Slipknot

Slipknot's 1999 self-titled debut is a dense, aggressive blend of nu metal and alternative metal that emphasizes layered percussion, downtuned guitar riffs, abrasive turntable and sample textures, and a mix of screamed and melodic vocals. The record introduced the band's nine-member, masked lineup and a raw, claustrophobic production style that foregrounds rhythm and intensity. Its sound is notable for rapid tempo shifts, heavy rhythmic focus, and a confrontational tone that marked a heavier strand of late 1990s metal.