Slipknot, The Chapeltown Rag | FIERCE Pop + Rock

In the 11^th edition of FIERCE Pop + Rock (2023), we highlight “The Chapeltown Rag” performed by Slipknot.

“Read all about it if you want to know / Read all about what they want you to know.” Woo! Bring on the bold, FIERCE tracks! FIERCE Pop + Rock provides background information and insight into pop, rock, and metal songs that raise eyebrows and stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 11^th edition of FIERCE Pop + Rock (2023), we explore “The Chapeltown Rag” performed by Slipknot.

A damning intro is truly only the beginning of when it comes to the fierce, Slipknot track, “The Chapeltown Rag”. The third track from the band’s 2022 album, The End, So Far, references both the danger of the media as well as infamous British serial killer, Peter Sutcliffe.  Regarding the sound, “The Chapeltown Rag” is incredibly aggressive and dark. The drums pummel, while the guitars are distorted, hellish, and twisted.  The vocals courtesy of the one and only Corey Taylor, kick @$$ and take names – understatement. If you have virgin ears, watch out – there are f-bombs , like boom ! Despite the infernal nature of this cut, the chorus is melodic – quite tuneful. Still, “Vessels burst, veins release / Just slide into the nearest lie” isn’t the most optimistic lyrics…

It is the lyrics that ‘take the cake’ on this fierce, unapologetic, hard rocking cut.  “Everything is god online, and it’s evil as it gets / This is not a fuckin’ trick, either follow or repent,” Taylor asserts in the first verse. He has a legitimate point! In the second, Taylor shifts Sutcliffe: “All the ligatures are getting tight, like a style / Murder another mouth before the trial / Scalpel and then scalp ‘em to fucking death / Kills for the other vampires and surrogates / It’s a ploy for attention and evidence.” Well, they didn’t call him the Yorkshire Ripper for nothing! Another fun moment: “I’m a knife, I’m a gun, I’m a slit, I’m a scar /… You better call the triple 9…” “The Chapeltown Rag”, courtesy of Slipknot – F-I-E-R-C-E as the rock/metal comes !

Slipknot • The End, So Far • Roadrunner • 2022

Slipknot, “The Chapeltown Rag”: FIERCE Pop + Rock No. 11 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Roadrunner; Conna Lee, Madelin Berry, anna-m. w., Johan Duran, RODNAE Productions via Pexels; Pete Linforth via Pixabay]