What makes Snuff by Slipknot notable?

The song garnered significant attention for its departure from Slipknot's heavier sound, showcasing a softer yet impactful side of the band. It was well-received by critics, with many noting its emotional depth and lyrical maturity, solidifying its place as one of their standout ballads. Released on September 28, 2009, 'Snuff' appears on Slipknot's fourth studio album, 'All Hope Is Gone', marking a shift towards more melodic and introspective songwriting. At this point in their career, the band was balancing their aggressive sound with deeper emotional themes following the commercial success of previous albums.

How many songs are on Snuff?

Snuff has 2 tracks, running approximately 8 minutes.

Snuff

Slipknot · 2009

8 min · 2 tracks · alternative metal

Haunting melodies intertwine with brooding lyrics, creating an emotional landscape that contrasts Slipknot's typical intensity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Snuff — This track exemplifies the band's ability to blend heavy instrumentation with poignant lyrics, illustrating their evolution beyond mere aggression.
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Psychosocial — Combining heavy riffs with intricate rhythms, this track highlights the band's signature sound while also drawing in broader audiences.
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Dead Memories — This song features a memorable chorus and showcases the band's exploration of personal themes intertwined with their heavy style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The single showcases Slipknot's melodic side while maintaining emotional depth, marking a notable shift in their sound.

What we noticed

The song features a slow tempo with a focus on clean vocals, contrasting with the band's typical aggressive style.
Melodic guitar lines are layered over sparse instrumentation, creating an atmospheric soundscape.
The lyrics are delivered in a narrative style, emphasizing emotional vulnerability and introspection.

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

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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: Experimental — Showcases a softer side, differing from Slipknot's typical heavier sound.
Themes: emotional turmoil· personal loss· introspective melodies
Career context: Released on September 28, 2009, 'Snuff' appears on Slipknot's fourth studio album, 'All Hope Is Gone', marking a shift towards more melodic and introspective songwriting. At this point in their career, the band was balancing their aggressive sound with deeper emotional themes following the commercial success of previous albums.
Stylistic neighbors: Korn· Mudvayne· System of a Down