James Hetfield gives his thoughts on Slipknot

Growing and evolving over the years, Heavy Metal has transformed through each decade since Black Sabbath’s debut, with Metallica’s formation 11 years later propelling the genre to new heights. The band’s fast and heavy sound introduced fans to Thrash Metal, inspiring a whole new generation of musicians.

As the 1990s rolled around, Metallica embarked on an experimental journey, altering their sound and image with influences from Grunge music. The end of the decade saw the rise of Nu Metal, with bands like Slipknot coming to the forefront. Slipknot, a band that Metallica’s James Hetfield has shared his thoughts on, has a strong connection to the iconic band.

James Hetfield has expressed his admiration for Slipknot, especially vocalist Corey Taylor, who is a close friend of Metallica. However, Hetfield has also discussed his reservations about musicians who delve into side projects, citing Slipknot’s Taylor as an example. While acknowledging Taylor’s talent, Hetfield emphasized the importance of dedication and loyalty to one’s primary band.

Despite his concerns, Hetfield has praised Slipknot’s music and even invited them to tour with Metallica in 2004. They were slated to open for Metallica again in 2019, but the tour was canceled due to Hetfield’s entry into rehab. Interestingly, fans have noticed similarities between Metallica’s “If Darkness Had a Son” from their 2023 album and Slipknot’s “Before I Forget” from 2004.

Slipknot’s third album, “Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses),” released in 2004, played a significant role in Metallica opting to work with producer Rick Rubin for their ninth studio album, “Death Magnetic.” Hetfield cited Rubin’s work on Slipknot and other bands as influential in their decision to collaborate with him.

In 2004, Metallica faced an unexpected challenge when drummer Lars Ulrich suffered an anxiety attack before a concert. Slipknot’s Joey Jordison stepped in to help, sharing drumming duties with Slayer’s Dave Lombardo for the performance. Joey Jordison later expressed his awe and gratitude for the experience, calling it a dream come true.

During Slipknot’s early days opening for Metallica, Corey Taylor humorously shared an anecdote of the band stealing Metallica’s beers backstage. Despite the lighthearted incident, both bands have maintained a mutual respect and camaraderie over the years, solidifying their places in the heavy metal world.

As Heavy Metal continues to evolve and adapt, bands like Metallica and Slipknot remain pivotal figures in shaping the genre’s landscape and inspiring artists across generations. Their music, collaborations, and shared experiences contribute to the rich tapestry of Heavy Metal history and ensure its enduring legacy in the realm of rock music.