14 classic Slipknot songs: from 1999 to today

Formed in 1995, Slipknot has since amassed numerous classics and hits in its repertoire. The group, one of the biggest names in heavy metal and nu metal, has seven studio albums, the latest being The End, So Far , from 2022. Therefore, it's difficult to talk about the band's best songs or greatest classics. There are so many that it's unlikely a short selection could encompass them all.

Wikimetal has selected what it believes to be some of these classics that are a great starting point for anyone wanting to get to know the band. This list is also useful for those who will be attending Slipknot at Knotfest Brazil this year – which takes place on October 19th and 20th at Allianz Parque – and want to prepare. In this edition, the band will headline both days with two different setlists.

If you haven't yet purchased your festival ticket, this list might convince you to do just that. Check out our list below and click here to buy your ticket.

“People = Shit”, from the album Iowa (2001)

A great classic in the band's career, "People = Shit" is aggressive and perfectly encapsulates their strength in nu metal. The song carries a sense of struggle against societal expectations and a refusal to conform. The confrontational stance, "I am not afraid of you" and "I'm everything you'll never be," suggests a rebellious spirit, fighting against the pressures and judgments of others.

“Wait and Bleed”, from the album Slipknot (1999)

With an air of confusion, "Wait and Bleed" is one of the group's most famous songs. The reason may be that the theme addresses the difference between reality and illusion, as in the phrase "Is it a dream or a memory?" In this song, Slipknot offers a window into the chaos that inhabits the human mind and sometimes fascinates us.

“Duality”, from the album Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses (2024)

“I push my fingers into my eyes” is perhaps the most recognizable phrase for nu metal fans. Despite the heavy beginning, according to Corey Taylor , the song represents the yin and yang of the human spirit, the light sides and the really dark sides, or the personality of people,” he said about the song.

“Sometimes, the struggle to balance these two sides really drives you crazy. It’s exactly in that phrase: ‘I put my fingers in my eyes.’ That’s when you put your thumb and middle finger on the base of your nose to relieve the pressure. It’s a matter of taking a deep breath and continuing to fight.”

“Left Behind”, from the album Iowa (2001)

Iowa's lead single brings the album's most radio-friendly vibe, of course. This is the second track from the album to earn a Grammy nomination, in this case for Best Metal Performance in 2002, losing to Tool .

“Before I Forget”, from the album Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses (2004)

In 2006, Slipknot won a Grammy for this song, which holds powerful meaning for the band and especially for Corey Taylor. According to the vocalist, "Before I Forget" is about "standing firm and deciding to be a good person, no matter what people say." It's ironic, since he had to fight with producer Rick Rubin over the song's chorus.

“Psychosocial”, from the album All Hope Is Gone (2008)

Another well-known nu metal song, "Psychosocial" conveys a feeling of weariness and a desire for liberation from an oppressive system. The repetition of the term "psychosocial" suggests a critique of social relations, the individual psyche, and how they are affected by external forces such as capitalism and politics. 

“Disasterpiece”, from the album Iowa , (2001)

Heavy and angry, the lyrics include excerpts from Taylor's most obscure compositions, such as " I wanna slit your throat and fuck the wound."

“(sic)”, from the album Slipknot (1999)

Perhaps because it's the opening track, "(515)" serves to introduce what we can expect from the album, and despite its heaviness – which came with a lot of anger and sadness in Sid Wilson , who had just lost his grandfather.

“The Heretic Anthem”, from the album Iowa (2001)

"The Heretic Anthem," the sixth track on the album, is a death metal- . The song flips the bird to the music industry, which tried to tell Slipknot what they should do on their second studio album.

“Unsainted”, from the album We Are Not Your Kind (2019)

Considered by many to be a more commercial song because it lacks the heaviness of a traditional Slipknot track, "Unsainted" is a great song for those who want to get acquainted with the band's sound. For fans, the song shows a new side of the band that is rarely explored.

“The Devil in I”, from the album .5: The Gray Chapter (2014)

The song's lyrics speak of breaking free from the chains that bind us, revealing hidden anger. There is also a critique of hypocrisy and superficial forgiveness. The refrain, "Step inside, see the devil in I," can be seen as an invitation for each of us to look within ourselves and acknowledge our own flaws and inner demons.

“Custer”, from the album .5: The Gray Chapter (2014)

The aggressive repetition of “Cut me up and fuck me up” in “Custer” can be seen as a metaphor for how society wears down and destroys the individual who tries to stand out. The song also addresses “irreverence as a disease.”

“Snuff”, from the album All Hope Is Gone (2008)

The song "Snuff" is one of the group's most emotional and introspective tracks. The lyrics reveal a more vulnerable side, speaking about pain, loss, and the complexity of human feelings, especially in relation to love and detachment.

“Vermilion, Pt. 2”, from the album Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses (2004)

Another more introspective track, “Vermilion Part. 2” explores themes of desire, obsession, and the internal struggle of dealing with unrequited feelings. The song is a reminder that, even amidst chaos, Slipknot carries reflection and the expression of complex and painful emotions.

READ ALSO: Slipknot: Iconic 'Iowa' was born and grew in pain, fury and grief