It's been a long six years but the wait is over as Slipknot are finally back with a new album. The anticipation has been overbearing for some and its imminent release is sure to have fans across the globe going mental. I have been fortunate enough to hear the album before its release, but does it live up to the hype surrounding it?Slipknot made many a bold choice preceding the making and release of '.5', for example carrying on without late bassist Paul Gray and how to cope with the exit of former drummer Joey Jordison. Slipknot had always had one goal in mind; pleasing the fans and I can assure you with '.5' they have exceeded all expectations.
The album's content isn't just a tribute to Paul Gray as many expected. It's an emotional journey of how the band powered through despite losing their "brother." The music itself is quite possibly the most brutal and heavy it's ever been. You can hear the angst in every song as the band are baring all emotion which makes the music that extra bit raw. It's very similar to their sound in the 'Iowa' days, but it doesn't feel artificial in the slightest. If you've only listened to the single 'The Devil In I' and think that's what the entire album sounds like, you are sorely mistaken. That song is a goldfish in a sharks' tank.
As well as the conventional brutality Slipknot are renowned for, they have decided to switch their sound up in certain songs, with the inclusion of bagpipes and a glockenspiel in the eerie opening track 'XIX'. The DJs of the band have been heavily involved in '.5' with many samples and scratchings, adding extra variety to the heavy riffs and screams.
The standout tracks on the album are 'Sarcastrophe' which builds up immensely during the song's five minutes. Never have I heard Slipknot, especially front man Corey sound more pissed off and ready to tear walls down than during 'Sarcastrophe.' Be very scared. Also, 'Killpop' is a monster of a song. Although sounding slightly electronic at the start, the climax is something similar to Metallica on speed.
The heavier and softer parts of the album gel together fantastically. There isn't a battle to see which is better, both compliment each other and it is the best the masked men have managed to create a clean balance between the two. Corey's voice sounds just as good, if not better than it did in the early 2000s. He has perfected his scream and his clean vocals are spine-tingling. The two new band members bring a slight edge to the music, yet they stay true to Slipknot's roots. It's as if Gray and Jordison are still in the band.
Every song tells a tale and it creates a confusing, yet wonderful story. There is not a bad song on the album and it is very easy to imagine how good the songs would sound live. It is by far Slipknot's best output in at least a decade and in time could potentially compete with the classic first two albums.
Make sure you buy '.5' when it's released on the 20th October (UK) and have your volume turned up. This is certain to be the metal album of the year, if not the decade so far. Enjoy the return of metal's wildest act.
As well as the conventional brutality Slipknot are renowned for, they have decided to switch their sound up in certain songs, with the inclusion of bagpipes and a glockenspiel in the eerie opening track 'XIX'. The DJs of the band have been heavily involved in '.5' with many samples and scratchings, adding extra variety to the heavy riffs and screams.
The standout tracks on the album are 'Sarcastrophe' which builds up immensely during the song's five minutes. Never have I heard Slipknot, especially front man Corey sound more pissed off and ready to tear walls down than during 'Sarcastrophe.' Be very scared. Also, 'Killpop' is a monster of a song. Although sounding slightly electronic at the start, the climax is something similar to Metallica on speed.
The heavier and softer parts of the album gel together fantastically. There isn't a battle to see which is better, both compliment each other and it is the best the masked men have managed to create a clean balance between the two. Corey's voice sounds just as good, if not better than it did in the early 2000s. He has perfected his scream and his clean vocals are spine-tingling. The two new band members bring a slight edge to the music, yet they stay true to Slipknot's roots. It's as if Gray and Jordison are still in the band.
Every song tells a tale and it creates a confusing, yet wonderful story. There is not a bad song on the album and it is very easy to imagine how good the songs would sound live. It is by far Slipknot's best output in at least a decade and in time could potentially compete with the classic first two albums.
Make sure you buy '.5' when it's released on the 20th October (UK) and have your volume turned up. This is certain to be the metal album of the year, if not the decade so far. Enjoy the return of metal's wildest act.
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