Slipknot

As the various members of Slipknot explore other endeavours and wind their way back to the masked collective, each successive release is yet another foray into new territory. In the case of All Hope Is Gone, the band seem to have ventured back in time somewhat, preferring to draw on the same straightforward thrash, death metal and hardcore that defined their eponymous debut. Still, it wouldn’t be Slipknot if they didn’t alter the formula somewhat. In this case, that side is revealed via more melodic vocal deliveries and even an acoustic passage or two, most notably on "Snuff.” While not as vicious as say, Iowa, yet clearly more mature in terms of creativity, All Hope Is Gone marks a stable, if not altogether overwhelming, inclusion into the band’s legacy.