WHEN PAUL GRAY tragically passed away in 2010, there was a question mark over whether Slipknot would continue without their vital founding member and beloved bandmate. For the sake of the music, they did. When they parted ways with the none-more-legendary Joey Jordison in 2013, still, they moved forwards, the collective bigger than any individual. And by the time Chris Fehn exited in 2019, it seemed obvious they’d forge onwards.
Now, the nontet are entering what Corey Taylor describes as a new era, and with their modern-day line-up established, they’ve created their most experimental album in 18 years with The End, So Far. They might not be the original Nine of ’99, huffing dead crows and vomiting, but they’ve transmogrified into a surprising beast who are still able to mess with our heads, bang the shit out of barrels, and write riffs that melt the faces of the competition. Long may they bring the pain.
Elsewhere in the issue, our Rich Hobson sits down with Ozzy Osbourne for a candid chat about his current era, and finds a defiant icon who’s determined to make the most of his time on Earth. Going by brilliant new album Patient Number 9, it’s working out for him.