A lot of bands celebrate their discography quite privately. Bar maybe the odd Instagram post or cheaply produced merchandise line, big music anniversaries aren't usually a big deal. They do however, make you feel old. For example, 'Trench' was released in 2018. Yep, three damn years ago - shit I'm old. But, a huge album is celebrating not only its 20th anniversary, but also its gigantic impact on the metal scene since. The legendary second studio album by prolific Des Moines artists Slipknot 'Iowa' is turning 20. Content Warning - This article contains some details of real murders as well as attempted suicide, details on drug abuse and injuries of a visceral nature. Reader discretion is advised.
I'm going to start by saying that this album almost didn't happen. After their first album was released in 1999, there was immediately talks of the band splitting up. The hefty and violent recording habits of the band recording their self titled smash hit were taxing, and some members of Slipknot were already feeling the heat of their newfound fame, resulting in some serious substance abuse issues among members, including Paul, Sid and Corey. However, after a short two year hiatus 'Iowa' was born. Full of animosity, this album studied the bands origins in Des Moines, the small and uneventful town they were all raised in. The record is an absolute powerhouse, and is also a major fan favourite, with long time Slipknot fans calling it the best album in the bands lengthy discography. I can see why, its truly an album filled with raw and unadulterated aggression. The stuff that Slipknot is known for, the amazing and emotive vocals from Taylor, and such solid percussion and drum performances from Chris Fehn, Clown and Joey Jordison respectively combining to create an amazing wall of sheer noise. The tracks are diverse and capitalise on all the strong points in every member, creating a body of work that truly kicks ass and takes names, while simultaneously giving you the most pounding headache - that's totally 100% worth it.
(The Iowa album cover - Slipknot)
This album is chocked full of iconic tracks that every maggot knows back to front. 'Iowa' is a masterpiece for many reasons, but one of them is the way that they set the tone perfectly, create tangible atmosphere that the listener can feel build up inside them - and this is certainly the case for the opener (515). A track of looped screaming and ambient noise that is apparently the mental breakdown of DJ Sid Wilson during a particularly grating recording session. You feel every drop of frustration, with every scream setting your teeth on edge until you are physically praying for the next song to appear, for your freedom from this suffering to be immediate. The album then starts with potentially one of their most well known tracks 'People=Shit', the damning track protesting against being one of many, and wishing for your own identity among the faceless masses. It's pounding and repetitive chorus beats into your chest as you feel the sheer force of the team vocals, every ounce of bile and hatred screwed up into the screamed lyrics condemning the people they were told they had to replicate. Why fit in when you can put on a mask and tell them all to fuck off right?
Next comes 'Disasterpeice' potentially one of the bands most divisive songs to date, and arguably the most powerful. Who can forget the iconic opening lines that have got them in oh so much trouble over the years? If you haven't heard them, just google it, you'll see what i mean soon enough. Its a song that feels like it grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go, watching you writhe in its grip as it screams full force into your face. But, again this is how it should be, as Corey Taylor himself has admitted this song is actually aimed at his old high school bully. Taylor notoriously hates bullies, and in this song graphically depicts his fantasies of finally turning the tables. So many can relate to this feeling, and so many know what its like to feel small in the hands of someone they hate, which is why its such a fan favourite. Chris Fehn even claimed music like this is a positive catalyst for change in some, helping them vent their emotions of negativity without actually doing anything about it. But of course, this did actually happen, when a real murder case inspired by the song roped in Slipknot into some legal hot water. Two troubled teens decapitated their classmate while shouting the lyrics to this song in their high school in the states. Slipknot were hauled into court, but ultimately acquitted of having caused these teens to undergo the murder as ultimately it was the teens choice to undergo the killing of their own free will, but even so its created an odd space for this song in many peoples minds to this day.
(From left to right, Clown, Sid Wilson and Chris Fehn performing live - Image credit NME)
The next two tracks are my favourites on this album. 'My Plague', that capitalises on Corey Taylors amazing harmonic singing and 'Everything Ends', an emotional track revolving around the darker parts of lead singer Corey Taylors love life. Again, both aggressive, but also with a hint of self awareness. In terms of 'My Plague' Corey Taylor comments on appearance vs reality. Posers suck, and Taylor takes this to the extreme in 'My Plague', claiming that people who fuck with him or the band will immediately be dealt with, and that they aren't worth his time. The final climactic 'I will never be you' states that Slipknot will only ever be true to themselves and their craft, which is definitely something to be admired today, in a climate of industry plants and posers throughout mainstream media. 'Everything Ends' has a bit of a heavier subject matter, as it revolves around Taylors attempted suicide at age 17, and how he believed a relationship was the be all and end all of his life. He said "It's about the last time I tried to commit suicide, and more to the point, the first day I figured out what life was all about. It's about the last day in a life I don't want to remember and about the first day in a life that I am living right now." He recalled his time after self harming and taking multiple overdoses of prescription medication in the aftermath of the breakup and the resultant treatment he received in hospital, recounting that 'They pumped my stomach, which was a completely f---ing horrific experience, one that I don't wish on anyone. They make you drink this stuff which tastes like maple syrup, which is why I can't eat pancakes for the rest of my life, that induces you to vomit uncontrollably. You then spew up everything you have eaten for the past week and then they give you this sh*t which tastes like liquid charcoal to calm your stomach down again.' The song is as heavy as its subject suggests, and is (ironically) a joy to listen to. The riff, the vocals, the amazing guitar and bass, the amazing metallic undertones from the percussion, this song is a treat for any metalhead, even if the subject matter is a touch divisive. However, for those looking for the brighter side in this track, look no further than the last introspective verse.
What the hell am I doing?
Is there anyone left in my life?
What the fuck was I thinking?
Anybody want to tell me I'm fine?
Where the hell am I going?
Do I even need a reason to hide?
I am only betrayed
I am only conditioned to die
Again, mildly depressing, but also regretful, and he's still here today after almost 30 years with the band, so I'm guessing this song definitely aided his healing process, even if it might sound like it hasn't.
'The Heritic Anthem' has also had its fair share of controversy thrown its way, but that wont ever retract from this stunning track. The lyrics are deep, and rooted in religious teachings, with man being described as 555, satan as 666, and God as 777, all cut from the same cloth with death and hatred prevailing over all. Although it may sound it, this song isn't convincing people to go sacrifice a goat or something, its a representation of the bands willingness to do the opposite of what people tell them to. A four letter, three number even, statement against the trope that to make it big in the music industry you need to have 'radio friendly music'. This song is the statement piece of the entire album, that no matter what, Slipknot will always be 9 musicians who do what they like when they like, and refuse to let money change their vision. They are preaching to their fans that although other bands will fail, and sell their souls for money and air time, they will remain with their integrity, even if it means they are less well off.
(From left to right - Clown, Chris Fehn, Jim Root, Corey Taylor, Mick Tompson, Paul Grey, Sid Wilson, Joey Jordison and Craigh Jones - Image rights Metalpaths)
The next few tracks are less well known, but still powerhouses in their own rights, from 'New Abortion' and 'Skin Ticket' to 'Gently' and 'I am Hated', each conveys such raw and powerful emotion, you can't help but feel every emotion Taylor emanates. Each masterful hit of clowns keg keeping you on edge as the waves of misery and hated wash over you. Its a masterclass of music true to emotion and experience. And suddenly, we reach 'Metabolic', the penultimate song on this breath-taking album, and once again, the story behind this one is bound to give you goose bumps. Corey Taylor grew up without his father, and 'Metabolic' is about his experiences of life without him around, and how he wishes he could be a better man, but knows he will never be like his old man, because he isn't there to learn from, but yet feeling as if he has no choice but to become him. It's one of the most personal songs on the album, and you can really feel it through the lyrics. Its a fuck you to life, a final helpless scream into the void of suffering, the years of being branded a bastard only to become the very thing he hates. Have a read of these lyrics:
Who are you to me? Who am I to you?
Is this a lesson in nepotistic negligence?
By default, you are my only link to the outside
Psychosomatic suicide
Where were you when I was down?
Can you show me a way
To face every day with this face?
Goodbye
But then suddenly, silence. 'Metabolic' ends and we're introduced with the daunting, 15 minute long 'Iowa', the final culmination of the album. But this isn't the type of track to explode into your ear drums, far from it. No real vocals come, all you can hear is the sound of screaming from afar, and the beating of drums. As the music slowly builds, you feel the hairs on the back of your head stand up. You feel intoxicating anticipation. Then comes the bassline, deep and foreboding, almost taunting in wake of the silence of before. The cymbals ease in, but suddenly it changes, the atmosphere breaks, the screaming is cut through by Taylor as he roars the lyrics triumphantly. Yet a new win over the silence by Slipknot, another enemy bested for the good of expression, of emotional freedom. The lyrics are chilling, evoking visceral images in your mind, an almost Frankinstein-esque image of limbs and bodies, while Taylor screams 'I can tear you apart!'. But then, its gone. We return to where we began, listening to the silence, the screams, to it all slip through our fingertips. 'Iowa' takes you on a journey, just like the place, the harsh environment of the bands broken dreams. Your caught crashing down into Slipknots own personal ground zero. It chews you up, makes you think you have something to believe in, something in your hands you can hold on to, and then it slides away, just out of your reach. The album finishes, and you are left with exactly that. 'Iowa' makes you start with nothing, and end with nothing. That is its beauty.
20 years and still going strong for Iowa, and I'm not surprised. This is one of the very rare albums i would give 10/10 if this were a review. It's aggressive stand to emotional honesty and foreboding are unlike anything i have ever heard, and I'm truly not surprised that this is one of the fanbases favourite albums. 'Iowa' is such an experience, and one you cannot afford to miss out on. 20 years, and so so many more to come.
Comments