Slipknot + Knocked Loose at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

Released on June 29th, 1999, Slipknot’s self-titled debut was a smash, becoming a hit with critics and an instant classic with fans. It was, and is, a molotov cocktail signaling a revolution– embracing a creative direction that eschewed metal traditions in favor of fresh ideas. While the jaw-clenching riffs coupled with Ross Robinson’s venomous production were crucial to the album’s success, it was the care and attention to detail in the songcraft that moved the needle from “great” to “benchmark.” Not too shabby for a bunch of guys that only hoped to be heard. “We loved what we did with the first record but we didn’t even know if there was gonna be anything after that,” recalls guitarist Jim Root. “We just wanted people to hear it. Selling out of records and shows, having successful tours– those are goals for any band. But the dream scenario in some ways, came true for us.”

The infection spreads deeper and wider into 2024 and 2025, but Slipknot are not giving details as to what to expect. But it wouldn’t be Slipknot if they didn’t exceed fan expectations. “We have five OG members and lots of family in Slipknot,” recalls Clown. “We want to acknowledge what we are, where we came from and what we accomplished. We’re just Slipknot. We’re here to be. And we’re still walking uphill– it hasn’t leveled off. But you can definitely believe we’re already thinking about what’s next and next after that.”

As Knocked Loose chipped away at what would become their 3rd album, they felt the pressure from all sides. Internally, there was the need to challenge themselves as songwriters while retaining the merciless intensity and unflinching honesty that have always been their calling cards. Externally, there was a whole new set of eyes on the Louisville quintet, following a banner year in which they’d brought their underground-seasoned sound to some of the world’s biggest stages such as Coachella and Bonnaroo.

The creative process was arduous, writing close to 40 songs across a span of 4 years before locking in the 10 tracks that make up new LP You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To. In the end, vocalist Bryan Garris, guitarists Isaac Hale & Nicko Calderon, bassist Kevin Otten & drummer Kevin “Pac Sun” Kaine honed a diverse, cohesive and savagely intense album that both sums up the massive strides they’ve taken during their decade as a band, & asserts their boundless potential going forward.

There’s no ceiling for hardcore in 2024 — even an outfit as uncompromising as Knocked Loose can turn up in mainstream-adjacent spaces and win over new fans. But there’s a center to what they do that will never change: uncompromising heaviness, sonically & thematically. Everywhere Knocked Loose have been is here on this record — but so is everywhere they may yet go.