What makes The Devil in I by Slipknot notable?

Upon its release, The Devil in I debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking Slipknot's first album to achieve this position. The album was critically acclaimed for its dark themes and intricate arrangements, and it solidified the band's place as one of the leading acts in heavy music during the 2010s. The Devil in I is Slipknot's fifth studio album, released after a hiatus following the death of bassist Paul Gray in 2010. This record marks a significant return for the band, showcasing their evolution while retaining the aggressive sound that defined their earlier work. The release also features new drummer Jay Weinberg, who joined the group during this transitional phase.

How many songs are on The Devil in I?

The Devil in I has 2 tracks, running approximately 11 minutes.

The Devil in I

Slipknot · 2014

11 min · 2 tracks · alternative metal

A ferocious blend of heavy rhythms and haunting melodies that push the boundaries of metal's emotional depth.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
The Devil in I — This title track encapsulates the album's exploration of personal demons and internal struggles, featuring a potent mix of melodic choruses and intense verses.
→
The Negative One — As a fierce exploration of anger and despair, this track showcases Slipknot's signature aggression and intricate musicianship while serving as a powerful statement on mental health.

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 album showcases strong compositions and production but has limited cohesion due to its short length.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a slow, haunting melody that builds into aggressive guitar riffs and rapid drumming.
The second track features a relentless pace with alternating vocal styles, shifting between growls and melodic singing.

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 — Debuted at number 1 on Billboard 200, marking a significant return for the band.
Themes: loss and grief· personal demons· aggressive catharsis
Career context: The Devil in I is Slipknot's fifth studio album, released after a hiatus following the death of bassist Paul Gray in 2010. This record marks a significant return for the band, showcasing their evolution while retaining the aggressive sound that defined their earlier work. The release also features new drummer Jay Weinberg, who joined the group during this transitional phase.
Stylistic neighbors: Korn· Mudvayne· System of a Down