On their way to becoming regulars at Roskilde Festival, Slipknot was the first of this year's headlining acts to perform. As the weather turned more gloomy in the hours towards their anticipated concert, the menacing and thunderous power of Slipknot had received a perfect setting. It was dark and the stage revealed a gargantuan set up, constructed to support the massive nine-piece band that is Slipknot.
With no prior introduction from the announcers, Slipknot start the show off in a humorous manner, with a country/western tune being played as an intro to the surprise of the audience. As the intro rings out, the superbly heavy 'Disasterpieces' is performed with thunderous aplomb, creating a seismic effect on the field of Orange Stage. As Slipknot has a hypnotic ability to get even the most metal-shy people to join in the festivities, the bouncy and rap-metal inspired 'Liberate' has the crowd jumping in unison, even the old timers. And with 'Before I Forget', which showcases one of the band's catchiest choruses, the crowd was singing along to Corey Taylor's captivatingly clean vocals.
Having witnessed Slipknot live five times prior to this show, I noticed just how dark and 'back to the roots' this performance was. The unfortunate death of bassist and founding member Paul Grey has left a mark on Slipknot to continue the masquerade in the same manner that it began in Des Moines, Iowa 18 years ago.
Slipknot pummelled through a large selection of songs from their heaviest album Iowa, including the creepy 'Left Behind' which had Slipknot standing in a visual effect of falling snow. 'Pulse Of The Maggots' and 'Heretic Anthem” had the crowd go absolutely ballistic in the front pits of Orange in classic Slipknot style. As tradition dictates Slipknot managed to convince all attendees at the Orange Stage to sit down during 'Spit It Out' where a simple ”Jump the fuck up” commanded the crowd to elevate to their feet, creating one of the craziest crowds I have yet witnessed through my eight years at the festival. As the flames shot upward and the digital lights flickered out, Slipknot left the stage and returned for the encore with tireless energy. Another round of bludgeoning heavy tracks sealed the night in grandeur and Slipknot remained on the throne as one of the best live heavy metal bands out there.
