Twenty years ago, Slipknot released the album that would change their career and the future of nu metal forever. Iowa , the group's second studio album , came with 14 powerful tracks that redefined how metal was viewed in the mainstream.
Two decades later, the album remains one of the greatest in the genre, and to celebrate this milestone, Kerrang! ranked the songs from worst to best. See the list below.
14. “(515)”
Perhaps because it's the opening track, "(515)" serves as a preview of 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 song was voted the "worst" on the record.
13. “Iowa”
The album's title track, which closes the work, is, according to Kerrang!, "a little strange." Here, the group dares to create a 15-minute song, but it didn't win everyone's approval.
12. “The Shape”
Here, the online magazine points out that this is the song from the album that has received the fewest live versions, and with good reason. Despite Joey Jordison on the track, Kerrang! highlights that, within the overall context of the album, it doesn't stand out and is dispensable.
11. “Skin Ticket”
Corey Taylor 's vocals as he proclaims , "Keeping myself alive!" With raw and powerful emotions, the band shows here that metal is just as sensitive as any other musical genre.
10. “Metabolic”
Climbing the rankings, "Metabolic" is mentioned, and fans can probably guess why. Taylor and Jordison's work on this track is impeccable and demonstrates the duo's creative power.
9. "I Am Hated"
In this track we begin to see a bit more of the influence of hip-hop on nu metal, showing the importance of Sid and his experimentation within the group. Furthermore, here Jim Root and Mick Thomson shines through.
08. “New Abortion”
Corey Taylor demonstrates here, once again – and perfectly – the pain and purest feeling of anger when he sings “You can't take my soul away from me.” Here, anyone who has ever felt something like this can realize that they are part of something bigger, and the sense of community among Slipknot fans is strengthened.
07. “Gently”
“Gently” stands out for bringing a different sound from what has been built in Iowa . Here, we see another side of Slipknot's composition and Taylor's vocals, which become broader and smoother.
06. “Everything Ends”
Here, Kerrang! highlights that the song is incredibly powerful, both in its composition and vocals, but its sixth-place ranking proves that Iowa is far more potent than that.
05. “The Heretic Anthem”
Entering the top 5 of Iowa is “The Heretic Anthem,” the album's sixth track, and 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. Brutal, it kicks off the series of best songs from Iowa .
04. “My Plague”
Perhaps a favorite of many, "My Plague" appears in fourth place on Kerrang! The song earned a Grammy nomination in 2003 and proved that the mainstream was ready to embrace metal and, especially, nu metal.
03. “Disasterpiece”
Heavy and angry, the lyrics include excerpts from Taylor's most obscure compositions, such as " I wanna slit your throat and fuck the wound." I think we understand why it was chosen as number three, right?
02. “Left Behind”
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 .
01. “People = Shit”
The top spot could hardly be occupied by any other song. The album's most iconic track wins over the maggots instantly. Need I say more?
