"Iowa" CD by Slipknot

by Barbara Joost (null) For months now, the rumours circulated around the unstoppable band from Iowa. The nine-piece band further stirred attention and speculations with the news that the sound would feature an apocalyptic heaviness that would blow away everyone. "World domination" is the goal. Modest, very modest! Yet, there is no doubt about it: "Iowa" - again produced by Ross Robinson (Korn, Machine Head, At The Drive-In) - is an absolute killer! As announced, the mask-men have become harder and e.g. incorporate some Death Metal riffs in their lunatic asylums-cocktail. Furthermore, the album brilliantly sets forth the uncompromising heaviness they begun with on their million-selling debut "Slipknot": even more excessive heavy-weight riffs, percussive passages, razor-blade electronic- and noise-orgies as well as plenty of groove, groove, groove. A thrilling rollercoaster ride between poisonous aggression ("People=Shit", "Disasterpiece", "Heretic anthem") and casual Melodic-refrains like in the planned single "Left behind" and "My plague". Singer Corey angrily shouts like hell but sometimes also sings clean as e.g. in the gloomy Manson/NIN-kind title-track epic at the end of the album. A sick milestone you won't get past and that will occupy your speakers for a while! A definite must!