When it comes to mainstream metal, there are few who do it bigger or better than Slipknot. Currently frolicking across the nation on their Knotfest roadshow, we had the privilege of being there first-hand at the RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield, WA for an incredible night of unity through music.
Opening up for the night was Ho99o9 (pronounced Horror), a rock-rap trio originally from New Jersey. Breaking through the definition of hip-hop and falling just short of hard rock, Ho99o9 was visually appealing but musically underwhelming. Corey Taylor of Slipknot would later refer to the group as one his all-time favorite bands, but perhaps it takes some time for the uninitiated to acclimate.
The next act to take the stage, one of the biggest names in west coast hip-hop, Cypress Hill. Sen Dog was not able to tour with the band this go-round due to heart complications prior to the tour, but B-Real and Eric Bobo along with DJ Lord rocked the venue in his name. DJ Lord started the set with ten solid minutes of metal mixes and the crowd was pumped! When B-Real and Eric Bobo swaggered onto the stage, a dense cloud wafted through the amphitheater. A general feeling of happiness and calm also seemed to be felt amongst the attendees. Completely unrelated, of course. Cypress Hill then performed an homage to their favorite herb. B-real was unapologetic. A few songs into the set, he invited everyone to raise their middle fingers, saying “This one is for the pigs. The ones that don’t play by the rules” before breaking into “Sound of the Pigs”. The band went on to play nearly a dozen songs closing out their set with a cover of House of Pain’s “Jump Around”. Cypress Hill sounded incredible. B-Real sounded just the way he did 30 some-odd years ago. In fact, this might be the one band that time just can’t touch.
Slipknot, simply put, is sensory overload. 9 musicians on a massive stage with huge visual effects, all to a soul-annihilating soundtrack. If you’re looking for an outlet to release all those endorphines you’ve been bottling-up during these strange covid years, this is it folks. Slipknot’s set is 17 songs deep with all the favorites sprinkled in. Opening up with “Disasterpiece”, followed by huge pyrotechnics and “Wait and Bleed”, it’s like a leaf blower to the face. And it doesn’t let up. Corey talks about the arrival of new Slipknot music in the near future saying “I can’t tell you when, but it wil be soon soon soon soon. Maybe within the next month.” The band when gave a little taste of what’s to come with their already released single “Chapeltown Rag”. Later in the evening, Corey polled the audience asking who was from Portland, and then, those from Washington. The poll seemed to be pretty evenly divided, but Corey went on to say “I don’t care if you’re from Portland, or Washington. Tonight, we’re all from fuckin’ Ridgefield” to huge applause. The singer then went on to say “I’ve got a story about Portland. We were nearly banned from playing anywhere within Portland city limits. Ya set fire to one fucking dressing room”, again to raucous applause.
As Corey was sauntering onto the stage between songs, he did his usual… “My friends! No wait, My Fucking Family!!” He then went on to say “We don’t care how old you are, what color your skin is, who you love, whether you’ve been with us since ’99, or you’re just catching up. You’re fucking family. In fact, we have an have equation to determine who’s one of us, and who’s one of them. It goes something like… If you’re 5-5-5…”. “Then, I’m 6-6-6” replied an enthusiastic Ridgefield crowd. We’re all so good at math.
We had the pleasure of experiencing “Snuff” live, which hasn’t been played live in over a decade.
The setlist contained more awesomeness than should be allowed at any single metal show. If you’re a Slipknot veteran, you’ll recognize these songs, but until the newest stuff spills into the sonisphere, the classics will do just fine. Did I mention that Corey was a talker? He went on to say “We’ve been doing this professionally for 23 fucking years. And as long as you’re all still with us, we’ll give you 23 fucking more. I promise you that.” Well, Mr. Taylor, when you make a promise amongst family, we’re going to hold you to it.
The Knotfest Roadshow just announced a fall leg taking them through the south and ending on October 7th in Irvine California.
