>“Here we go again, Motherfuckers!!”

What better way to start an album… or a review for that matter. Yes boys and girls, Slipknot is back, and how!
The fearsome ninesome have once again focused their anger and insanity, and out of that energy emerged ‘Iowa’ as a follow up to their multi-million selling self titled debut. They promised it would exceed their first album in every aspect, being heavier and more melodic at the same time. And the guys have kept their word!

‘Iowa’ contains 12 anger-packed songs that will hit you like a freight train at full speed! From the first song “People=Shit” (not counting the 45 second album intro) , the masked men gear into heavy-mode, and they don’t give you a break until the end of the album, where the 15 minute(!) title track, best described as a ‘psycho-killer soundtrack’, will make you see the band in a different light. Fuck compromises! Fuck radio friendliness! Fuck the mainstream! This is Slipknot!

The album is named after their home state in the US, and symbolizes the band staying true to themselves, not forcing new musical directions, but rather evolving their music naturally.

The drum tracks are incredible, and if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I would never have believed that drummer Joey could actually pull that off on stage. The sampling is more integrated, not forced ‘just to be different/cross-over’. Lyrically singer Corey stays close to home as well, singing about personnel feelings and frustrations.
The production was again in the capable hands of Ross Robinson, and again it is a job well done with a crystal clear production worthy of his name and fame.

Many people feared that after their initial success, Slipknot would come up with an album full of ‘Wait and Bleed’ songs, ready to storm the charts. Fortunately they did not, instead making an album that will continue the shockwave they started with ‘Slipknot’, but nevertheless I expect one or more songs to climb the ladder of commerce and become a hit anyway. Why? Because the songs are just too fucking good to be ignored!