Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses - Dark Publications

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
If it's sometimes a chore to get past Slipknot's stratified shock-rock shtick, Iowa's nouveau metal-mongers take the occasion of their third album proper to prove there's a genuinely restless, undeniable musical juggernaut beneath the horror-show masquerade. Producer Rick Rubin has honed their modern metal assault to a fine edge here, tempering it with a compelling sense of dynamics missing from all too many similar heavy forgings in the bargain. But credit the band with hammering together the solid foundations of what stands as their best album to date, a collection that succeeds by--surprise--reverting to more traditional song-forms and occasionally operating at something other than a relentless fevered pitch. Call it mainstreaming or a newfound maturity; whatever it is, it pays diverse dividends from the opening cinematic tension of "Prelude 3.0" and paramilitary-cadenced thrill ride "Three Nil" to the moody, rap-thrash single "Duality" and the unlikely, angst-laden pop hooks of "Circle." If that song's cello-inflected atmospherics and lilting Corey Taylor vocals may have the band's faithful initially rubbing their ears in puzzlement, by the time the evocative acoustic guitars, bittersweet harmonies and string quartet break of "Vermilion Pt. 2" rolls around, it's clear this is a band who's challenged itself with broad new horizons--and triumphed. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description
Within the confines, or lack thereof, of VOL. 3: (THE SUBLIMINAL VERSES) lies a new level of musicianship, achieved through the hard work poured into supporting their self-titled debut and their subsequent hit album, IOWA. Produced by Rick Rubin, Vol 3 not only captures the band's strengths to this point- it sees the spore that is Slipknot exploding in all directions. The songs on this daring effort transcend traditional hard music structure, and will surprise the uninitiated with their dynamic appeal. Masterful guitar work, visceral drum beats, and a newly-expanded vocal range are highlights of this work that Corey Taylor (#8) calls "both brutal and beautiful." Much of the creative inspiration in evidence on the new album is owed to Rubin and his reputedly- haunted mansion, in which the band lived while recording VOL. 3: (THE SUBLIMINAL VERSES). "You can really feel (the effect of the mansion) on the album. There were ghosts in the machine, in the equipment! . Things would freeze, things would loop for no reason at all. It was strange," adds Taylor. Paul Gray (#2) comments on what Rubin brought to the table… "Rick brought a huge amount of open mindedness - normally 9 different people trying different things can be tough - Rick got us to just throw all our preconceived notions out the window. He was able to integrate bits and pieces of everyone's ideas."

The first single off VOL. 3: (THE SUBLIMINAL VERSES), "Duality" is, "lyrically, what you might think... we've been through a lot as a band and the lyrics really reflect our maintaining faith and the perseverance of all 9 of us," says Joey Jordison (#1). "Duality" represents the album well in its unwillingness to compromise the band's rock foundation and its ability to be aurally appealing and melodic at the same time. Other songs of note on the record, "Before I Forget" and "Vermillion" underline the statement made by "Duality", with their dark melodies and fierce instrumentation. "Before I Forget" is about rising above the bull*#!t and being a person, not a human. It's about saying what you mean and meaning what you say - taking zero bull#!*t." adds Taylor, "and Vermillion is a stalker's love song, shot thru his eyes. It's kind of a does he or doesn't he type thing - it's left open for you to decide."

Album Description
Japanese release featuring a bonus DVD with promotional videos. DVD IS NTSC, REGION CODE 2

Album Details
Slipknot Are the Biggest Extreme Metal Act in the World. This Exclusive Tour Edition of their Third Album 'vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses' features a New Artwork Slipcase plus a Bonus Disc with Seven Previously Unreleased and Live Slipknot Tracks.

Customer Reviews: Read 1078 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

The Best Album Of Slipknot's Career December 18, 2004
63 out of 87 found this review helpful

Let me be honest here: I was never really a big Slipknot fan. Their debut was pretty good, I'd give it about 3 stars, but showed much room for improvement. The follow-up, "Iowa," however, just took all of the band's skill for granted and was one of the sloppiest and most pointless "metal" albums in history. However, with their third release, appropriately titled "Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses," the nine members of Slipknot team up with mega-producer Rick Rubin (Who has made metal masterpieces with Slayer and System Of A Down) and put out their most diverse, most interesting and most musical piece of music to date. This album may turn off the dearly devoted fans, especially if you dug the sound they were going for on "Iowa." There's no pretensions about it: This is a softer Slipknot. Yes, the band still knows how to pull the punches at all the right moments, there are a handful of songs that will sound familiar ("Blister Exists" and "Before I Forget" are two that come to mind), but they take a little more risks this time around. One of my favorite tracks is, oddly enough, the intro, simply titled "Prelude." Frontman Corey Taylor croons oversome rather interesting and ambient music and sets the tone for the rest of the album. "Vermillion" and "Vermillion, Pt. 2" probably capture the essence of the new sound the best. While the first part is a more traditional sound, the second part is considerably quieter and moodier, both songs showcase the 'duality' of Slipknot's music. "Circles," a mainly acoustic track (much in the same vein as Stone Sour's "Bother") remains a favorite of mine, with a chorus that will haunt you for days. Corey's knack for melody definitely comes into light here more than ever. "Opium Of The People" is another excellent track, more on the traditional side, but benefits from some excellent guitar-work. However, the album isn't without it's faults. One particular misfire is the tribute to Slipknot's fans titled "Pulse Of The Maggots." This song just seems very forced and pointless, and doesn't fit in with the rest of the album, but then again, this is the only bad song on here I can think of, so all is forgiven. So what Slipknot have here is essentially their definitive album. They've got all their sides on display, and truly, the time they took off after 2001 to explore varying side-projects has paid off. Even though it's hard to tell where all nine members fit in here, it's still an incredible album. I never thought I would give Slipknot a five-star review, but they deserve it. For once, I am anticipating the next release.

Slipknot's Best and Most Mature Album To Date July 11, 2004
58 out of 77 found this review helpful

When vocalist Corey Taylor (a.k.a. #8) and guitarist Jim Root (a.k.a. #4) took off their homemade masks and got back together with their former band "Stone Sour" in 2002, many Slipknot fans (known affectionately as "Maggots") feared that their favorite nine-member, mask-wearing, nihilistic heavy/rap metal band was on the verge of breaking up. Fear not Maggots, Corey Taylor and Jim Root never discarded their masks. They rejoined their other seven Slipknot band mates in 2003 to record what is arguably their best album to date. Released in May, 2004, Slipknot's third album, entitled "Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)", demonstrates a far more mature and dynamic sound than their two previous albums to date. It also demonstrates the influence that working again with "Stone Sour" had upon Corey Taylor and Jim Root. My ratings for each of the 14 tracks on the album follow:

1. "Prelude 3.0" (5). A collection of dark & mysterious chords and light percussion accompany Corey Taylor's emotional vocals start this album at a slower tempo before giving way quickly to the next track.
2. "The Blister Exists" (5). Fast & furious, this hard-hitting track begins with aggressive guitar, double drumming and Corey Taylor's often-screaming vocals in a mix very typical of past Slipknot songs.
3. "Three Nil" (5). Another song very typical of past Slipknot works with fast, aggressive & loud guitar, strong percussion and Corey Taylor's combination of screaming, spoken and melodic vocals with a mix of unusual chords and effects.
4. "Duality" (5+). A soft beginning focusing on Corey Taylor's vocals quickly builds into what is arguably the best song on the album. A great mix of Corey's screaming, spoken & melodic vocals accompanied by aggressive/melodic guitar and strong percussion.
5. "Opium of the People" (4.5). A song that blends speed metal with Corey's typical Slipknot style that switches to more melodic choruses.
6. "Circle" (5). The influence of the Corey Taylor's & Jim Root's involvement with "Stone Sour" is demonstrated in this atypical very melodic ballad that includes orchestral string instruments.
7. "Welcome" (4.5). A song very reminiscent of speed and thrash metal, but in a much more modern translation.
8. "Vermilion" (4.5). Aptly named for the scarlet-red color, they lyrics of this melodic/aggressive combination of fast guitar and strong percussion focuses on a relationship with a woman.
9. "Pulse of the Maggots" (5). This tribute to Slipknot's fans is a great mix of Corey's screaming, spoken & melodic vocals accompanied by fast, aggressive guitar (lots of riffs) and intense double-drumming percussion.
10. "Before I Forget" (5). An explosive mix of aggressive guitar, bass and intense percussion blended with Corey's melodic/screaming vocals.
11. "Vermilion Pt. 2" (5). Another atypical, very melodic & acoustic ballad that highlights Corey Taylor's amazing voice whose lyrics focus on a relationship with a woman. Again, another influence from Corey & Jim Root's recent involvement with "Stone Sour".
12. "The Nameless" (4.5). Fast & furious percussion, guitar and bass begin this song with Corey's screaming vocals that occasionally & unexpectedly transforms into a very melodic ballad.
13. "The Virus of Life" (4.5). An eclectic mix of percussion, percussion effects, bass and Corey's spoken vocals.
14. "Danger - Keep Away" (4). An unusual, low-pitched ballad featuring sometimes-oddly timed chords backed with soft percussion and Corey's very melodic vocals that abruptly ends the album.

My overall rating for Slipknot's "Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Versus)" is 5 out of 5 stars. The other members of Slipknot include DJ Sid Wilson (#0), drummer Joey Jordison (#1), bassist Paul Grey (#2), percussionist Chris Fehn (#3), sampler/programmer Craig Jones (#5), percussionist Shawn "Clown" Crahan (#6) and guitarist Mick Thompson (#7).

Slipknot Evolve   April 13, 2005
27 out of 32 found this review helpful

I've had this record for quite some time now. I know it from top to bottom pretty well. I must say that it is Slipknot's most impressive effort. When you look at their self titled debut, you have a hardcore masterpiece, and Iowa took that up to another knotch. What's next? Vol. 3, is a showcase as to what Slipknot can accomplish as a band. The drumming seems to be showcased the most, as Joey Jordinson is a great skinsman. This record also proves that Mick and Jim are quite the guitarists, as this record is chock full of fast Kerry King like solos. Corey continues to amaze by hitting notes I'd never be able to hit in a life time. Everyone plays their part on this record. What I like best about this record is the fact that's it's so creepy. The samples are absolutely perfect for this record, they provide a dark and dreary atmosphere. This has to be one of the darkest records ever made.

Since I am reviewing the special edition, I'll also go over the material on the bonus disc. The disk starts out with two b-sides, both are great songs, and should belong right with the rest of the songs on the album. You also get a remix of Vermillion, but it's not too different from the original version. Also included is the full version of the album's very creepy outro Danger-Keep Away. The full version is much longer than the original with many more added parts. After that you get four live tracks. Slipknot live is always a good thing.

All in all, a great release. Highly recommended.

1 out of 5 stars crap crap crap   December 31, 2005
23 out of 40 found this review helpful

Let's take a vote. If you think Slipknot are a really bad band press "yes". If not click "no".

5 out of 5 stars This is the album that proved all the critics wrong.   May 25, 2004
16 out of 18 found this review helpful

First of all; I already know people will be screaming "SELL OUTS!", but the fact of the matter is this album is truly amazing. All the critics just said that these guys were just people who jumped around on stage screaming useless stuff with no meaning. They have two acoustic songs, one slowish type song and a song that starts off heavy and enters into an acoustic breakdown. Those songs are so creative and crazy, you have no idea.

This album is by far their most mature and in my opinion their best album to date and is a CD that fits everyone one way or another. Corey Taylor's lyrics are really good, but the only downfall is Joey doesn't get to show his skills as much, but we already know he's a bad ass drummer, so it's fine.

I honestly couldn't see them playing this album live, or else they would get booed off stage, because people are close minded like that. When I went to see Slipknot, they only performed four songs ("Duality", "The Blister Exists", "Pulse of the Maggots", and "Three Nil") and they were all heavyish. They wouldn't be able to play "Vermillion", "Vermillion Pt 2.", "Circle", "Danger - Keep Away" or "The Nameless", which all have a nice little soft side to them. My favorite "soft song" is "Vermillion Pt 2."

Now as for the heavy part of the album, pretty much the whole first half of the CD is really heavy. I love "Welcome" the most, just because it's so intense. "The Blister Exists" was really well done too, with the patriotic drum rolls during the middle and at the end. Very catchy stuff.

Overall, it's my favorite album right now and would definitely reccomend this to people with an open mind.

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