Slipknot has been digging deep into its vault of tracks for its 25th-anniversary tour, and fans are thrilled to see some of their rarer songs making a comeback.
The legendary nu-metal band has been known for their intense live performances, and this tour is no exception. By playing their groundbreaking debut album in its entirety, Slipknot has brought back fan favorites like “Only One” and “No Life,” which hadn’t been performed live since 2012 and 2000, respectively.
The return of these rare tracks has sparked excitement among the Slipknot fan base, also known as the Maggots, who are now clamoring for more of the band’s lesser-played songs to make it onto the setlist.
Here are six more long-unplayed fan favorites that would make a killer addition to Slipknot’s anniversary tour and beyond.
Slipknot – Iowa (Audio) – YouTube
1. Iowa (Iowa, 2001)
The title track from Slipknot’s second album, Iowa, is a 15-minute epic that hasn’t seen the light of day in a live setting since 2016.
While it’s understandable why this track hasn’t been performed in a while—its dark, ambient tones and necromantic fantasies make it an outlier in Slipknot’s otherwise explosive and aggressive catalog—it remains a beloved experiment among die-hard fans.
The song’s slow, creeping build and terrifying atmosphere make it a unique experience that fans would love to see back in the band’s setlist. Slipknot’s ability to conjure pure darkness in their music is on full display in this track, and bringing it back would be a bold statement of the band’s enduring commitment to pushing the boundaries of heavy music.
2. My Plague (Iowa, 2001)
Another gem from the Iowa album, “My Plague,” has all the elements of a live standout: crushing verses, a cathartic chorus, and a massive following thanks in part to its inclusion on the soundtrack of the 2002 film Resident Evil.
Despite its popularity, “My Plague” hasn’t been played live in eight years, leaving fans puzzled. The song’s mix of aggressive intensity and melodic hooks makes it a perfect fit for Slipknot’s chaotic live shows. The chorus, with its repeated line “I know why you blame me!”, is a crowd-pleaser that would undoubtedly have audiences screaming along.
Slipknot has a history of delivering powerful live performances, and “My Plague” would be a welcome return to their setlist.
![Slipknot - The Nameless [OFFICIAL VIDEO] [HD] - YouTube](https://img.youtube.com/vi/b9jsELTA3AM/maxresdefault.jpg)
3. The Nameless (Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses, 2004)
Slipknot’s third album, Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses, saw the band experimenting with different sounds and styles, and “The Nameless” is a prime example of this. The track blends white-knuckle thrash with tender, acoustic passages, creating a dynamic and unpredictable experience.
A live version of “The Nameless” was released in 2005 to promote the 9.0: Live album, but it hasn’t been played live since then. Despite its absence from the band’s recent performances, “The Nameless” remains a fan favorite, with its unique blend of aggression and melody.
The song’s shifting dynamics and intense energy make it a perfect candidate for a live revival, and fans would love to see it brought back to the stage.
4. Pulse of the Maggots (Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses, 2004)
“Pulse of the Maggots” is a song dedicated to Slipknot’s fan base, known as the Maggots, and its lyrics celebrate the unity and strength of the band’s community.
The track’s relentless groove and anthemic chorus have made it a favorite among fans, but it hasn’t been played live since the summer of 2016. Given the song’s significance to the Maggots, it’s surprising that it hasn’t been a regular feature in Slipknot’s setlists.
The song’s chant of “We are the new diabolic! We are the bitter bucolic!” is a rallying cry for Slipknot’s fans, and its return to the stage would be a powerful moment of connection between the band and their audience. Slipknot’s live shows are known for their intensity and energy, and “Pulse of the Maggots” would be a perfect addition to their current tour.
5. All Hope Is Gone (All Hope Is Gone, 2008)
The title track from Slipknot’s fourth album, All Hope Is Gone, has only been performed live once, despite being the lead single from the album. This thrash metal banger combines technical precision with a catchy, anthemic hook, making it a prime candidate for a live revival.
The song’s chorus—“We’ll find a way… when all hope is gone!”—is tailor-made for a sing-along moment, and it’s easy to imagine entire arenas chanting the lyrics back at the band. Slipknot’s live shows are famous for their high energy and crowd participation, and “All Hope Is Gone” would be a perfect fit for their current tour. Bringing this track back to the stage would be a treat for fans who have been waiting to hear it live.
![Slipknot - The Negative One [OFFICIAL VIDEO] - YouTube](https://img.youtube.com/vi/sgA7KIwKlOE/maxresdefault.jpg)
6. Gematria (The Killing Name) (All Hope Is Gone, 2008)
Finally, “Gematria (The Killing Name)” from All Hope Is Gone is another track that deserves a live comeback. This song is a technical showcase, with complex riffs, rapid-fire drumming, and politically charged lyrics that resonate with fans.
Despite its intensity and technical prowess, “Gematria” hasn’t been played live in years. The track’s combination of brutal heaviness and thought-provoking lyrics makes it a standout in Slipknot’s catalog, and its return to the stage would be a powerful statement of the band’s continued relevance in the metal scene.
Slipknot’s ability to blend aggression with meaning is on full display in this track, and bringing it back to their live shows would be a thrilling experience for fans.
Conclusion
As Slipknot continues their 25th anniversary tour, fans are eagerly anticipating more surprises in the setlist. The band’s decision to bring back rarities like “Only One” and “No Life” has sparked excitement and nostalgia among the Maggots, and there’s no doubt that these six tracks would elicit a similar response.
Whether it’s the dark and brooding atmosphere of “Iowa,” the anthemic energy of “Pulse of the Maggots,” or the technical brilliance of “Gematria,” these songs represent some of Slipknot’s finest moments, and their return to the stage would be a fitting celebration of the band’s 25-year legacy.
