Sunday Spins: Slipknot, 'All Hope Is Gone'

Slipknot hit pay dirt when they released All Hope Is Gone in August of 2008. The album was huge for the band and really put them on another level, at least commercially. The album debuted in the top spot on Billboard, which is (still) not common for metal acts. The album spawned a big tour and I saw them perform at Rock on the Range in 2009 as part of that run.

All Hope Is Gone is the last Slipknot album with what I consider to be the band's best lineup, featuring both drummer Joey Jordison and bassist Paul Gray. Gray and Jordison have since departed this earth. 

For the tenth anniversary of the album, Slipknot re-released the album with live tracks. In August 2022, Roadrunner Records released a limited edition, double-orange vinyl of All Hope Is Gone. The vinyl is a gatefold with printed sheets and great photography. This is the version I have. There are copies of the 10th anniversary reissue out there as a silver marbled edition but those fetch a crackers amount of cash.

I have a white Fluance turntable and let me tell you that the orange vinyl looks incredibly sexy as it spins. This is a great sounding press and worth the money - I think I paid around $30 on sale.

All Hope Is Gone is one of my most favorite metal albums. I still use many of the tracks as part of my running playlist. It doesn't get much better than "Psychosocial" for pushing up hills (ok, or a treadmill incline). The title track is also a banger for aggressive workouts, plus the lyrics spit the truth about the world these days. When I spin the vinyl, Roosevelt the Cat will come in and sit by the turntable and push his ears back and just listen. I'm making that cat Metal, after all! Also, I think he likes Corey Taylor's voice.

I cannot recommend this orange re-issue enough. It's a fun addition for any Slipknot fan who also loves collecting records.

Inkcarceration 2023 Festival Announced

Happy Friday!

The lineup for this year's Inkcarceration Music and Tattoo Festival was just announced. The fest happens in Mansfield, Ohio at the Ohio State Reformatory July 14-16. (Pack water. It will be hot).

Headliners are Slipknot, Pantera and Limp Bizkit. Other bands include Asking Alexandria, Hatebreed, Flyleaf, Coal Chamber and Lamb of God. With fees, a weekend GA pass is about $270. A weekend VIP pass is just under $600 a person. Tickets are on sale now.

Farewell Joey Jordison

It is just unreal to me, how many musicians we're losing these days. Joey Jordison, founding member and drummer of Slipknot, died yesterday at 46. He had transverse myelitis, but it isn't exactly clear what caused the death. He died in his sleep.

Jordison left Slipknot in 2013. Slipknot's All Hope Is Gone is one of my favorite metal records, period. Jordison's drumming is great on the album. Slipknot is on a social media blackout in honor of Jordison.

Joey Jordison, a founding member of Slipknot, who drummed for the influential metal band in its most popular period and helped write many of its best-known songs, has died at age 46. https://t.co/Uz3j3iIiGi

— The Associated Press (@AP) July 28, 2021

pic.twitter.com/jE6TrAUdbW

— Slipknot (@slipknot) July 27, 2021