Slipknot (10th Anniversary Edition)by Slipknot

Despite their virtually non-existent mainstream appeal, Slipknot remains one of the most popular bands to come out of the whole nu metal movement of the '90s and early 2000s. One of the most readily apparent differences between the band and their peers is that there are nine members in the band: a lead vocalist, a bassist, two guitarists, a drummer, two custom percussionists, a turntablist, and a sampler. Three or more of these seem unnecessary, at least on record, as the percussion sounds like the work of a single drummer more often than not (albeit a really good one), and you would figure that the positions of turntablist and sampler would be under one job description, as well. Another big difference between Slipknot and other nu metal bands is that unlike most other bands whose main focus is the music, Slipknot is more theatrical. How does this affect their music? It doesn't, actually, even though the same music could probably come from a smaller band. That said, the most important difference between Slipknot and other bands of the subgenre is that they are by far the most metallic nu metal band. Yes, almost all of the nu metal staples are here, but they also incorporate some death metal elements, too, as heard in some of the riffing styles and uncommonly guttural vocals. Unfortunately, a lot of the melodic elements retained by similar bands are lost in the midst of the brutality.

A brief, eerie intro gives way into "(sic)", arguably Slipknot's signature song. It's rather fast for a nu metal band and is often used as a concert opener. "Eyeless" shows how guitarists Jim Root and Mick Thomson follow Korn's basic blueprint of one guitarist playing the rhythm and the other creating somewhat dissonant sounds while still creating undeniably heavy riffs. "Wait and Bleed" is definitely the most melodic song on the album and is quite possibly the band's most well-known song. "Surfacing" contains a highly simplistic main riff and a brutal chorus and breakdown, and it often closes the band's concerts. "Spit It Out" is more rap-based than most of the other songs, but it too succeeds. These first five songs are easily the best on the album, but the other tracks remain interesting. Songs like "Tattered & Torn", "Prosthetics", and "Scissors" sound like they could be in a horror movie. The latter song is to Slipknot is what "Daddy" is to Korn: a drawn-out, emotional scream-fest featuring some of the most frenetic vocals that Corey Taylor has to offer. It's surprising how similar the two songs sound vocally, actually, although in this case, you can't tell whether he's about to cry or puke at the end of the song. The only real problem with this album is the lyrics. Honestly, if Taylor could stop swearing, it would be slightly easier to take a costumed nine-member band more seriously. I guess that he's just trying to appeal to frustrated teenagers, but still, moderation goes a long way in regards to the impact of cursing in music. Otherwise, some of the lyrics are a bit cliche, but overall, the lyrical aspects don't damn an otherwise stellar debut album.

This edition of 'Slipknot' is definitely the best one to get. It reinstates the excellent "Purity" in its proper place, as it had previously been replaced by "Me Inside" due to the band being sued over the song's lyrical content, but its supremely creepy intro, "Frail Limb Nursery" has been cut, most likely due to time constraints. The hidden track "Eeyore" has been separated from "Scissors". The previously mentioned "Me Inside" and the hilarious "Get This" were recorded during the same sessions and are included, as well. The remaining remixes and demos will probably only appeal to collectors. Overall, 'Slipknot' is recommended to nu metal fans and metalheads who don't find nu metal heavy enough.