27/08/01

SLIPKNOT / IOWA

More eagerly awaited than the second coming IOWA has a lot to live up to the maggots expectations, so does it manage to pull off this seemingly impossible task of measuring up to the anticipations of fans? If you have downloaded the tracks "The Heretic Anthem" and "Left Behind" you will have a good clue to the answer. YES.

Slipknot promised that this would be a sicker, harder and more intense album and I can't argue with that. Iowa kicks off with "515" and although it's only 59 seconds long it sets the scene perfectly. "People = Shit" follows thundering along like a runaway freight train and just as lethal. The third track "Disasterpiece" even gives me a name check when Corey screams "Kill me Justin Case"!! "My Plague" and "The Heretic Anthem" follow relentlessly and is Slipknot at their meanest yet. "Left Behind" which will be the first single off the album is as ruthless as they get but still retains a touch of melody and a sing along chorus that will be screamed by all Maggots around the globe, like "Wait & Bleed" only better.

The last track is the title track "IOWA" and at nearly 15 minutes it may appear to be long on paper but it's many twists and turns will have you engrossed for the whole time and when it all ends you will want to hear it all over again.

This is a triumphant second album for Slipknot and hyped or not IOWA delivers the goods on every level and on every track, truly a modern masterpiece that will be imitated, just remember accept no substitute. Oh and by the way I went out and bought this CD with my hard-earned cash as I didn't get a promo and it was worth every penny, and just proves that I put my money where my mouth is.

DOWNLOADS : "The Heretic Anthem" and "Left Behind" from the Roadrunner Records site above.

TOTAL PLAYING TIME = 66 mins - 14 Tracks