Slipknot
The End, So Far

Every time a new Slipknot album is released (let's say from 2004 onwards with “Vol.3: The Subliminal Verses”), endless discussions (or nonsensical debates) arise.

On one side are the unyielding metalheads who cling to the glory of the self-titled or "Iowa" and barely (an understatement) appreciate the melodic deviations of the Des Moines combo, and on the other, those who praise their willingness to innovate and offer something different from the late '90s classic nu-metal.

That said (listening to them for 20 years and not being a lover of pure, unadulterated metal that shuns contamination, quite the opposite...) I won’t delve into the aforementioned philosophical/musical discussions but would rather write about the album and the 12 songs that compose it.

The 2 great singles released well in advance probably satisfy the fan base ("The Chapeltown Rag" and "The Dying Song") with hard and fierce sounds, roughness of thrash and death, and with a sharply scratching Sid Wilson (in great form).

In "Yen," the third single, Corey Taylor begins with vocals befitting a love song and then alternates it with aggressive screams, in a very successful mix.

The pleasant forays of "Hive Mind" and "Warranty" lead to, in my opinion, the best tracks of the album, namely "Medicine For The Dead" where growls, guitars, drums, and percussion frenetically chase each other, and the wild crossover "H377."

I'm very, very curious to listen to both tracks live.

Then there's the other side of the coin with 5 “cleaner” songs diametrically different from their historic tracks.

I am convinced that after 23 years of global success, this further change of direction isn't aimed at enticing some last-minute fan who didn't live through the early years, but rather simply dictated by the (deserved) desire to play more diversely and perhaps sing with more melodic tones (highlighting notable nuances of Corey T.'s voice).

Of these tracks, I like the suave and prog opening track, and especially "Finale" which I find perfect with that gothic symphonic and somewhat medieval touch to close an era and, hopefully, open another.

In conclusion, "The End, So Far" is a beautiful, varied, well-produced album that showcases Slipknot's desire to experiment, who, amid lineup changes and untimely (alas) deaths, continue to churn out different but quality records.

Rating 8 (which I convert into 5 stars in the Debaser rating).