Release Date: 20th October 2014
After six years, Slipknot are finally back with their new album. Throughout their career Slipknot have changed their musical style quite a few times, with many saying that their music is becoming more like rock music, especially when compared with the heaviness of their first album in 1999. So is this more like a Stone Sour album, or are the mighty Iowa group back with a vengeance?
Opening track ‘XIX’ instantly draws focus to the dark and ominous tone of the album, which is emphasised further by lead singer Corey’s harrowing vocals. After years of mourning Paul Gray’s death, line up changes and scandals, it’s clear that ‘The Gray Chapter’ is a source of catharsis for both the members and fans.
‘Sarcastrophe’ is a sophisticated blur of brooding guitar riffs, heavy drum tracks and angry lyrics. One of the main things that is clear on this album is that DJ Sid Wilson has both progressed and had much more of an impact on the songs, using various samples and techniques to set Slipknot apart from other metal bands.
One of the most confusing songs is ‘AOV’, which features almost rap-like vocals, melodic singing and shouting. Surprisingly enough it works, which proves that whether you love them or hate them, Slipknot aren’t afraid to merge different styles and genres.
Despite being played multiple times in the promotion of the album, ‘The Devil In I’ remains one of the best songs on the album, full of anger and ever-changing riffs. If you want a snapshot of what the album will be like, then this is the track you need to listen to.
Frantic, unique and crazy: that describes both Slipknot as a band and the song ‘Skeptic’. It’s refreshing to hear songs which sound fresh and different, rather than the same old metal songs which are rehearsed over and over again by bands worldwide. Although Slipknot get criticised for some songs not being ‘heavy’ enough, at least every track has a different vibe and they aren’t repetitive at all.
If there’s one song that you should be excited to hear live from this new album, then it should be ‘Custer’. It’s exciting, it’s fast-paced and it makes you want to move. A lot. Corey’s vocals are at his best: his angry screaming and pissed-off lyrics bring Slipknot back to their finest hour.
If you want to hear that every song on ‘The Gray Chapter’ is heavy and similar to ‘Iowa’, then this album isn’t for you. Likewise, if you’re expecting a Stone Sour album, then you won’t like this. However, if you can listen to this album with an open mind and enjoy both heavy metal and rock, then this is definitely for you. Slipknot have progressed so much throughout their career, and the success of this album just goes to show that they can overcome anything.
Rating: 9/10
https://www.facebook.com/slipknot
https://twitter.com/slipknot
No comments:
Post a Comment