Slipknot -- .5: The Gray Chapter

8/10

In 2010, Slipknot's bassist, Paul Gray, passed away. In 2013, their drummer became ill, and had to leave the band. In 2014, six years after their previous album, Slipknot released .5: The Gray Chapter. From a musical standpoint, it's the band's best work in a decade (which may be a bit of a dishonest statement, as they only put out one other album in that time). The drums and percussion are relentlessly pounded and recorded magnificently, the dueling guitars shred and squeal, the bass is filled in ably, and Corey Taylor gives his most impressive vocal performance, with equal parts screaming and singing, the latter showcasing some of his best melodies. The songs allow all of the things mentioned in the previous sentence to shine. Lyrically, this one is tough, with the band dealing with Gray's unexpected departure--apparently he was the relational glue of the band. While at times Taylor's love for his departed friend and bandmate is conveyed with sloppy earnestness ("Skeptic"), it's always earnest, and generally harrowing. Stylistically, the band have settled somewhere between the brutal relentlessness of Iowa, and the more experimental, space-filled Vol. 3 (The Subliminal Verses). While the lyrical matter mostly focuses on the fallout of Gray's death, it also explores the band's relationship with their fans, as well as with the music industry itself, particularly in the stunning "Killpop," with its huge chorus, and violent outro.

The Gray Chapter is consistent from start to finish, with just a few minor hiccups, plus IT'S GOT MAX WEINBERG'S SON ON DRUMS. Slipknot are currently putting the final touches on The Gray Chapter's follow-up. Here's hoping that this band, 20+ years into their career, have got another one in them like this.

2014 Roadrunner Records
1. XIX 3:10
2. Sarcastrophe 5:06
3. AOV 5:32
4. The Devil in I 5:42
5. Killpop 3:45
6. Skeptic 4:46
7. Lech 4:50
8. Goodbye 4:35
9. Nomadic 4:18
10. The One That Kills the Least 4:11
11. Custer 4:14
12. Be Prepared for Hell 1:57
13. The Negative One 5:25
14. If Rain Is What You Want 6:20