Slipknot entered with a vengeance, high energy and drama, dressed in their identical black jump suits with exceptional Halloween type masks only to depict a Hollywood Horror flick. People were jumping, punching, body slamming and crowd surfing. The crowd did not subside throughout the entire show. Everyone could feel the energy throughout the two hour performance. The crowd chanted for an encore in which Slipknot happily obliged with a three song finally.

When I first decided to go see Slipknot, I didn't know what to expect. I'm a fan of their music, but I have never attended their live concert before. I have heard they were crazy and unpredictable. At first I was a little nervous about attending such a high strung show, hearing that their other shows brought rowdy crowds, however once they started to play, it was like being in a trance. Their antics on stage had me transfixed and more curious to what was coming next. I too could have been considered a rowdy fan, banging and stomping along with the rest of the crowd. I'm sure if I was closer to the Mosh pit I would have been compelled to join in. Members of slipknot beat beer kegs with a swinging bat incorporating it perfectly to the beat of the music, while Percussionist Chris Fehn hung with one hand off a steel drum which was suspended in the air.

Lead vocalist Corey Taylor, paced the stage with immense power and demonic charm. While, the Steel can man had the crowd spellbound with his solo performance during "The Blister Exists." The pounding on Steel cans, beer kegs and drums generated an obsessive frenzy. The crowd chanted along during slipknots hit song "Duality," which Corey performed vigorously. The crowd was in awe when, drummer Joey Jordison pulled off playing upside down without missing a beat, which caused a tidal wave of applause from the audience. Slipknots performance was a non stop adrenaline rush. The pace only slowed down for a bit with Corey singing the slow verses of "The Nameless" only to cause more frenzy during the fast paced, ear bleeding verses. One who knows the music would only be able to decipher the words to most of the songs.

The flickering of lighters filled the arena when "Vermilion PT. 2" was played which is a softer version of "Vermilion," Slipknot's other hit, which was also a success with the fans as they roared along with the song. Slipknot played a good portion of the music off their Subliminal Verses album surely no one was disappointed. They even shared, with their hard core fans, some new songs that have not been debuted yet. It was apparent to everyone they play it up for their fans.

Slipknot excelled throughout the night with their high energy and showy performance. There is no slipping for this dynamic nu-metal band whose energetic show transcended to the audience. After the show, fans were lost for words, when asked what they thought about Slipknots performance, they either replied with "awesome man" or "they kicked fucking ass." Slipknot, entertaining since 1995, is unlikely to slow down now. I'm sure we'll be seeing them for a long while with their kick ass music and freaky artistic style.

If Slipknot is scheduled to play in a venue near you I highly recommend you see them in concert. You won't regret it.

Slipknot's latest CD Vol 3: (The Subliminal Verses) is on Roadrunner Records and is available at the usual outlets. Online users can purchase music by SlipKnot at Amazon.com. For more info visit the SlipKnot website or to sample music log onto the SlipKnot page at myspace.com.

Concert Review by Domenica Acquarulo - Copyright © 2005 Florida Entertainment Scene - All Rights Reserved.