Slipknot formed as a nine piece heavy metal band in 1995, originating from Des Moines, Iowa. Largely known for their agressive fast tempo music, Slipknot changed the current generations view on heavy metal music with their huge fan following and chaotic live performances. Since they formed the band have always worn masks throughout their live shows and also in any appearence as a band in public, this is another reason for their rise to fame through such acts of originality. The band has so far produced 5 albums since 1995, winning numerous awards from industries related to the rock/metal genre as well as winning a Grammy award after being nominated for seven previously.
In May 2010 the death of the Slipknot bassist Paul Gray, rocked the music world leaving the band in obvious distress and shock, since then the band have made next to no appearence in the media apart from an interview shortly after the death of their band mate to which they explained their massive sadness. After this Slipknot have made no more movement as a band, and it has been rumoured that the unfortunate death of Paul Gray may be the end for the band. Records show that in May 2010 Slipknot's sales figures stood at around 14 million for worldwide sales of their records, showing their obvious success and prominence in the heavy metal and also music world.
Despite this the reason I have chosen this video to analyse is becasue I feel it typifies the heavy metal genre as well as being a well produced and interesting video.
Genre
It is widely known and also easily recognisable by Slipknot's music and video productions that they are very much a heavy metal band. In general this is fairly obvious for a number of reasons, the first of these reasons would be the music itself with vigorous vocals, dense thumping percussion sounds and distorted guitars. This is very typical of the metal genre and became an almost signature sound for Slipknot which their fans grew to love. Another indication to genre in this particular song and video and the bands other productions would be the way the members dress. Clothing has always been something that points to a music genre, and the heavy metal scene is no different, in this case dark clothing, body piercings, skulls, metal studs and leather. On top of this in Slipknot's case their iconic use of face masks that again boosts their imagery into the heavy metal style genre which has always contributed to their aggresive style which pleases their fans.
Video
I think that the video to this song by Slipknot, is quite hard to judge as to what style of production it actually is in terms of narrative or a performance. However in my opinion I feel that by watching this video it becomes apparent that the band and the producers of this video are trying to show the emotion and personality of the music through the way the actors do things within the production. This is because the video shows fans of the band running towards a house smashing things on their way and meeting with the band, inside the house. The way in which the band connect with the fans in the video by playing their music in the same vacinity as them shows an obvious unison and love for the fans on the bands part. Despite it being quite to describe I feel that the video overall is a statement from the band to the fans that they are at one with the fans, in the way that they feel the same emotion as the fans when listening to the music, by the 'head-banging' and 'mosh' style movement typical of heavy metal fans.
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