Slipknot
Disasterpieces

THE REVIEW

After the much-awaited and much-discussed 'Iowa', Slipknot gifts their fans "Disasterpieces" (Note: the DVD is titled "Disasterpieces" and the song is "Disasterpiece") recorded at the London Arena, England, on February 14, 2002. A classic musical DVD, but one that engages thoroughly with nine genuine stage animals.

A production meticulously crafted, perfect images and sound, but above all a breathtaking direction, certainly one of the DVD's cornerstones. The idea to assign each band member a personal camera to show us "through the eyes" of each of the nine is also brilliant, and we can better appreciate this "treat" in the second DVD. Here, Slipknot unleashes all their "swagger" (forgive the term), flaunting their new suits complete with a Nazi-style armband featuring the tribal "S" and two massive 666s flanking the stage, echoing the provocative Satanism of the Iowa cover and the song "Heretic Anthem" (provocative because the chorus goes "If you're 555, then I'm 666", to show that metal doesn't equate to Satanism as many believe; a debate could be opened about the chorus and the commercial nature of these provocative gestures, but this is not the place for it).

The first DVD contains the concert that opens with the fans arriving at the London Arena and the intense preparation of the nine 'Knot, with growing tension and fans chanting for their idols. The stage can't be seen as it's covered by a large white curtain. The intro "515" (Iowa state prefix) starts, and it's a frenzy, the anticipation grows exponentially. After some endless moments, Joey's cymbals start to sound, simultaneously with the curtain drop a devastating "People = Shit" kicks off, performed to perfection, contrary to other performances by the band; immediately following without a moment's pause is "Liberate" with its intro held a bit longer, with Corey making the entire arena jump (I believe this is one of the best-executed songs of the entire DVD). Then space for one of the singles with "Left Behind," which perhaps feels a bit off due to its commerciality, quickly forgotten with the ferocity of "Eeyore" and "Disasterpiece". The "truce" moment arrives with the duo "Purity"/"Gently" with truly chilling scenographies and atmosphere, including fake falling snow. In "Purity", Corey shows he can not only scream but also sing, engaging with a song perhaps among the lesser-known in their repertoire. However, the devastation resumes with "Eyeless", the other single "My Plague" and "New Abortion" which deserves a special mention as it's certainly not one of the more famous songs but is executed spectacularly here.

The backdrop changes, revealing a pentacle behind the stage with a goat visible within, obviously leading to "Heretic Anthem" with the entire audience chanting the chorus. In "Spit It Out", Corey proves to be a frontman like few others, as getting an entire arena to sit down and then jump up immediately after is no small feat. Following it is the classic of classics "Wait And Bleed" with fans singing at the top of their lungs. The "Slipknot" logo reigns again on stage, and after a brief pause, the 'Knot return to wrap up the concert with "(sic)" and "Surfacing". Throughout the concert are inserted various segments including preparation, interviews, meeting with fans, stage setup, pre-concert rehearsals, and a "sample-scratch" session by Sid guaranteed to give goosebumps for those familiar with DJing.
But above all, the now-infamous Joey drum solo with the drums spinning in the air, incredible. All the songs were performed to perfection, managing to engage the audience from the first to the last minute, thanks in part to Taylor's great skills as a frontman, but generally to everyone (except Craig, who is practically never seen), the members who prove to be more than comfortable on stage, thrashing about like madmen every moment of the show.

The second DVD contains all the videos produced by the band up to that moment, including the animated version of "Wait And Bleed", then through three songs captured from the concert, we can choose each of the nine members and experience the entire song through their personal camera.
Overall, it is an excellent product, a must-have for fans, but definitely worth watching for any type of audience, as in my opinion, it is one of the best musical DVDs produced so far. Whether one likes them or not, Slipknot live are in their natural habitat and they prove it here, both with perhaps commercial scenic ideas, but above all with an onstage presence unique to only a few other bands around.

(sic)VII