Slipknot - All Hope Is Gone
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Free Music Notes for All Hope Is Gone
Free Music Review: Well Done
Hit: 5 Stars
I am a fan of all music: rock, metal, opera, country, classical, rap, everything. I found this to be a very well put together album. Many have complained that Slipknot "sold out" and all kinds of other stuff, but honestly, what is wrong with wanting to make money? On the Voliminal DVD it was said in the interview that Slipknot finally learned to focus on the target of their anger. They are no longer firing like so much buckshot, but have become a sniper's round. They also do the music for themselves, it just so happens millions of people listen to them, they play for themselves, first and foremost.
Onto the review:
1) .execute: This is a fantastic introduction for the album. The words were inspired by a speech that Spiro Agnew gave when Nixon was in office. It asks what society has become, what we have allowed ourselves to turn into: worshippers of media and politics, puppets. It tells us that if we go on with what we are spoon-fed, we are screwed; that we are getting screwed, and although we may know it, we are being complacent.
2) Gematria (The Killing Name): This track is directed at the country itself. It shows that the cancer we are becoming; that the country cares not for its people, but for the money it can make. It is a song of government motivations. It discusses that we are deluded to think that the government, or some god actually cares. The fact is that we can only depend on ourselves, that the government has its own agenda and the only place that we, or the rest of the world, play in it is to make money.
3) Sulfur: This song is mostly about the individual. That s/he has their own views, thoughts, and opinions, and while they all go against consensus, they are going to stand by their convictions, even if it makes them an outsider to a world so full of sheep; it sucks, but they are more free than those who follow blindly and quietly. It is a big F You to herd mentality.
4) Psychosocial: This track primarily says that society has backed itself against the ledge of a cliff, that by doing nothing to change things, we have killed ourselves willingly and the person in the song refuses to make that jump, that leap of faith. They are breaking free and standing on their own feet. The person has seen through the lies and deception and have found the truth and are, in a way, trying to snap others out of their catatonic state.
5) Dead Memories: Again, we find another personal song. The person seems to be haunted by what was and what could have been, and they regret not doing anything. They gave in, and now they are nothing, if they could have done it differently, they would have. It is a recognition and acceptence of what is done is done, even if they do not like it.
6) Vendetta: I have no real interpretation of this song, but I am going to take a shot anyway. The person has realized who they are, they see that others have stepped up to the plate, and they are going to step aside. They are in denial, but it doesn't make the fact that there is something new under the sun. In spite of all of that, they will continue on as they always have, doing what they do. This is the best I got with this one without rambling too much.
7) Butcher's Hook: The person has seen what society has become, and they disagree; they will follow their own path. The person knows the garbage that is fed to everyone and refuses to be a part of it; they are outspoken about and it may fall of mostly deaf ears, but it will not stop them. They person no longer needs to follow as they now have eyes to see the truth.
8) This is one of My favorite songs on the album; it is the "creepy" song. I honestly cannot tell you what it is talking about, but it is a damn awesome track.
9) This Cold Black: The monster that is the government. It does not care about you, your children, or anything else, as long as it gets what it wants. You can stand there and become stupid, stay ignorant, it likes that just fine. Speak against it publically and it will annihilate you.
10) Wherein Lies Continue: People are complacent to accept things as they have always been. They encourage tradition, as it means they do not have to think for themselves, to do so is error. This person does just that: thinks for themself, they say that they are fine, and they are. To sum up: it is okay to question everything, that life will go on if you pave your own way, in the truest sense.
11) Snuff: This song has been criticised for its "softness". Most people do not realize how angry and brutal the song is. The person has love for someone/thing, but they will destroy whatever it is. The person wants to destroy what they love/hate because it left. There is nothing left for the person without this object or person they want to destroy. They want no excuses, just this object or person, but it will be destroyed. This is the calm before the storm that is:
12) All Hope is Gone: People being complacent again. They do not do a damn thing even if it means they are destroying themselves. The Bill of Rights is bull because there are no rights. People complain, they are the problem, but they are also the solution to the problem. Placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of the people where it belongs. It is a wakeup call for ears to listen.
13) Child of Burning Time: A missed opportunity and the person hates the fact they did not take it. They feel as if they are wrong to continue on because of what they did or, rather, what they didn't do. The person is conflicted by the decision they made.
14) Vermillion Pt 2 (Bloodstone remix): A re-mix of a previously released track.
15) Till We Die: The bonds of friendship and sense of brotherhood that have grown from a group endeavor. It is a very touching song. The people will not allow anything to crush what they have between them, even if that anything is themselves.
This is just My take on the album, as I said earlier, it is very well done. There is much directed anger at the government, society, and their complacency.
Free Music Review: Best Slipknot Album Thus Far
Hit: 5 Stars
After four long years, Iowa's nine man metal army Slipknot have finally returned with their latest album "All Hope Is Gone" which is definately without question the band's best album thus far as well as one of the best metal cd's of 2008. Being a fan of Slipknot myself, I've highly anticipated this album for quite some time because I knew it was going to be great, and when I finally got it at FYE and listened to it, it was even better than I expected. With Dave Fortman producing and Colin Richardson handling mixing duties, "All Hope Is Gone" is (which I mentioned earlier) Slipknot's best, strongest, and most mature album to date. The previous album "Vol 3: The Subliminal Verses" from 2004 showcased Slipknot evolving and maturing musically by incorporating guitar solos, thrash metal riffing, accoustic guitars, and more melodic choruses, well here on "All Hope Is Gone" they continue in that direction and rightfully so. While this album does maintain the melodies that were found on "Vol 3: The Subliminal Verses", it still maintains the brute force and heaviness on the 1999 self titled debut and "Iowa" as well. As a band and as musicians, Slipknot truly get better and better with each album they put out. Corey Taylor is a great vocalist, he has a great scream and growl that is just angry and can be downright intense, and he also has a fantastic melodic singing voice as well. Jim Root and Mick Thompson's guitar playing is great and very heavy too. The riffs are much better sounding, and I was very impressed with the solos as well. I'm really glad that they started soloing more often. Drummer Joey Jordison does an all around excellent job behind the kit as usual, and he can sure slam the double bass with the best of them. Joey is definately one of metal's best drummers as well as one of my favorite drummers.
After the opening intro ".execute.", the album immediately blasts into the real opening track "Gematria (The Killing Name)" which echoes vintage Slipknot and features fast blood pumping riffs, breakneck double bass drum onslaughts, ruthless screaming vocals from Corey, and there's also some great soloing around the 2:35 mark, and I also like the part where Corey screams out "WHAT IF GOD DOESN'T CARE?" Track three "Sulfur" is highlighted by more slamming double bass kicks in the beginning, and also features a great melodic chorus and another great guitar solo to boot. The next track and the album's first single "Psychosocial" is definately one of the album's best tracks which features a catchy, groovy mosh pit worthy drum beat, driving rip snorting riffs, heart pumping shouting vocals, including a fist pumping shout of "PSYCHOSOCIAL", and there's also another awesome solo around 2:18, and after the solo we have some great machine gun like riffs and skin cracks, and I like the shout of "THE LIMITS OF THE DEAD". "Dead Memories" is a great melodic, mid tempo ballad that features great melodic vocals from Corey as well as some nice melodic soloing, while "Butcher's Hook and "This Cold Black" are heavier, hard hitting songs that harken back to the band's earlier days (the latter mentioned song is highlighted by more assaultive, slamming double bass kicks, massive, loud crushing riffs, mosh pit worthy screams, and another awesome solo to boot). Track eleven "Snuff" is a nice slow ballad which is highlighted by some nice accoustic guitars and more great mellow vocals from Corey, while the closing title track is an all out heavy, blistering, bludgeoning beatdown that is highlighted by ruthless, battering drumwork, rageful vocals, including catchy shout along choruses, thrashing walls of menacing, shredding riffs and a fast, wailing solo as well. This song is another highlight on this album, and guaranteed to be a concert favorite in the near future.
Jeremy's song ratings:
1. .execute. (1:48) - N/A
2. Gematria (The Killing Name) (6:01) - 5/5
3. Sulfur (4:37) - 5/5
4. Psychosocial (4:43) - 5/5
5. Dead Memories (4:28) - 5/5
6. Vendetta (5:15) - 5/5
7. Butcher's Hook (4:14) - 5/5
8. Gehenna (6:53) - 5/5
9. This Cold Black (4:40) - 5/5
10. Wherein Lies Continue (5:36) - 5/5
11. Snuff (4:36) - 5/5
12. All Hope Is Gone (4:44) - 5/5
Overall, like I said before, "All Hope Is Gone" is the best album that Slipknot have to offer thus far, and it truly shows how these guys continue to improve, mature, and most importantly evolve as a band and as musicians. This album definately makes a worthy contender for best metal cd of 2008 as well. So if you're a fan of Slipknot, then by all means, you must buy this album. Great job Corey, Joey, Jim, Mick, Chris, Clown, Sid, Paul, and Craig. Well, I'm outta here, later!!
Free Music Review: Honestly, their best album
Hit: 5 Stars
I don't know so many people are saying "This sounds too much like Stone Sour." While I love both Slipknot and Stone Sour and am a hardcore fan of both bands, this is still truely slipknot. You've got to give Corey Taylor credit, he continues to scream and sing incredibly. You would think his vocals would've given out from doing this for at least 10 years, but they really haven't. I think the reason people say it sounds like Stone Sour much more than Slipknot is because there's a lot more singing in this album than the previous ones. However, every song is pure slipknot. No one deserves to ever call them sell-outs or any bull like that. Some songs take some getting used to, but the highlights in the album are worth going through every song multiple times.
Execute(N/A)
Gemetria(The Killing Name)-9.0/10
Favorite lines in this song: "What if God doesn't care?" and "We will burn your cities down." This utterly proves Slipknot hasn't changed, this song is really heavy thrown in with some really nice screams.
Sulfur-9.5/10
-Really catchy chorus and I love the wah on the guitars during
the verse, it's something abstract for Slipknot and they pulled it off. Great guitar work from Jim & Mick, and a nice solo.
Psychosocial-9.0/10
-This song has a lot of potential because it has a hard verse for the
metalheads and a really soft chorus for the grunge people. However, I had a hard time interpreting the lyrics to this song, but I guess it leaves a nice gap for interpretation.
Dead Memories-10/10
-My favorite song off the album, by far. I really believe this song will
get tons of more people into Slipknot, and it's a radio-friendly song with all singing, but not too soft. It's truely awesome how the verse breaks down intro triplets the second time around.
Vendetta-9.0/10
-One Word. Drumming. Oh My God. Double-Bass in this song is crazy. Joey Jordison really shows what he's got in this song, I'll tell ya. The verse feels really catchy too with clean vox from Corey. Really good song.
Butcher's Hook-6.5/10
-Only song I don't particularly care for. The verse is cool and all, but the chorus sounds forced and repetitive along with most of lyrics throughout.
Gehenna-9.5/10
-Vintage Slipknot. I LOVE the whole "stalking" theme in this song. It's funny because Corey can write ballads and songs like these too, really though, this is by far my favorite creepy song by Slipknot. That high vocal note in the chorus always gets me.
This Cold Black-9.0/10
-My favorite head-banger off the cd. I've been playing guitar for 3 and 1/2 years, and I still had no idea what Jim was doing during the kickass solo, it sounds like dj scratches, I considered it was from Sid, but it was still the guitar, freakin' awesome.
Wherein Lies Continue-8.0/10
-A really good chorus, always leaves me feeling powerful afterwards for some reason. I like the "Thou Shalt Not" in the beginning too.
Snuff-10/10
-I just about cried the first time I heard this song, it leaves goosebumps and your heart aching. It has a sense of sadness mixed with the will to never give up.
All Hope Is Gone-8.0/10
-I thought the first main parts of the song sound really jumbled and out there, but I found the chorus catchy with all the combination screaming.
GET THIS ALBUM!!!
Free Music Review: All Hope Will Never Be Gone
Hit: 5 Stars
This album is absolutly awesome! I cannot say enough good things about All Hope Is Gone, this IS Slipknot! This is IOWA Metal, this IS DIFFERENT than everything else, and it never fails me! Us Iowans tend not to do what every other band is doing. We like variation.
Anyways...I have read most of the reviews here about this album and I must say, everyone who is saying bad things about it, just might not like it. Their tastes lie with Slipknot 1999-2001, and they are just having issues adjusting to what kind of art Slipknot have to offer in 2008. You don't like it, you just don't, nothing more to it. But I assure you that if it isn't your cup of maggots at first, don't write it off at that. You need to give it time to grow on you and you will see exactly how heavy and full on Iowa meets Vol. 3 it is.
Iowa had it's slow moments to it, just not like the songs Dead Memories or Snuff, but close. Dead Memories has a bit of The Shape, Gently and Iowa in it, just executed differently. There is heavy, instrumentally & lyrically but has the more Circle type vocals to top it all off. Just like the Shape and Gently. Just because it isn't Corey screaming his vocals to shreds and the music blasting your ear drums out, doesn't mean Slipknot have gone soft. Trust me.
This album took me a couple full listens to get used to some of the new styles they threw our way. Vendetta was a track I was not too happy with vocally at first because of the Southern Metal rhythem Corey was shooting out there. But the music is still very pump your fist and mosh like an animal, simply due to the rather cliche "Hey, Hey, Hey" going through the chorus while Corey is screaming "Are you ready for the time of your life"? Now the song is among my favorites along with Snuff, Psychosocial, This Cold Black and Wherein Lies Continue.
Every song on this CD is just all out Slipknot, this probably could have happened on the self-titled and Iowa but obviously they were not at this state of mind yet. That is where Slipknot went wrong and why they are having a hard time reaching the older fan base, because they pitted themselves in a corner with the constant angry, aggressive songs and not really letting up too much from there. Let me ask you all this, would you have hated and or not liked them as much if this or Vol. 3 had been their first album? I have been a True Maggot since I was 16 and I am now 24 and I love every album they have released. I feel like they have done me no wrong nor have they ever disappointed me, I really love All Hope Is Gone.
The writing and the production are top notch here. You can really feel all the percussion with this album, no matter what song you choose, everything is easy to seperate unlike previous albums.
All in all...Slipknot are a band that when the time comes will be very missed, except by all the 'extreme" metal heads out there, that buy into some of the carbon copied crap coming out nowadays. At least with Slipknot, you never know what you are going to get, they keep you guessing hence the title All Hope Is Gone. It is gone for all you who think you have figured this monster out! You never will.
Free Music Review: The New Face(s) of Slipknot
Hit: 5 Stars
Slipknot is a band often criticized by many simply for being "Nu Metal". Does this somehow imply that they are a horrible band? No, not at all. In fact, Slipknot is a very polished Nu Metal band that constantly evolves with each sequential album release. Starting off as a more traditional, one dimensional Nu Metal band with their self titled album, Slipknot has made strides to gradually step in other directions in terms of musical style.
Up to this point, "Iowa" had been the band's "heaviest" release to date, and "Vol. 3" was regarded as their most alternative record to date. Well, "All Hope is Gone" finds a nice balance between the two styles. Utilizing heavier tracks (much like "Iowa") yet at the same time throwing in more melody (like "Vol. 3"), "All Hope is Gone" shows all of Slipknot's musical skills in terms of both styles that the band has experimented with in the past.
The album starts off fast and heavy, bringing out heavy hitting tracks like "Gematria (The Killing Name)", "Sulfur" and "Psychosocial". These tracks resemble classic Slipknot sound, while still throwing in more melody than past releases. Utilizing Corey's traditional "yells" for the majority of the play length of these tracks, the opening songs are very similar to older work done by the band. From here, the album begins to take a more "alternative" sound, and almost all of the yells associated with Slipknot tracks are absent in the majority of the tracks remaining.
Songs begin to slow down, showing that Slipknot is more than just the one dimensional band that they are stereotyped as. The album still throws in the occasional heavy hitting song, such as "Wherein Lies Continue", "This Cold Black" and "All Hope is Gone". The majority of the album, however, consists of easy to listen to, slow songs, with clean vocals and lots of melody. This is good move for the band to experiment with, and the results are beautiful.
Despite the fact that "All Hope is Gone" features multiple songs that utilize a slower pacing, and a more alternative sounding singing style, the album is still top notch and worth listening to. Tracks like "Dead Memories", "Snuff", and "Gehenna" are very well done songs, and are actually quite catchy. It's true that this album is not true to Slipknot's original sound that drew so many fans in to begin with, but credit should be given to the band for trying out new styles and taking time to evolve as a whole.
Perhaps I'm too open minded to music (loving everything from Alternative Rock, to Black Metal, Death Metal and Grind) that when a band tries out a new style I usually consider it an intriguing progression for the band. As long as you are tolerant of a large variety of musical styles and genres, then I'm sure you'll find something worth listening to, whether that includes the heavier tracks found on "All Hope is Gone" or the alternative songs, there's a little bit for everyone to enjoy to a degree.