Top 10 Slipknot Songs

Nothing like a classic head banger to get things started. Off Slipknot’s debut album, “Spit It Out” was one of the first singles the band ever released. A song about bitterness, this is also the track that’s known to get crowds going wild, especially with lead singer Corey Taylor at the helm and leading the charge.

This is definitely one that’ll make you lose your head. Also found on the band’s eponymous first record, “Eyeless” boasts Taylor’s intense, screaming vocals that are made all the more powerful by the song’s dark undertones, especially the subject of abandonment. Quick bit of trivia, the song’s key line was inspired by a homeless man who kept screaming those words at Taylor when he was in Cali.

A Grammy-nominated track off the band’s second album, “Left Behind” is one of the more melodic tracks that Slipknot has released, blending together Taylor’s softer singing with his signature screams. Inspired by his time as a homeless person, the nu metal number reached the top 40 of the U.S. Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks and the UK Singles Charts.

One of Slipknot’s more unique songs, “Vermilion” is actually found in two parts on their third effort. Each has only subtle differences in lyrical themes, yet with widely different musical arrangements. Taking the subject of unrequited love from the perspective of a damaged individual, the first part of “Vermilion” is much more frantic in tone and emphasizes the person’s expectations and eventual distress. Meanwhile, “Pt. 2” is much softer and slower in pace to show the broken pieces of the individual’s mind. Definitely dark stuff, but it makes for two incredible tunes.

With a title like that, you just know you’re in for something heavy. On the first full-length track off Iowa, Taylor gives an unrelenting vocal assault that never fails to get our adrenaline flowing. Despite being a song that lashes out against the worst of humanity, it also brings the band and its fans together with the harmony of heavy metal.

In comparison to the other singles released prior to their third album, “Duality” is different for Slipknot for various reasons. The lack of obscene lyrics is a turning point for Taylor, with his vocals ranging from powerful projections, melodic whispers and a few bursts of classic Taylor screams. These changes resulted in a signature Slipknot song that won’t soon be forgotten as well as a top 10 hit on the American rock charts.

The band declares it the new international anthem every time it is played live, and we can get behind that. Found on their first effort, it’s heavy as hell and contains a simple message of not letting others judge you and not having to answer to anyone for who you are. After the spine-tingling opening led by their turntablist Sid Wilson, all the instruments gradually come together before this track is fully unleashed.

As one of the highlights of their fourth album, “Psychosocial” is also a Grammy-nominated track that introduced us to Slipknot’s revamped sound. While the chorus is softer in tone, it still has the same heavy collaboration of the band’s various instruments, giving each member a time to shine. Not to mention a kickass guitar solo.

This is the song that won the Nine their first Grammy. Arguably the most successful song off their third album, “Before I Forget” is a mixture of Slipknot’s signature metal riffs with Taylor’s hard yet melodic vocals. With some killer guitar work bringing it all together, this track will make you feel great about being who you are, especially if you’re one of the maggots.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are few honorable mentions:
- “Disasterpiece” Iowa (2001)
- “The Blister Exists” Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) (2004)
- “(sic)” Slipknot (1999)
- “The Heretic Anthem” Iowa (2001)
- “Snuff” All Hope Is Gone (2008)

It’s the first single the band ever released. It earned them their first Grammy nod and it’s the first time we heard Taylor switch between hectic screaming and eerily melodic vocals. It’s also a milestone in the band’s history, and from it you can see a lot of techniques that they would later incorporate into other songs. And for that reason, it tops the list. Maggots for life.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Slipknot song? For more of your favorite top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.