What makes Before I Forget by Slipknot notable?

Before I Forget won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2006, showcasing Slipknot's critical acclaim and commercial viability. The song peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, proving that their aggressive sound could resonate with a broader audience and further solidifying their influence in the heavy music genre. Released in 2005, Before I Forget was a pivotal single from Slipknot's third studio album, Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses). At this point in their career, the band had already achieved significant mainstream success with their previous albums, solidifying their place in the nu metal scene. This release marked a moment of artistic refinement for the group, as they began to incorporate more melodic elements into their sound while maintaining their signature intensity.

How many songs are on Before I Forget?

Before I Forget has 2 tracks, running approximately 9 minutes.

Before I Forget

Slipknot · 2005

9 min · 2 tracks · alternative metal

A blistering fusion of aggressive riffs and visceral lyrics that encapsulates the raw energy of alternative metal.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Before I Forget — This track exemplifies Slipknot's powerful blend of aggression and melody, featuring anthemic choruses paired with intense instrumentation that drives its urgency.
→
Three Nil — The live version captures the band's raw energy and connection with fans, highlighting the visceral experience of a Slipknot performance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single combines aggressive riffs and dynamic shifts, showcasing Slipknot's signature sound while maintaining solid production quality.

What we noticed

The primary track features a driving tempo with aggressive guitar riffs layered over dynamic percussion, creating a relentless energy.
The song structure includes multiple shifts in intensity, alternating between verses and a powerful chorus that emphasizes the visceral lyrics.
The live track 'Three Nil' showcases the band's performance energy, but lacks the polished production of the studio recording.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Won a Grammy and peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, enhancing recognition.
Themes: nu metal evolution· identity crisis· intense live energy
Career context: Released in 2005, Before I Forget was a pivotal single from Slipknot's third studio album, Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses). At this point in their career, the band had already achieved significant mainstream success with their previous albums, solidifying their place in the nu metal scene. This release marked a moment of artistic refinement for the group, as they began to incorporate more melodic elements into their sound while maintaining their signature intensity.
Stylistic neighbors: Korn· Mudvayne· System of a Down