(PCM) Words can not even begin to express the joy that overcame us when news was first announced that a new album from Iowa rockers Slipknot was on the way and we were even more thrilled to get an early listen to “.5: The Gray Chapter” prior to its’ official release!
Back in May, Slipknot front-man Corey Taylor was roasted by his peers during the Roast on the Range w/ Corey Taylor which was the kick-off to the epic rock festival Rock On The Range. We had caught up with Taylor on the red carpet and were the first to bring you the news about just what “.5: The Gray Chapter” was going to sound like! Taylor told us that “People are going to lose their minds when they hear it” and we absolutely couldn’t agree more!
“.5: The Gray Chapter is the perfect blend of both the brutality of Slipknot’s early album “Iowa”, but at the same time beautifully sonic and melodic like “Vol. 3″.
It is no shock that the tragic passing of Slipknot bassist and songwriter Paul Gray is a centralized theme of sorts throughout the album and it is quite evident that the band has poured all of the pain, anger and sadness straight into the vein of many tracks found on the new album. It is full of both intensity and raw emotion and certainly some of Slipknot’s best work to date.
Tracks such as “Skeptic”, “The Negative One”, “Killpop” and “Custer” take the listener on a fascinating musical journey and one that truly speaks to the soul. Musically speaking the band has pushed their limits to places one never would have thought they could have achieve. The songs that truly hone in on the loss of Gray the most would be both “Skeptic” and “Nomadic”, however the gorgeous ballad “Goodbye” seems a fitting farewell as well.
Many fans did not believe that we would ever see another Slipknot album, but the band has truly outdone themselves with “.5: The Gray Chapter” and come out sounding (and appearing) as re-energized as ever! Being able to take their pain and angst over the loss of their fallen bandmate, the band was able to channel it into one of the most brilliant albums to be release this year.
We could go on and on about the many reasons we have fallen in love with “.5: The Gray Chapter”, but we feel that it is best experienced by listening for yourself. With this release, Slipknot further cement the fact that rock is far from dead, so get out there and support this absolutely stellar release.
Also, be sure to catch Slipknot live if you have the chance! The band will be performing unique sets each night of KNOTFEST this coming weekend in San Bernadino, CA that will feature brand new music, as well as, an entirely new stage set up and experience.
Also, performing at KNOTFEST is Danzig, Five Finger Death Punch, Volbeat, Of Mice & Men, Anthrax and dozens more!
Slipknot also hits the road for a co-headlining tour with KORN that will be making its’ way across the U.S!
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