To commemorate a quarter-century since the release of their iconic self-titled debut, Slipknot is delivering a thunderous gift to fans: the Slipknot 25th anniversary deluxe reissue. This mammoth collection doesn’t just revisit the past—it amplifies it, featuring 40 previously unreleased Slipknot tracks, live recordings, and demos that provide a raw, unfiltered look at the band in its formative years.
Originally released in 1999, Slipknot was a genre-defining moment for nu-metal, catapulting the Iowa-based nonet into the mainstream with brutal tracks like “Wait and Bleed” and “Spit It Out.” Their explosive mix of horror-inspired visuals, masked personas, and sheer sonic aggression made them a global phenomenon virtually overnight. Now, with the reissue, the band aims not only to honor that breakthrough but also to reintroduce it to a new generation.
What can fans expect from the deluxe reissue?
The 25th anniversary reissue includes four discs packed with rare content. In addition to the original 1999 album, listeners will gain access to 1997 demos, the full Ozzfest 1999 live set, and The Clown’s home basement sessions — all compiled to tell the most complete story of Slipknot’s origins ever assembled.
Particularly exciting are the 40 previously unheard tracks that span early experimentation, alternative takes, and behind-the-scenes studio moments. These additions offer a deeper, grittier lens into the evolution of Slipknot’s sound and identity, especially during the chaotic buildup to their Roadrunner Records debut. For die-hard fans and metal historians alike, this is a treasure trove that illuminates how nine masked musicians from Des Moines came to reshape heavy music.
Available in multiple formats, the reissue will be released digitally, on CD, and vinyl. Each edition features unique packaging, with the most deluxe versions including memorabilia and exclusive liner notes written by band members. These notes detail the inspiration behind key songs, the band’s mindset at the time, and the challenges they overcame in creating their landmark debut.
In addition, fans can expect visual content including previously unreleased photos, handwritten lyrics, and artwork from the band’s early days. These elements are designed to bring listeners as close as possible to the Slipknot of 1999, offering a tactile experience that mirrors the intensity of their music.
How is Slipknot celebrating the reissue on stage?
To coincide with the release, the band is embarking on a 25th anniversary tour, revisiting cities that played a pivotal role in their ascent. According to Slipknot, this tour will focus heavily on the material from their 1999 debut, offering fans a visceral, back-to-basics experience. It’s a throwback to the raw chaos of the band’s early live shows, when their reputation was built on relentless energy and theatrical violence.
Frontman Corey Taylor recently emphasized that the setlists will “dive deep” into that era, including rarely performed tracks and reinterpretations of fan favorites. This approach mirrors the band’s desire to recapture the raw energy and unpredictability that defined their earliest shows.
The tour includes appearances at key festivals like Knotfest 2024, which promises to be a high-octane homage to the band’s legacy. Knotfest itself has become a cultural institution within the metal community, and this year’s edition is curated specifically to reflect Slipknot’s beginnings. Expect a lineup heavy with bands that influenced or were influenced by Slipknot, plus exclusive anniversary performances and merchandise.
Additionally, Slipknot has teased special collaborations and surprise guest appearances during the tour. Fans are speculating whether former members or longtime collaborators might return for select performances, though nothing has been confirmed. What is clear is that the band intends to make this tour a landmark event—one that resonates with both nostalgia and relevance.
When and where will it all take place?
The deluxe edition of Slipknot’s debut album is set for release on July 26, 2024. Tour dates have already begun rolling out, with North American stops throughout the summer and European dates planned for later in the year.
Venues include both intimate clubs and large-scale arenas, reflecting the dual nature of the celebration: one part gritty revival, one part global spectacle. Fans are advised to purchase tickets early, as demand is expected to be high, particularly for cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and London, where the band has historically enjoyed fervent support.
This celebration marks not just a retrospective but a reassertion of Slipknot’s place in metal history. For both longtime maggots and newcomers, this is a rare chance to see the band both honor and reimagine their roots. Will this be Slipknot’s most memorable tour yet? Only time (and the mosh pit) will tell.
