LIVE REVIEW: Slipknot @ First Direct Arena, Leeds
14/12/2024
With support from Glasgow's finest, Bleed From Within.
I think this has been the most anticipated event in metal this year. I have waited just over a year since purchasing tickets to see Slipknot since they announced their Here Comes The Pain tour, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of their self-titled album. I remember a year ago I woke up early and queued electronically for those tickets and luckily got them before they sold out.
And finally getting to the day that fans have been waiting for was unreal.
Walking up to the Arena, fans are dressed in their best battle jackets, make-up and boiler suits. I wasn’t waiting long until doors opened and people rushed to get their spot in standing or the first pick of the merchandise. I managed to scoop up the Warehouse Tour shirt after a short queue.
I found my seats at a very welcome view of the stage in the stands and the wait was on for the support. I watched as the crowd slowly filled the standing area, some already rocking out to the music with a great playlist consisting of Papa Roach, Mud Vayne, System Of A Down, Limp Bizkit.
After a short line check, the lights dimmed and Bleed From Within Introduced themselves with a hearty song and won over the crowd in seconds. I found them quite grand and technically impressive, going into their set blind. ( I adore being surprised by support bands).
Vocals soared and roared. Guitars were pure lightning and the Drums were thunder. Pits Opened maliciously absolutely shaking the arena. I don’t remember their set, as I was absolutely immersed and in awe of their performance, however I do remember Levitate being a favourite of mine, opening with such a serene orchestra and the crowd lighting up the arenas with their torches before hitting hard with that brutal sound.
Absolutely epic band.
A long intermission follows, with crew working timely to change up the stage, to once again the same playlist. The lights darken, Gary Wright’s Dream Weaver plays over speaker, everyone is in anticipation at this abrupt change in genre.
The fade warms up into 742617000027 as each member makes their entrance adorned with the classic red Boiler suit, with (sic) not so far behind, every single person, in the crowd moving like waves, pits split open, a complete onslaught battlefield. Relief fell over me, thankful that I got sitting, my 5’ 3” squishy shell of a being wouldn’t have survived. I think I audibly gasped when I saw one guy fold in two during a mini wall of death. Hope the bruises aren't too bad.
Without hesitation, devastation continued with Eyeless and then Wait and Bleed stirring up something fierce on stage. Barely 10 minutes in and Slipknot have reared the crowd for slaughter, and still full of energy.
The show was classic. Compared to many years of decorum of pyro, fireworks, even the sick drum risers that move; This was stripped back to a basic backdrop, two large screens and the pure energy of Slipknot themselves. Nothing else was needed.
Looking around I could see every seat filled and below every inch of the floor covered. A few sad and bored faces suggested they come for beloved household titles such as Psychosocial or Duality.
“We’re taking you back to 19-fucking-99” The distinct voice of Corey Taylor yelled. The crowd adored his every word, screaming, whistling and wooing in response. “For the Casual Slipknot fan, Sorry” I laughed in amusement.
This set and album is just as old as me but I've been listening since my introduction to them at age 13. This is quite a historical gig and to be able to say that I’ve seen them play the whole self-titled album is quite an honour.
The night goes on not letting up on the cataclysmic revolt. Pure raw emotion. Premeditated unrestrained noise. The same flame that fuelled those men 25 years ago is still alive and flowing in their flesh.
Ending on a triplet encore with Spit It Out, Surfacing and Scissors. The two and a half decade of torture, beastlike fury, earsplitting volume and relentlessness, stuns all of Leeds as Slipknot maintains their crown as one of the hardest bands out there.
WOW. Absolutely insane.
