Let's dispense with the foreplay. We all know who Slipknot are, we know what they've been through and we know how much expectation sits on their shoulders. Judgement day has arrived.
Slipknot have defied expectations. Instead of bowing to conformity or repeating former glories, '.5: The Gray Chapter' finds the band branching out further while still clinging to their unique, inimitable qualities.
Haunting opener XIX sees Craig Jones exude a latter-day Skinny Puppy dirge on the keyboard, his notes melding with Corey Taylor's pained cries for a twisted, overbearingly malevolent crescendo.
Sarcastrophe tears its way straight out of Satan's sphincter, beckoning with bludgeoning blastbeats, old-school turntables and well, dem riffs, man! Mick Thomson and Jim Root have sharpened up their distorted cacophony of late, producing scores of memorable melodies capable of backing up Taylor's call-to-arms: “Live long and die for me.” Slipknot are back, maggots.
Throughout '.5: The Gray Chapter', there are numerous nods to the past. The Negative One and Custer thrash like absolute bastards, harking back to the vitriol of old, Lech and Sarcastrophe both benefit from Sid Wilson's turntable wizardry and The Devil In I, AOV and Nomadic all boast undeniably catchy, crispy-clean chorus hooks.There's nothing to rival Duality or Wait And Bleed on here, but this album isn't about hits. It’s about Slipknot reminding us why we need them, and radio airplay has nothing to do with it.
Elsewhere, Lech's primal beat adds a quasi-industrial flavour to the album, juxtaposing with the warped ballad Goodbye. A gorgeous piece in two parts, it's a potent message to all who doubt the band's knack for diversity. The drums lend an uncomfortable, discordant tone to the song, leaving the listener confused and helpless but tapping a foot.
While superior to 'All Hope Is Gone' in most senses, the record is not without its flaws. Killpop's haunting refrain is crushed by the weight of the songs around it, while Custer’s lyrics might prove a tad childish for some: “Cut, cut cut me up and fuck, fuck, fuck me up!” Still, these are minor stains upon a largely pristine painting.
'.5: The Gray Chapter' is not the best Slipknot album. Not by a long shot. What it is, though, is a statement. A statement that this band does not need Joey Jordison to write their songs, a statement that the death of bassist Paul Gray was not the end. Slipknot have honoured their fallen comrade and are still, undeniably, the most important metal band of the 21st century.
Slipknot Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Wed January 14 2015 - DUBLIN 3Arena
Fri January 16 2015 - SHEFFIELD Sheffield Motorpoint Arena
Sun January 18 2015 - GLASGOW SSE Hydro
Mon January 19 2015 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Metro Radio Arena
Tue January 20 2015 - MANCHESTER Phones 4u Arena
Thu January 22 2015 - LIVERPOOL Liverpool Echo Arena
Fri January 23 2015 - LONDON SSE Arena Wembley
Sat January 24 2015 - CARDIFF Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
Mon January 26 2015 - NOTTINGHAM Capital FM Arena Nottingham
Tue January 27 2015 - BIRMINGHAM National Indoor Arena
Click here to compare & buy Slipknot Tickets at Stereoboard.com.
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
