What makes My Plague by Slipknot notable?

My Plague achieved notable success by reaching number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying Slipknot's place within the mainstream metal scene. Its accompanying music video received heavy rotation on MTV, contributing to discussions about censorship and artistic expression during that era. Released in 2002, My Plague marked a significant moment in Slipknot's career as their first single from their third studio album, Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses. The band had already gained substantial recognition with their self-titled debut and Iowa, but this release showcased their evolution in sound and thematic depth.

How many songs are on My Plague?

My Plague has 3 tracks, running approximately 10 minutes.

My Plague

Slipknot · 2002

10 min · 3 tracks · alternative metal

A ferocious blend of aggressive riffs and haunting melodies that encapsulate the raw intensity of nu metal's early 2000s surge.

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Top tracks — play these first

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My Plague (New Abuse mix) — This track captures the essence of the album with its relentless energy and exploration of inner turmoil, showcasing Slipknot's characteristic intensity and lyrical depth.
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The Heretic Anthem (live) — The live rendition highlights the band's electrifying stage presence and community connection with fans, making it a fan favorite that embodies their confrontational spirit.
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(Sic) (live) — (Sic) stands as a quintessential anthem for the band, capturing the chaotic essence of their live performances while maintaining its relevance to themes of aggression and rebellion.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single combines aggressive and melodic elements but lacks cohesion due to the inclusion of live tracks.

What we noticed

The live tracks showcase the band's performance energy, with crowd interaction and variations in arrangement compared to studio versions.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 — Solidified Slipknot's mainstream presence post-Iowa with notable chart success.
Themes: post-9/11 anxiety· industrial decay· nu metal aggression
Career context: Released in 2002, My Plague marked a significant moment in Slipknot's career as their first single from their third studio album, Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses. The band had already gained substantial recognition with their self-titled debut and Iowa, but this release showcased their evolution in sound and thematic depth.
Stylistic neighbors: Korn· Mudvayne· System of a Down