Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor was in a reflective mood as the group arrived in London. “The first time we played here was actually at the Astoria...that place only held...like 300,” he reminisced, recalling the story of their first tiny gig in the capital. Stood in front of a sold-out 20,000-strong crowd at the O2, Taylor paused to gather his emotions. “The legend of that show... got us here.”
Two decades ago, the Iowan outfit terrified parents with their Texas Chainsaw Massacre-like masks and ferocious sound. Yet as word of their intense heaviness spread from the underground, curious teenagers flocked to their shows and soon Slipknot were selling out arenas and bringing extreme metal to the masses like never before.
A career-spanning set saw fans uniting in fierce pits over songs about isolation, injustice and inequality. The thunderous Eyeless shook the O2, as did the ear-splitting opener Unsainted.
Material from their debut allowed for time to reminisce while newer material, such as the dark Nero Forte, hinted at the future of a band still pushing genre-fusing to extremes.
The theatricality and aesthetics of Slipknot’s show — including flame-throwing guitars — impressed too. The agility of new member Tortilla Man was a highlight, as was the boundless energy of veteran Clown.
There was more reflection later on. “We are family,” Taylor told the crowd. “This music brings us together.” Watching the shared cathartic thrashing on closer Surfacing, it’s hard to disagree.
