Slipknot
Iowa

Release Date: 2001 | Tracklist

Creative and angry shows Slipknot doing what they do best. The music is angry; even the song titles show it. There is not too much change from their previous release making the band’s sound immediately noticeable. This makes for a positive approach to the album and allows the fans “maggots” to receive a release that is not changed too much from the last release, yet matured in a way that creates a maintained and interesting listen.

Incorporating some well known metal features including the classic ‘stomp riff’ (this can be found in the track ‘People = ***’) and double kick sections (found over the length of the album) creates a steady listen over the length of the album. Also making a positive return to this release includes the eerie sampling and disc-jockey effects. This creates a diverse listen and adds to the overall texture of the album. The sampling effects are displayed in a more mature manner than that of the self titled effort; this gives a more enjoyable listen without taking too much away from the music. There is much to be found here especially on the colossus title track ‘Iowa’ shows Slipknot at their angry best. This track shows fury, progression and most importantly there are levels of contrast that maintain the listeners’ attention unlike some other groups of the nu-metal genre. ‘Iowa’ shows some light, some dark layered in between differing levels of intensity. In many ways it’s still the basic Slipknot formula that has been presented before but interestingly has the inclusion of darker themes and more aggressive/violent/dark lyrical context combined with a slightly more mature writing style which in turn lifts the quality of the album.

Further developing the bands image deep in the metal scene (using masks and a rather creative stage presence) allows some room for excitement. However what is absent is the noticeable lack of guitar lead work, including that of guitar solos. Positively there are some levels of experimentation used on certain tracks including the ambient/atmospheric-like bass work of Paul Grey that darkens the overall mood of the album and creates a horror felt theme over the length of the album. Instrumentally speaking the music is of the same old recipe that was used in the making of the self titled release. Joey like before is still pummelling away at his extended drum kit, Craig provides the eerie backdrop for the tracks, Shaun and Chris are thickening the texture with the use of their added percussion, Paul Grey provides a steady bass line that at times is at the forefront of the listeners notice, Jim and Mick propel heavy riffs over the length of the album without any let up, Sid adds his level of creative diversity and interest with his use of the disc table and as always listeners will find Corey Taylor screaming his way through tracks but with the added clean vocal linings that are making a more noticeable appearance through the length of the album. The combined levels of texture reinforce the bands thick style making it an enjoyable listen.

Not moving too far away from their previous effort Slipknot has created an album that has developed nicely on an already angry and heavy musical style. Whether loved or hated by the musical community Slipknot have created a quality follow up when compared to their past releases. Slipknot has produced an album that is dark and aggressive but tends to drag on towards the end before hitting the title track. An album that shows interest but an album that is not without its flaws when listened in its entity.

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