Spring Break
Still some 'Hope' in Slipknot
Stephen Ortiz
Issue date: 8/28/08 Section: Focus
It's been a while since Corey Taylor and rest of Slipknot got to let out their aggression. Their last LP, "Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses," came out over four years ago, and since then the members of the band have been too busy with side projects for new material.
But for the sake of all the "maggots" out there, the Slipknot has returned with their fourth studio release, and a solid one at that, "All Hope Is Gone."
"All Hope Is Gone" is certainly a step forward for the Des Moines, Iowa-based band-not a large one, but still a step in the right direction. They found critical success on "Vol. 3" thanks to cleaner vocals and more radio-friendly tracks, and the trend continues on this newest album. Whether this is a good thing or not is really up to the listener, but it certainly seems to make them a more enjoyable listen. It's still brutal and definitely metal, but sonically, it's easier on the ears.
Right from the start, you're hit with five awesome tracks in a row. The album opener, "Gematria (The Killing Name)," is a fast-paced, hard-hitting, more traditional Slipknot song about how America has become synonymous with war and death. The lead single, "Psychosocial," switches between Taylor's brutal roars and soothing harmonies, and sports one of the album's best guitar solos.
On "Vendetta," the band does their best Metallica impersonation, but with that certain Slipknot charm. As Taylor screams, "Are you ready for the time of your life," the background fills with shouts of "hey!" and makes for a pretty awesome, fist-pumping track.
"All Hope Is Gone" slows down late in the album with "Snuff," a beautiful (yes, a beautiful Slipknot song) and somber ballad about lost love, insecurity and ultimately a tough separation. Taylor sings, "I only wish you weren't my friend / Then I could hurt you in the end / I never claimed to be a Saint," over a dark blend of piano, acoustic and effects.
As a whole, Slipknot's "All Hope Is Gone" has something for everyone - it's dark yet welcoming, it's hard yet not too much to handle. The hope is still alive.
Stephen.Ortiz@UConn.edu
But for the sake of all the "maggots" out there, the Slipknot has returned with their fourth studio release, and a solid one at that, "All Hope Is Gone."
"All Hope Is Gone" is certainly a step forward for the Des Moines, Iowa-based band-not a large one, but still a step in the right direction. They found critical success on "Vol. 3" thanks to cleaner vocals and more radio-friendly tracks, and the trend continues on this newest album. Whether this is a good thing or not is really up to the listener, but it certainly seems to make them a more enjoyable listen. It's still brutal and definitely metal, but sonically, it's easier on the ears.
Right from the start, you're hit with five awesome tracks in a row. The album opener, "Gematria (The Killing Name)," is a fast-paced, hard-hitting, more traditional Slipknot song about how America has become synonymous with war and death. The lead single, "Psychosocial," switches between Taylor's brutal roars and soothing harmonies, and sports one of the album's best guitar solos.
On "Vendetta," the band does their best Metallica impersonation, but with that certain Slipknot charm. As Taylor screams, "Are you ready for the time of your life," the background fills with shouts of "hey!" and makes for a pretty awesome, fist-pumping track.
"All Hope Is Gone" slows down late in the album with "Snuff," a beautiful (yes, a beautiful Slipknot song) and somber ballad about lost love, insecurity and ultimately a tough separation. Taylor sings, "I only wish you weren't my friend / Then I could hurt you in the end / I never claimed to be a Saint," over a dark blend of piano, acoustic and effects.
As a whole, Slipknot's "All Hope Is Gone" has something for everyone - it's dark yet welcoming, it's hard yet not too much to handle. The hope is still alive.
Stephen.Ortiz@UConn.edu
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