Any Slipknot fans?.... my concert review...

[formica]

Ok, how many Slipknot fans on here??...

Just saw Slipknot live Friday night as part of their "The Final Volume

Tour" here in Montreal, together with "As I Lay Dying" and "Unearth" as

openers.

Unlike some of the previous show reviews I've posted, Slipknot is by

the far the most popular of the bunch. I thought I'd post a

review all the same as "popular" and "run of the mill" are two entirely

different subjects...

This was an "arena" show... the venue seats about 20000 people for

sports events and I'm guessing about half that for music shows. I

have seen other shows there and I've never been impressed with the

sound and visual quality there.

Slipknot may change my prejudices, as they were better than most arena

shows. Sound quality was far superior to their albums as it was

clearer and more dynamic (much less compression). The mix had the

drum a little more forward, but given the drummer's performance... that

was a very good choice. He hit fast, hard, and

intense. Makes me wish the CD's were similar. (I haven't

purchased their live set yet).

They played a good selection from all three albums. Unlike some

of their previous tours, the singers voice wasn't muffled by his

mask. He was a little "talkative" to my taste, but he did manage

to really get the crowd involved. He also had some nasty things

to say about the RIAA... .

The stage show was also very good and more theatrical than most.

They had a load of gizmos like one hydraulic-shaking drum set, the

second which rotated and lifted, and the third which rotated, raised,

and tilted 90o forward (the drummer was strapped to his bench for

that). With 8 group members on stage and only about 5 of them

constantly playing music, it left 3 to clown around. The

turntable'ist being the champion acrobat of the bunch.

Both opening bands were disappointments (sorry to their fans). I

usually enjoy discovering new acts similar in style to main show, but

neither really offered me anything new or particularly memorable.

Maybe their albums are better than they are live, but I'm not tempted

to run out and buy either one.

Slipknot earned several extra points in my book... worth while show to see if you are remotely interested in the style...

Rob

PS: NIN review coming next week, as their show is next Friday

[formica]

wow... no fans here at all?... and i was thinking they were somewhat mainstream. [8-|]

[nicholtl]

I'm somewhat of a Slipknot fan, but like you were saying, the recording quality of their albums is strident, brittle, and sharp. Their music isn't bad, catchy at times, and their latest album "Vol 3: The Subliminal Verses" was definitely head-bobbing (thanks to producer Rick Rubin's slick twist on things). However, I find bands such as Mudvayne, Diecast, Shadows Fall, and Killswitch Engage to slay Slipknot in all aspects of metal. Presence, musicianship, double-bass drumming, tunes, vocals, etc. etc.

Funny that As I Lay Dying was touring with them. While they're a heavy as well, they're lyrics are mostly Christian-based, and with a band like Slipknot, who introduce their upcoming songs to fans with "this song'll kick your f__king a$$," it seems to be a clash of agendas. Oh well, who am I to judge.

Did you take pics??

[formica]

Funny that As I Lay Dying was touring with them.

While they're a heavy as well, they're lyrics are mostly

Christian-based... Did you take pics??

I didn't really make out any of their lyrics... but that would seem

like a odd mix. Song wise, live they just sounded "me to".

I guess that given I come to the style from the industrial branch I

enjoy Slipknot's non-guitar oriented twist. I'm actually a big

percussion fan, and their live performance really emphasised that

aspect.

I do also enjoy Mudvayne... but I'll prefer Soulfly or Napalm Death

over Killswitch Engage. I actually got to see Soulfly in a VERY

small venue (<1000 people?) and I've never been to such an "up-close

and personal" show... but that's OT..

I'm just a little surprised not many are willing to "admit" to

listening to some of the heavier stuff... or maybe everyone is

too old? (I couldn't resist)...

Rob

[nicholtl]

Rob, I don't think anyone here has a problem admitting to listening to this kinda music, the operative words being IF THEY DID.

There are only a few other true metalheads around here, and off the top of my head, Sputnik, Wheelman, DrWho, Skonopa, and Griffinator are those select few.

[formica]

Rob, I don't think anyone here has a problem

admitting to listening to this kinda music, the operative words being

IF THEY DID.

There are only a few other true metalheads around here, and off the top

of my head, Sputnik, Wheelman, DrWho, Skonopa, and Griffinator are

those select few.

I did know Who and Griff are ProgMetal oriented...

Would be different if I posted an Eric Clapton concert review, huh?

[] oh... and probably Styx (sp?) as well... [] I

realised the number of followers here would be limited... but i guess

I'm just trying to shake em out to the woodwork. You know

lurkers, and the like.

I often complain on how the whole audio industry seems to cater baby

boomers, but they are probably right in general... as most gen

X's and Y's think MP3's sound just fine.

If you ever drop by my area... we'll have to hit a couple of "metal" or "alternative" bars... [<)]

ROb