Slipknot and Korn (Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, January 19th

On the morning of this gig I had no idea I was going until I received a phone call from a friend saying she knew someone with a spare sitting ticket for £20. I am in no way a huge fan of either band despite growing up with them constantly on the music channels but at that price I thought it was a steal.

Unfortunately due to work commitments and having to pick tickets up I completely missed King 810 and the first two songs of Korn. Upon finding my seat I wasn’t sure what to expect at all despite seeing both bands twice previously at festivals. On both of these occasions Slipknot being incredible live and Korn being close to just a wall of nonsensical noise. Korn went through their back catalogue including classics like Freak On A Leash, Got The Life and Blind, and despite not expecting much I have to say they were incredible. A band that started in basements and dreary rehearsal rooms roughly 20 years ago now playing packed out arenas world wide is a sight to behold. Next up were Slipknot, a band who eight to ten years ago you were actually scared at their shows and wondered what would happen. Tonight despite the sound being great and the set being crammed full of classics there is something pantomime about the entire gig.

With flashing lights that feel as if they would fit a boy band or dance act more than a heavy metal monster it makes you wonder if Slipknot has became a parody of themselves. There is no fear in the venue despite the crowd being wild. The question after tonight is that although Slipknot are not past it is it time for them to pass the mantel on to another band and for their fans to realise that their glory days may be behind them? 8/10
Christopher Storey

Main photo by El