Korn signs multifacted deal with Virgin

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Rock act Korn has signed a new deal with Virgin Records that covers not only a recording deal but also a partnership with parent company EMI Music for touring, music publishing, merchandising and sponsorship.

The former Epic group's as-yet-untitled Virgin debut is expected before the end of the year.

EMI says the new deal is modelled on its arrangement with U.K. superstar Robbie Williams, in which both parties benefit from the revenue generated by non-album activities.

"I always felt like I was working for a record company," Korn frontman Jonathan Davis said in a statement. "Now I feel like we have a true partner. I'm looking forward to this new chapter in our career."

Korn has racked up US album sales of nearly 15 million copies since 1994, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The new album will be the follow-up to 2003's "Take a Look in the Mirror," and will also be the band's first since guitarist Brian "Head" Welch departed in February to follow God.

The group is in the midst of a European tour that concludes September 22 in Moscow. A North American outing is in the planning stages.

- REUTERS/Billboard