "Never Never," blending nu metal with new influences. The Serenity of Suffering (2016), produced by Nick Raskulinecz, credited Shaffer for revitalizing the band's metal roots with riff-heavy songs like "Rotting (In Vain)," which topped the Mainstream Rock chart. On The Nothing (2019), produced by Nick Raskulinecz, Shaffer's contributions included atmospheric guitars on "Cold Shogun." Requiem (2022), also by Raskulinecz, featured Shaffer's dynamic playing on singles like "Worst Is on Its Way," peaking at No. 1 on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart. As of 2025, Korn is recording their fifteenth studio album entirely on analog tape, with Shaffer emphasizing a live, raw approach in the studio to recapture early energy; no release date has been announced. Among Shaffer's notable co-writing credits are several key singles. "Here to Stay" (2002) peaked at No. 4 on the Mainstream Rock and Alternative Songs charts and won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2003. "Did My Time" (2003), co-written for the Queen of the Damned soundtrack, reached No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100—Korn's highest there—and No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance. "Twisted Transistor" (2005) charted at No. 3 on the Mainstream Rock chart, Korn's highest peak on that list at the time, and featured a video directed by Jonathan Davis.

Solo and side projects

Shaffer's first major solo endeavor was the and project , which he formed and fronted as the primary creative force. The band released its self-titled debut album on November 1, 2011, via , featuring tracks such as "Rage," which was offered as a free download single on June 29, 2011. The album showcased Shaffer's experimental approach, blending heavy riffs with electronic elements. In 2021, Shaffer began releasing music under the electronic and experimental duo , partnering with and filmmaker Chris Hunt. Their initial output included standalone singles like "Inference" in late 2021 and "Wasted On The Way" on October 15, 2021, which highlighted a shift toward , soundscapes distinct from his nu-metal roots. This was followed by "Deconstruct" on December 30, 2022, "Coerced" in 2023, and "Extraction" in 2024, building anticipation for their full-length releases. Venera's first album, Venera, arrived in 2023 via the Berlin-based PAN label, emphasizing cinematic electronic textures. Their sophomore effort, Exinfinite, was released on September 12, 2025, also on PAN, with guest vocal contributions from FKA twigs on "All Midnights," Chelsea Wolfe, and Dis Fig, further exploring themes of disintegration and infinite loops through tracks like "Tear," "Flatline," and "Asteroxylon." Beyond these projects, Shaffer provided guest guitar spots on albums from artists signed to his Emotional Syphon Recordings label, including the self-titled debut by Monster in the Machine in 2007, where he contributed to tracks amid collaborations with artists like . He also appeared on Droid's in 2007, adding riff work to the sound. No major compilations or unreleased solo material from Shaffer has been officially documented as of late 2025.

References

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  24. https://www.discogs.com/release/3187070-Fear-And-The-Nervous-System-Fear-And-The-Nervous-System
  25. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/fear_and_the_nervous_system
  26. https://www.chaindlk.com/news/releases/venera-the-experimental-electronic-duo-of-james-schaffer-chris-hunt-detail-their-debut-album/
  27. https://ra.co/news/83163
  28. https://www.stereogum.com/2314889/munky-from-korn-announces-new-album-feat-fka-twigs-chelsea-wolfe-dis-fig/music/
  29. https://veneramusic.bandcamp.com/album/exinfinite
  30. https://acloserlisten.com/2025/09/10/venera-exinfinite/
  31. https://www.grimmgent.com/vowws-release-new-single-shudder-featuring-josh-freeze-james-munky-shaffer/
  32. https://www.1057thepoint.com/music-news/korns-james-munky-shaffer-launches-new-electronic-project-venera/
  33. https://www.discogs.com/label/156538-Emotional-Syphon-Recordings
  34. https://blabbermouth.net/news/korn-guitarist-to-release-droid-monster-in-the-machine-albums-in-july
  35. https://blabbermouth.net/news/monster-in-the-machine-video-interview-with-shannon-crawford-available
  36. https://blabbermouth.net/news/korn-guitarist-discusses-emotional-syphon-recordings-label
  37. http://ignitionstaug.blogspot.com/2012/06/interview-with-korn-guitarist-james.html
  38. https://blabbermouth.net/news/korns-james-munky-shaffer-collaborates-with-berlins-reference-times-on-new-fragrance
  39. https://www.metalsucks.net/2025/02/01/korn-guitarist-james-munky-shaffer-to-release-new-fragrance/
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElNQ0X7COwU
  41. https://www.revolvermag.com/music/see-korns-munky-open-about-battle-suicidal-thoughts-and-addiction/
  42. https://wcsx.com/2025/07/14/korn-guitarists-side-project-venera-drops-new-album-featuring-big-name-collaborators/
  43. https://blabbermouth.net/news/korn-guitarist-munky-barely-has-a-relationship-with-his-17-year-old-daughter-claims-his-wife
  44. https://noisecreep.com/korn-guitarist-weds-actress/
  45. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0787313/trivia/
  46. https://www.revolvermag.com/music/death-demons-and-fire-inside-korns-munky-new-album-nothing/
  47. https://www.loudersound.com/news/i-woke-up-handcuffed-to-a-bed-in-a-psychiatric-ward-korns-munky-recalls-swat-team-arrest
  48. https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/korn-james-munky-shaffer-has-covid-tour-continues-9626948/
  49. https://consequence.net/2021/09/korn-munky-covid-19/
  50. https://loudwire.com/korn-munky-covid-second-time/
  51. https://metalinjection.net/av/munky-rejoins-korn-on-stage-after-covid-battle
  52. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b20BKZr76NQ
  53. https://www.premierguitar.com/gear/rig-rundown-korn
  54. https://equipboard.com/pros/james-munky-shaffer
  55. https://ibanez.fandom.com/wiki/APEX_series
  56. https://equipboard.com/items/ibanez-apex200-munky-signature-model
  57. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/K7Yin--ibanez-k7yin-james-munky-shaffer-signature-7-string-electric-guitar-matte-black
  58. https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/rig-tour-korn-634777
  59. https://blog.andertons.co.uk/sound-like/sound-like-korn
  60. https://guitar.com/news/gear-news/korn-indigo-sludge-pedal/
  61. https://tedium.co/2023/12/01/korn-seven-string-guitar-history/
  62. https://www.popmatters.com/veneras-debut-album-review
  63. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0787313/
  64. https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/james-munky-shaffer-talks-korns-debut-album-track-by-track-it-blew-people-away-629737
  65. https://www.theprp.com/2016/08/09/news/korns-james-munky-shaffer-credits-nick-raskulinecz-helping-steer-new-album/
  66. https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/korn-james-munky-shaffer-new-album-tour-6714459/
  67. https://www.revolvermag.com/music/korns-munky-picks-5-great-non-metal-albums-metalheads/
  68. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/artist/2102-korn/
  69. https://www.discogs.com/release/16043323-Korn-The-Paradigm-Shift
  70. https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/in-the-studio/korn-is-recording-their-new-album-to-tape
  71. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/korn-cant-stop-eminems-show-at-no-1-75358/
  72. https://www.billboard.com/charts/active-rock/2003-09-13
  73. https://www.amazon.com/Fear-Nervous-System-2-CD/dp/B008A6Q8AC
  74. https://www.last.fm/music/James%2BShaffer
  75. https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d7z7BjNTjkZdFN29WqfL2
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