This is Slipknot, so I am not going to call it anything else. It was recorded during the sessions for "All Hope is Gone," and the band is finally giving it a proper release, even though they are trying to distance it from their discography in this odd manner, because well... it's not metal. The first song is Corey Taylor in a soft, emotive mutter over a more ambient industrial drone; things don't get into solid song territory until "Moth," which is like a 90s alt rock ballad that borders on being trip-hop. It's much more experimental than what they normally do.
I think they should have worked these songs into what they did on "All Hope is Gone." It would have made for a more interesting album. Corey finally belts it out on this one. Darker than what he does with Stone Sour, it does allow him to open up and sing more. "Dirge" is more industrial, but the Filter/ Godlivesunderwater side of the genre. I can also hear some Faith No More in the verses. "Is Real" is more aggressive, but in a rock fashion rather than metal. It takes a few turns and works well. "Away" is not far removed from it, though compositionally more straightforward, but with a weirder mix. "In Reverse" benefits from a strong chorus, which pushes it over despite the verses being less focused. Then "Toad" is more of a ballad with some strong vocal harmonies.
"Juliaette" feels more like an A Perfect Circle song, as it builds tension more gradually. This album has allowed you to not only hear them in a more melodic place but breaking from their normal songwriting formula. Corey Taylor has always said Layne Staley was a huge influence on him, and "U Can't Stop This" is the first song where I hear this. Overall, I think I have let my thoughts be known on this album. I think it's different than what fans expect, but not a drastic departure, just lacking the bombastic drumming and metal guitar tones. I appreciate that they are capable of this and these are decent songs in their own right. I will give this one a 9.5.
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