Slipknot are a 9 piece heavy metal band from des moines,iowa.They have created some of the heaviest albums ever created and their first album is called "the heaviest album to ever go into the top 3 on the billboard charts in the US". Quite an achievement in a way for a heavy metal band. There previous 2 albums have been stupidly heavy in places backed by the insanely fast drumming and over the top growls as vocals. I am a big fan of the previous 2 albums and after hearing that this album is very experimental and different from the previous 2 albums I didn't know what to think.
The band went on a hiatus after the 2nd album so that they could pursue various side projects including Stone Sour and Murderdolls. After returning to create the new album there was lots of tension and it took a while for the ball to start rolling on the writing process. This led to plenty of rumours that the band would split up or that the album would not be started let alone finished.
This album created Radio 1 history TWICE! Pulse of the Maggots was debuted on the Rock Show and it was played twice within the same show which was a first ever in the history of the BBC radio channels. A few weeks later Duality was debuted on the show and was played twice again in the same show! The excitement surrounding this album was amazing. It had been a long wait for it and many different thoughts as to whether or not the album would even make it.

The album:
Prelude 3.0
The blister exists
Three Nil
Duality
Opium Of The People
Circle
Welcome
Vermillion
Pulse Of The Maggots
Before I Forget
Vermillion Part 2
The Nameless
The Virus Of Life
Danger - Keep Away

Prelude 3.0 is nothing more than an intro and it feels really haunting with the same words being repeated over and over with the layered samples, simple guitar work and drumming. Its all effective in setting up for the first song.
After it kicks in you get the Slipknot you'd expect with a heavy, brutal theme. The drumming seems almost tribal as it marches along with the song. The same style is kept for Three Nil. Its a different kind of brutal from the previous albums though. Its not heavy for the sake of being heavy. Its all created masterfully and blends together in a whirlwind of sound that leaves you wanting more. However the more I listened to the album the more I began to dislike Three Nil's lyrics. After I missed out the song a few times I began to like it again. It varies frequently on my opinion on the song.
Duality. What to say about this? It created Radio 1 History. This is a song that has the ability to make you sing along and remember the opening sounds. It creates an amazing buzz when you first hear it and is a song that you can listen to on repeat many a time. Opium Of The People is where it goes back to being heavy and fast. Along the lines of blister and three nil. Its a listenable to song in small doses to me personally. Some times it appeals and some times it dosent. Kind of like Three nil.
So far nothing that sounds to experimental apart from maybe a lighter style or clean cut vocals? Well that all changes with Circle!! The bravest song ever made by a heavy metal band i personally believe. It opens with a phone ringing and then in kicks ACOUSTIC guitars! This is a brilliant song and with the soft spoken type vocals, you can get the feeling that this has been influenced by Corey and his side band Stone Sour who were a softer rock band. After this kicks in Welcome which is an average song. It has its moments that make you remember it but it doesn't do enough to keep you wanting more from the song. The guitar work in this song is amazing though.
Time for a metal love song. Yes i did just write love song. Vermillion is awesome! The drumming in this song add so much to the song. Along with the vocals its just one of those songs that grab your attention and make you stand up and listen to it. So from love songs to history making songs. Opening with an air raid siren you know this song is going to be something. This is a song for the fans. No easier way to put it. Guitar work in this is simply superb. Add that in with solid drumming and you have the good ground work for another stand out song! The vocals show that Corey doesn't have to scream and go over the top. It adds to the song.
Now its time for one of my favourite ever Slipknot songs. Before i Forget is a heavy rock/light metal song. Its a fast song but isn't generically heavy. It finds the right balance for what the song is.
Proof that you don't have to be over the top heavy for the sake of creating a heavy metal song.
Vermillion part 2 is just awesome. I love hearing the acoustic guitars and samples just make this jaw droppingly different and its either a song you love or hate. This is where the album finishes for me. Such a high peak here.
The nameless is just awful. I have never liked this song and still don't. It just doesn't appeal to me in away, shape or form.
The virus of life was tipped by "music critics" as "the best 'knot song ever". On what planet? Its truly a disaster. There is experimental and then there is that. Avoid at all costs!! Don't listen to it lol.
Danger-Keep away is just simply an outro. Good live but on cd its pretty much nothing.