Slipknot is a heavy metal band that has produced numerous albums since their formation in 1995. The group has released a mix of studio, live, and compilation albums throughout their career alongside evolving their sound and themes.
Known for their aggressive style and theatrical performances, Slipknot has produced an impressive repertoire of music since they burst onto the scene with their debut album in 1999. Let’s delve into the chronology of their albums, sorted by types, and see how the band has evolved over time.
Slipknot’s Studio Albums In Order
Slipknot (Original)
The eponymous debut album, Slipknot, was released in 1999 under Roadrunner Records. This album showcased the band’s raw energy and potential, and would become the foundation upon which Slipknot built their worldwide success. Their aggressive sound, coupled with their iconic masked imagery, quickly attracted a dedicated fan base.
Iowa
Following the success of their debut, Slipknot returned to the studio and released Iowa on August 28, 2001. This album, named after their home state, featured a darker and heavier sound, further solidifying the band’s signature style. Its angst-driven lyrics and complex instrumentation elevated Slipknot’s standing in the metal community.
Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)
The third album, Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses), released on May 24, 2004, marked a slight departure from the band’s earlier work. While maintaining their heavy metal roots, the album showcased a more experimental side of Slipknot, incorporating elements of alternative rock and even acoustic pieces.
All Hope Is Gone
Fast forward to 2008, Slipknot released their fourth studio album, All Hope Is Gone. The album became their first to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, showing the band’s escalating popularity.
It mixed the raw intensity of their early work with the more melodic approach of “The Subliminal Verses.”
.5: The Gray Chapter
Marked by personal loss and band turmoil, Slipknot’s fifth studio album, .5: The Gray Chapter, was released in October 2014. The album served as a tribute to their late bassist, Paul Gray, reflecting a more somber and introspective side of the band.
We Are Not Your Kind
Their sixth studio album, We Are Not Your Kind, was released on August 9, 2019. The album showed a maturing band, exploring new territories while retaining their metal roots, resulting in a critically acclaimed addition to their discography.
The End, So Far
Most recently, on September 30, 2022, Slipknot unveiled their seventh studio album, The End, So Far. As the name suggests, it indicates a band reflecting on their journey, with one foot stepping towards an unknown future.
Live Albums
9.0: Live
9.0: Live, released on October 30, 2005, captures the frenetic energy of a Slipknot live performance. As their first live album, it gives listeners a glimpse of the band’s powerful onstage presence.
Day of the Gusano: Live In Mexico
In 2017, Slipknot released Day of the Gusano: Live In Mexico, a live album documenting their first-ever performance in Mexico City. Released on October 20, it offers a unique and engaging listening experience for fans.
Compilation Albums
Antennas to Hell
In 2012, Slipknot released Antennas to Hell, their first compilation album. It features a collection of the band’s most popular tracks from their first four albums, along with some bonus live performances.
Video Albums
Welcome to Our Neighborhood
Slipknot released their first video album, Welcome to Our Neighborhood, in November 1999. Originally released on VHS, it features music videos, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage.
Disasterpieces
In 2002, the band released their second video album, Disasterpieces. Recorded live in London, it gives a front-row view of the band’s energetic performances.
Voliminal: Inside the Nine
In 2006, Voliminal: Inside the Nine, the band’s third video album, offered fans an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the band, featuring interviews and live performances.
{Sic}nesses
In 2010, Slipknot released {Sic}nesses, another live video album. Recorded at Download Festival in 2009, it showcases the band’s stunning live showmanship.
Day of the Gusano: Live In Mexico
In line with the live audio album, Day of the Gusano: Live In Mexico was also released as a video album in 2017, providing fans a visual treat of Slipknot’s memorable performance in Mexico City.
Final Thoughts
Each Slipknot album marks a chapter in the band’s continuing evolution, from their explosive debut to their latest introspective reflections. Their music encapsulates their journey, carrying their distinctive voice into the annals of metal music history.
This impressive collection of albums serves not only as a testament to Slipknot’s prolific output but also their ability to push boundaries and defy expectations.
Slipknot Featured Image by: Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
