Spit It Out cover

Spit It Out

Slipknot · 1999

9 min · 3 tracks · alternative metal

A chaotic onslaught of aggressive riffs and frenetic energy that encapsulates the raw essence of late '90s nu metal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Spit It Out — This track exemplifies Slipknot’s signature sound with its blend of aggression and catchy hooks, setting the tone for their future work.
  • →
    Surfacing (live) — The live rendition captures the band's electrifying stage presence, showcasing the raw power of their performance style that fans have come to love.
  • →
    Wait and Bleed (live) — This live version emphasizes the emotional intensity of the lyrics while highlighting the band's ability to engage audiences during performances.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

57 /100
Foothills
Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

The single captures Slipknot's energetic style and helped define their early sound in nu metal.

What we noticed

  • The main track features rapid tempo shifts, with verses that alternate between aggressive vocals and melodic interludes.
  • The song employs a call-and-response structure in the chorus, enhancing its anthemic quality.
  • The live tracks included showcase the band's intense performance style, with crowd interaction evident in the recordings.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

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 — Helped establish Slipknot's prominence in the nu metal scene.
Themes
chaotic aggression· nu-metal rebellion· cathartic release
Career context
Released as a single from their self-titled debut album, 'Spit It Out' marked a crucial step in Slipknot's ascent to prominence in the nu metal scene. At this point, the band was gaining traction after their formation in 1995, building a reputation through intense live performances and a striking visual aesthetic.
Stylistic neighbors
Korn· Mudvayne· System of a Down

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Spit It Out 2:41
  • 2 Surfacing (live) 3:46
  • 3 Wait and Bleed (live) 2:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata