Artist: Slipknot
Label: Roadrunner Records
Release Date: 8/28/01
Average Rating: 3.43
Go to Judgment Committee Reviews of this Album
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Title: Iowa Artist: Slipknot Label: Roadrunner Records Release Date: 8/28/01 |
There are currently 14 Reader Reviews of this album.
Average Rating: 3.43 Go to Judgment Committee Reviews of this Album |
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Submitted by Trey Sanders (1/1/03):
It's not that I'm one of those brutaler-than-thou people that hate this band because of their 14 year old girl fanbase because I am 15 and I have friends that are crazy about these guys but I really dont see what the big fucking deal is about this band. They really are not that great. I would much rather listen to Napalm Death, D.R.I., Carcass or Pig Destroyer than these guys.
Submitted by bassbashr99 (8/9/02):
I have mixed feelings about this group and this album. They had something awesome when they released thier self-titled, but I think they might have ruined it by adding too much metal to their sound. I can sure enough hear the death and black metal influences, but I am not sure I want that included in the sound of Slipknot.The songs on this album are good but not awe-inspiring like they used to be. AND WHERE THE HELL IS SHAWN AND CHRIS!? They almost disappeared on this album!
Submitted by Nate (5/14/02):
They tell us they are not nu-metal, but a new style of death/black metal based thrash. I really don't hear any elements of black, death, thrash or speed. But what it is to me is all out insanity. This album was an improvement of the last one, but I was actually hoping for some heavier, more technical sounding shit.
Submitted by [name lost, remind me who you are! -webmaster] (5/8/02):
I think that Slipknot is one of the greatest bands out there.The Iowa 9 are very enthusiastic about their music and only care about music, nothing else. Like Linkin Park for example - they used to be a good garage band but then they because famous and now are fucking sellouts. Bands like that can suck my cock. Slipknot's masks are amazing too. These masks show everyone's personalities. Like Corey has a crashdummy mask with dreds. This truly is Corey if you really know who he is. Im not saying I actually know him, I've just read bios before. He was always the poor kid around living in a trailer, always getting made fun of. This is what brings out the aggression in them. You really have to know what the songs mean, then you will understand.
SLIPKNOT KICKS ASS. I will give them five skulls.
Submitted by Saso (1/10/02):
I think Joey is a very good drummer... (had to start with that).Anyway, it seems to me all that they're trying to accomplish is get ppl to show up at their shows and buy the usual Slayer stuff. I give em two skulls, just because of that and because Joey is gonna inspire some kids...
The songs are just boring, meaningless.
Submitted by Jeb (12/21/01):
This album is total shit, front to back... I have heard the argument about listening to it for the sheer aggression, but don't bullshit me, there are plenty of aggressive bands out there that are infinitely more talented than this nine man gay orgy (for lack of a better term). I gave it a shot, so as not to be a hypocrite, and I wish I had those 45 or so minutes of my life back so that I could waste them on more fruitful opportunities like masturbating. I just hate this shit.
Submitted by Burn My Eyes (11/19/01):
Okay. First, I have to say that the design of the album is very cool; however, the design of the CD itself sucks. It does not even have colors. That was a turn off since the beginning.About the music... well... I love heavy stuff and I love this nu-metal stuff (not all though) and Slipknot knows how to leave your ears in pain. It's powerful, heavy, groovy, and very talented. Nevertheless, the album lacks in songwriting quality and in diversity. I mean, when the guys play a little slower with clean guitars, it rules, but they do not explore those parts a lot. I personally did not hear any other percussion than the main drumming. I guess there are at least four guys in the band making money doing nothing. I have to admit that I do not really like the image they have or what they try to represent. They are a cool band, but they seem to think that everyone has an opinion on them. If they are true, "fuck everything" guys they should take those masks off. They say they don't care about the image... bullshit!! Everybody knows Slipknot is more image than music. It just sucks that they try to be so bad and disturbed. It is the typical case....
Anyway, Corey is an awesome singer. Too repetitive sometimes, Iowa has its good moments, but the overall concept of the album is a bit ridiculous... in fact, the album does not have a concept at all, and that shows the true nature of Slipknot: nine guys just too concerned about what people may say of them.
!!!Take those masks off, we already got the message.!!! 2 skulls because of the band, not the music.
Submitted by planet metal (11/4/01):
This album shows how Slipknot are evolving. The anticipation of this new album was massive. Their first album was brilliant but this one blew all the others to space. They start of with a big hit and my personal favourite, "People=Shit," a heavy enthusiastic start like on their first album with (sic).Slipknot are currently on tour with bands including System of a Down. I think these nine hell raisers have done their all to make this album stand out, trying new things out and making it work out. It's weird how they are such nice guys but their music is frowned upon. They do it all for their maggots and it is purely about the maggots and the general energy is huge.
I think Mick has come a long way and he has a good future with the Knot. Joey I think has to be one of the best drummers around, the different styles he can play is a boost for the band. All in all it is a must buy for any metal fan.
Submitted by slayernutz (10/15/01):
Like most real metal heads running about these days, I have kept a safe distant from Slipknot for some time now. Ever since they exploded onto the mainstream music scene a few years ago, their incredible and seemingly instant popularity coupled with their constant classification as "nu-metal" left a bad taste in my mouth before I even heard a track from their self titled debut. However, after reading some interviews given by the band my attitude towards them began to become less hostile. They didn't like "nu-metal". They were huge fans of Morbid Angel and Deicide. And they themselves were wary of their quick rise to fame. With this in mind, not to mention the fact that they promised blast beats on their follow up, I spent my hard earned cash on Iowa, Slipknot's newest offering.This band has both prospered as well as suffered at the hands of hype. The band has made money thanks to the media, no doubt. But on the other hand, is it possible for this band to get an unbiased, honest review from the underground metal scene, given their classification as "nu" and proposterous popularity? I doubt it. Which is shitty, because these guys deserve better than that.
Slipknot is metal, make no mistake about it. Iowa is a record of intensity and feeling that most "nu-metal" bands can't comprehend. Slipknot's sound is not easily categorized or pigeon-holed it's true, but it's not fluffy, teeny-bob music hidden behind an image of angst (ie-- nu metal) either. It's angry, heavy, and fast. It IS different, no doubt. But it's fucking great nonetheless. My advice to you, my freind, is to ignore the hype. Go into this album with an open mind. I dont think this album is genius. I DO think it is original and gives the world of metal a different take on brutality.
Submitted by xTHISisXaWEAPONx (10/9/01):
AHH!! This album is horrible! After hearing all the hype about Morbid Angel-meets-Slayer style, intense blast beats, and how death metal-inspired this album was, when I finally heard it, I almost vomited. I was expecting Iowa to be full of "Get This"s and "Eyeore"s. Instead I get an extension of Drowning Pool. Where has all the speed and intensity gone? This album pretty much symbolizes the death of nu-metal, as the Knot was the last band I had faith in to deliver a good album. There are more guitar effects on this album than Korn's entire catalogue, not to mention the incredibly bad vocal effects, or for that matter the whiney toned-down vocals in general, or the 7 minute ruined version of "Gently" from MFKR only to be topped by the 14 minute boring as hell title track, or the novice, in horrible taste, pick harmonics of the chorus of "New Abortion," or the terrible production (where are the guitars Ross?), or the fact that there are songs about breakups! Yeah, that's right, they go from burying girls alive on "Purity" to "I can taste you on my lips" on this album, how brutal is that? Not very! "People = Shit," despite some of its nu-metal influences, remains a great song, no doubt because it was one of the first songs written for the album. "Disaster Piece" has its moments but becomes nauseating by the time the Linkin Park-style bridge kicks in. "Heretic Song" is the last of the even listenable songs on this album, even with the awful, cheesy, immature, and repetitive lyrics (Who the hell ever claimed to be 555?). My final conclusion was that Joey Jordison needs to find another band, as his drums (which I'd give a 4) are the only reason I can even score this album where I did. I strongly encourage everyone to boycott this album, and if you already were snookered into buying it like me, trade it in! This was the last chance for nu-metal to prove it was about anything more than money. Separate yourself from the baa-ing of the flock or just give in and go buy another Disturbed album.
Submitted by Sickness718 (9/23/01):
I have liked Slipknot since the first time I heard them, I know they dont have much substance and all that shit, but what I like about them is the aggresiveness. I've been waiting a long time for this record and i have to say I wasn't disappointed, they may not be the most technical band but they're the best at what they do, aggressive tunes that make you want to hit the nearest object and/or person. They're great for stress releasing, but I also have to say that a couple of the songs sound like filler to me. The best songs are "Everything Ends," "My Plague" and "People = Shit."
Submitted by Metal Militia (9/7/01):
First of all let me say something to all you people out there who can't stand so called "nu-metal." Whether you like it or not nu-metal is a viable form of metal and not only that is necessary for the life of ALL metal. It is a very rare occasion that someone's first music obsession is something as insane as pure heavy metal or death metal. Usually they get hooked on something they can relate to and when they get bored with it they go to something louder and heavier. For me this was Nirvana, I still have my Nirvana CDs from when I was 10. Do I still listen to them? Rarely. After Nirvana I went into harder "alternative" and "punk" bands. After a few years dabbling in rap I stumbled upon classic Metallica. From there on I just proceeded to listen to heavier and heavier music. If it wasn't for nu-metal the younger kids wouldn't have anything to latch onto and proceed down the dark road that is METAL. So realize what nu-metal is and don't expect more from it.Anyway onto the album. I must say I've been a Slipknot fan from the first time I heard their debut. While they may not have the heaviest sound they are obviously heavier than your average nu-metaller. Every song on this album is catchy and makes me ANGRY, something which many True metal bands have failed to do for me recently. There is nothing I love more than having a song evoke real anger in me.
Overall I must say that this album is worth it to anyone with an open mind who realizes Slipknot's niche in the metal ecosystem. They do what they do exceedingly well, and I love it.
Submitted by Bryan O'neill (8/27/01):
I think Slipknot is the best band ever. Corey Taylor is my fave. His mask is fuckin cool. I read that it represents a scarecrow.See ya later. Keep it (sic) or wait and bleed!!!!!!! SLIPKNOT FUCKIN RULEZ!!!!!!!!!
Reviewed by Musashi (9/6/01):
After the initial period of getting used to Slipknot, I became a big fan. Even moreso after seeing them a couple of times. Why? First of all, the band is heavy. They have great drums and great guitar riffs. Second, they write good songs. It's not all about being heavy for the sake of being heavy. They write catchy tunes. Finally, they look cool. Needless to say, I have been waiting for the release of Iowa for a while and making enemies of my friends at Roadrunner. It is with much delite that I play this CD over and over again a week before the street date. If I were looking for some songs to cover in my band to show people what a bad ass I was, I would definitely steal some riffs off this album. The drums and guitars are tuff.The one song that I heard that I loved was "People = Shit." Truly an anthem! It's my mantra. I've been saying that for years and would have written a song about it, but it would have sucked. Thankfully, Slipknot did it right. The song rocks. It is, by far, the best song on the album. Buy the album for this one song and you will not be disappointed. Without a doubt my favorite song of the year.
Unfortunately, I cannot honestly say that I like this album more than the first album. Iowa just does not have as many cool songs on it. That's not to say that Iowa is without great musical moments. "Disasterpiece" starts off "I want to slit your throat and fuck the wound." I can relate to that. He goes on to say in "My Plague" that "I'll reach in and take a bite out of that shit you call a heart." Inspired! After "People = Shit," I have to say that my favorite songs are "Disasterpiece" and "The Heretic Anthem."
This album has some low points such as the radio friendly tracks "Everything Ends" and "Left Behind." I find it interesting that they even put a couple of slow (at least they start off slow) songs on the album: "Gently" and "Iowa." Funny thing is that I like "Iowa" which is a14 minute slow jam. Besides, I would rather have the long slow jams than a cover of a cheesy 80's tune. I guess after you sell a million records for Roadrunner, they stop making you record cover tunes. Thank Satan!
Is this album going to disappoint Slipknot fans? Probably not. There is enough anger and heavy shit on here to insure that your parents keep sending you to the shrink. Is this the hardest and heaviest metal album of the year? No. Is it worth getting? Hell-fucking-yes! I don't know if this album will convert any more people than the last album. It's a very hard album and a good sophmore effort.
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