10 Best Hard Rock Albums Of The 2000s

The 9 maniacs of Slipknot had certainly been through a lot by the time the mid-2000's came into view. After creating one of the heaviest records in existence with 2001's Iowa, the band were on a road to self destruction as the touring cycle played out.

Once they regrouped after being on the road, the band set up shop in the infamous Houdini mansion to work on their next record with the help of famed producer Rick Rubin. The band were still strung out on drugs but determined to make the best record they could. While there's no denying that Slipknot is a metal band through and through, this album's experimentation with hard rock styles is some of the most beautiful music the band has made while also being the most tortured. Many songs like "Duality" and "Before I Forget" can still start up a mosh pit at a moment's notice, but more sullen moments like on "Circle" and the "Vermilion" tracks will stun you with their ability to disturb you as you sing along.

This album helped the band find themselves again and became the lynch pin that brought them to a new level of fame. The Maggot tribe had officially become an army.