Slipknot - Iowa (2001)

Quoted from sputnikmusic.com - Creative and angry shows Slipknot doing what they do best. The music is angry; even the song titles show it. There is not too much change from their previous release making the band’s sound immediately noticeable. This makes for a positive approach to the album and allows the fans “maggots” to receive a release that is not changed too much from the last release, yet matured in a way that creates a maintained and interesting listen.

Incorporating some well known metal features including the classic ‘stomp riff’ (this can be found in the track ‘People = ***’) and double kick sections (found over the length of the album) creates a steady listen over the length of the album. Also making a positive return to this release includes the eerie sampling and disc-jockey effects. This creates a diverse listen and adds to the overall texture of the album. The sampling effects are displayed in a more mature manner than that of the self titled effort; this gives a more enjoyable listen without taking too much away from the music. There is much to be found here especially on the colossus title track ‘Iowa’ shows Slipknot at their angry best. This track shows fury, progression and most importantly there are levels of contrast that maintain the listeners’ attention unlike some other groups of the nu-metal genre. ‘Iowa’ shows some light, some dark layered in between differing levels of intensity. In many ways it’s still the basic Slipknot formula that has been presented before but interestingly has the inclusion of darker themes and more aggressive/violent/dark lyrical context combined with a slightly more mature writing style which in turn lifts the quality of the album. 

Not moving too far away from their previous effort Slipknot has created an album that has developed nicely on an already angry and heavy musical style. Whether loved or hated by the musical community Slipknot have created a quality follow up when compared to their past releases. Slipknot has produced an album that is dark and aggressive but tends to drag on towards the end before hitting the title track. An album that shows interest but an album that is not without its flaws when listened in its entity.

Tracks

1. (515)
2. People = Shit
3. Disasterpiece
4. My Plague
5. Everything Ends
6. The Heretic Anthem
7. Gently
8. Left Behind
9. The Shape
10. I am Hated
11. Skin Ticket
12. New Abortion
13. Metabolic
14. Iowa

If you like it, please buy it on their official website/merchandise.
Slipknot - Iowa (2001)

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