Slipknot are one band I have never previously bothered with, as they seemed like more of a gimmick than anything else. The idea of a bunch of evil looking Halloween masked dudes running around the stage didn't really excite me, nor their music. After seeing the clip for "Psychosocial" I thought maybe I need to hear this album. I still don't understand the need for nine band members, but I suppose that's part of what makes Slipknot different besides the scary masks.
I can't compare All Hope Is Gone to previous releases but from what I have read reactions are mixed, saying that this album is more accessible than than past releases. Can't please everyone, so is it the usual situation of change to attract new fans while upsetting the old ones?
Commencing with a short intro which has lots of distortion, some guy ranting and Joey Jordinson cutting loose with lots of fills, actually his playing is very prominent on most tracks showing his skills behind the kit. Next up is "Gematria(The Killing Name)", a heavy varied tempo track that is full of bursting guitar riffs and frantic kick pedals. "Psychosocial" is the standout with its pulsating metallic groove, its catchy and quite heavy riffs, combining the different vocal styles works in its favor, and a good choice to release as a single. "Dead Memories" is another good track with some of the better vocals of the album. Title track "All Hope Is Gone" is a flat out speedster, reducing the pace only for the chorus. Vocally there are lighter moments as well as the usual screams and heavier tones that you would expect. Overall more tracks like "Psychosocial" are needed to hook me on this; it's one of the few tracks I wanted to hear again. Frequent use of heavy riffs, fast double kick and screams isn't enough, and after a while the songs need more to retain your attention. So Slipknot is yet to win me over but I did enjoy some of it.
Tracklist
1. Execute
2. Gematria (The Killing Name)
3. Sulfur
4. Psychosocial
5. Dead Memories
6. Vendetta
7. Butcher's Hook
8. Gehenna
9. The Cold Black
10. Wherein Lies Continue
11. Snuff
12. All Hope is Gone
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