Amazon.co.uk Review
The album cover of this self-titled release depicts the nine members of Slipknot in creepy masks, the dark image confirmed by the presence of a parental advisory sticker. Inside, foul language and subversive lyrics complete the picture. Yet Slipknot are no Insane Clown Posse, using hyperbole to mask a lack of talent. Slipknot's sound, while indebted to the likes of
Korn, is more aggressive and creative; indeed, it's a closer kin to
Slayer and death metal, yet listenable and surprisingly melodic. The common denominator among Slipknot and the late 1990s crop of neo-metal-rap bands is producer Ross Robinson (Korn,
Limp Bizkit), who discovered the Iowa-bred Slipknot and signed them to his label, I Am Records. His stellar production, melded with wonderfully creepy percussive elements, a sampler, a DJ, metallic-grind guitars, and singer Corey Taylor's immense passion and wide melodic range, makes Slipknot immensely listenable. Slipknot isn't for everyone, but they provide a visceral and satisfying ride for fans of the hard stuff.
--Katherine Turman
CD Description
These self-proclaimed "freaks" from Des Moines draw upon elements of thrash, hip-hop, and shock-rock with brutal results. The music world may not have seen such a marriage of aggression and technical precision since the rise of thrash pioneers Slayer. At times Slipknot steps into the musical guisesof heavy purveyors such as Korn, Powerman 5000, and Sepultura. However, even with the derivative nature of metal, this eight-member ensemble manages to be something original.
SLIPKNOT is a mix of dark interludes that segue into carefully crafted songs. The tracks use metaphors to describe themesof isolation, insecurity, confusion, and self-loathing. In "Surfacing" and "No Life", rap verses give way to melodic choruses. The rhythmic pounding of "Prosthetics" is as complexas it is relentless; a credit to drummer Joey Jordison, whose virtuosity is the driving force of Slipknot. "Only One" is a contrast of hip-hop funk and mosh-pit abandon. The band's style is best defined in "Scissors", where whispered lyrics give way to screams of "biding my time until the time is right / it's time". Slipknot has bid its time wisely and is poised to take its place among its heavy-handed musical peers.