When we look at the metal world of the 1990s, several names stick out amongst the pile of nu-metal artists beginning to forge the genre. Slipknot, Iowa’s home heroes, is arguably the biggest band to come out of the genre and they were a formula of rage, anarchy, mayhem, and violence.
They became a staple name in the metal scene, and continue to grow today despite tragedy and suffering befalling them. Their discography is varied, with a lot of it exploring hatred, nihilism, and misanthropy in their early work, to a mixed bag of topics in their more recent efforts.
One thing which might surprise some is that there are a respectable amount of songs by Slipknot that (albeit sometimes loosely) relate to love. Here are the best 10!
1. Snuff
Album: All Hope Is Gone
Released: 2008
If love is the topic, “Snuff” is Slipknot’s answer. I consider this their magnum opus for the emotional, softer side of Slipknot which came as a complete shock when I first heard it upon All Hope Is Gone’s release. The captivating, simplistic acoustic tones following Corey Taylor’s exposed vocals make it a vulnerable piece that stands out so far from the rest of their discography.
If you’re new to metal and Slipknot, start with “Snuff”. You’ll appreciate the simplicity behind their songwriting and begin to understand them as a band before you embrace the chaos. Embrace the chaos though, because that’s where Slipknot’s gold lies.
2. Vermillion
Album: Vol 3: The Subliminal Verses
Released: 2004
Just as “Snuff” is one of Slipknot’s staple songs, “Vermillion” and its follow-up “Vermillion Pt. 2” are also must-haves in any list about love. It’s all about a woman who’s impossible to leave; doing so would only cause immense grief and pain.
By this point in their discography, Slipknot became more sure of their sound and branched out in atmosphere and production value to create soundscapes as opposed to sheer musical force. Both work well with the band, however.
It has a dark theme of need and jealousy permeating throughout it, so it’s not exactly a song you’d send to someone you’re interested in. But for exploring the darker side of what some experience in love and lust, it’s one for the list.
3. Vermillion Pt. 2
Album: Vol 3: The Subliminal Verses
Released: 2004
Carrying on from “Vermillion”, the song’s second half presents itself in a much more delicate manner. Aggressive guitar riffs are replaced with delicate acoustic chords and string passages, and Corey’s vocals are in a softer tone this around. The lyrics follow a similar theme as its counterpart but maintain a somber air as it seems the subject of the first song is now deceased.
As mentioned previously, these first three songs on the list are terrific introductions to the world of Slipknot.
4. Dead Memories
Album: All Hope Is Gone
Released: 2008
All Hope Is Gone acted as a bridge between early Slipknot and a more mature, atmosphere-heavy iteration of the band. It was the last album with both Paul Gray (bass) and Joey Jordison (drums) before they departed the band; Gray overdosed in 2010, and Jordison left the band in 2013.
Musically, “Dead Memories” explores the transformation of someone when they’re betrayed or have gone through a notably bad breakup. The ‘dead memories’ leave scars, and as a result, they ‘won’t be born again.’
5. Circle
Album: Vol 3: The Subliminal Verses
Released: 2004
“Circle” sees a completely different shift in musical style from Slipknot. It maintains their dark aura which permeates throughout their entire career but expresses a vulnerability that hadn’t been seen up to this point.
We would see more of this vulnerability in “Vermillion” and “Vermillion Pt. 2” on the same record, but the moment this track began when I heard it for the first time, I froze. Its hypnotic guitar strumming, haunting strings, and Corey’s lyrics suggesting perseverance over giving up bring me to believe it’s a song relating to self-love amongst other things.
6. Goodbye
Album: .5: The Gray Chapter
Released: 2014
Just as All Hope Is Gone was a gateway for the band to explore new avenues, their hands were forced in doing so again in 2014’s .5: The Gray Chapter. Dedicated to bassist and friend Paul Gray, “Goodbye” is an ode to his premature death and is one of the most heartwrenching songs I’ve ever heard.
Prepare yourself for a minimalistic cry-fest with beautiful lyrics and touching melodies exposing the true pain behind a band losing one of their own. In true Slipknot fashion, however, Gray gets a heavy send-off midway through the track.
7. ‘Til We Die
Album: All Hope Is Gone
Released: 2008
Thought the tear-jerker songs were over? Think again. “‘Til We Die” is a song about the love between brothers, family, and friends that are Slipknot and their fans. The curious guitar plucks in the background of the track as Corey brings a soft-spoken ode that both uplifts and pulls at the heartstrings.
I think this is one of Slipnkot’s more underrated offerings, and well worth a second dive if it didn’t hit right the first time.
8. Gehenna
Album: All Hope Is Gone
Released: 2008
Here’s a fairly dark angle from Slipknot and one of this list’s more loosely love-related tracks. “Gehenna” can be interpreted as a commentary on obsession and jealousy, and acts as a piece exploring the dangers of those emotions. Not positively lovey by any means, but the theme’s discussed nonetheless.
The guitar’s creeping, dragged-out drones carry Taylor’s eerie highs further throughout the track and I think this works to make it one of Slipknot’s strongest songs.
9. Yen
Album: The End, So Far
Released: 2022
“Yen” is arguably one of Slipknot’s darkest songs discussing the ideals of love. It sits among “Vermillion” and other offerings, so don’t expect roses with this one.
The track maintains a steady stomp as it traverses through the process of going through leaving a toxic relationship. Confusing and conflicting emotions reflect themselves in the erratic instrumentals and switch between softer sections and aggressive outbursts to further explore the relationship.
This is just one interpretation of many, but it’s what sings to me when I look into the lyrics.
10. No Life
Album: Slipknot
Released: 1999
For the final piece of Slipknot, let’s go for something a little out-of-field. “No Life” is one of Slipknot’s best early-era material in my opinion, and stands as a song that can be loosely taken as having a self-love theme. Its abrasive riffs and keg-smashing percussions revolve around Corey’s hatred for fake people and realizing the only person who can help you is yourself.
So, it might not be strictly lovey, but let’s face it: Slipknot isn’t exactly known for that. They have their sensitive sides, but for every softer song, there are a handful of in-your-face barrages awaiting.
Alex is a man of many talents. He’s been playing music since he was young, and has been the main content writer at Tone Start for the past few years. Alex loves to play around with different styles of music and enjoys listening to anything from country to classical.