What makes The Negative One by Slipknot notable?

'The Negative One' was notable for its chart performance, reaching the top of the Billboard Hard Rock Songs chart. The song was also pivotal in reigniting interest in the band after a lengthy hiatus, showcasing their ability to adapt while maintaining their core sound. Released on August 1, 2014, 'The Negative One' marked Slipknot's first new material since the death of bassist Paul Gray in 2010. This single reflects the band’s resilience and evolution following a significant lineup change that saw the addition of bassist Alessandro Venturella and drummer Jay Weinberg.

How many songs are on The Negative One?

The Negative One has 1 track, running approximately 5 minutes.

The Negative One

Slipknot · 2014

5 min · 1 track · alternative metal

A relentless assault of heavy rhythms and aggressive vocals, encapsulating Slipknot's signature blend of chaos and precision.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Negative One — This track serves as a powerful reintroduction to Slipknot's intense sound after years away from the spotlight, blending ferocious riffs with darkly introspective lyrics.

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 showcases Slipknot's signature sound with effective dynamics and strong production, marking their return after a hiatus.

What we noticed

The track features rapid tempo changes, alternating between blast beats and slower, heavy grooves.
Vocals shift from aggressive growls to melodic sections, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the song.
The arrangement includes multiple breakdowns that emphasize the chaotic nature of the instrumentation.

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 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 — Reignited interest in Slipknot after a hiatus, marking a significant return.
Themes: grief and loss· inner turmoil· post-Paul Gray legacy
Career context: Released on August 1, 2014, 'The Negative One' marked Slipknot's first new material since the death of bassist Paul Gray in 2010. This single reflects the band’s resilience and evolution following a significant lineup change that saw the addition of bassist Alessandro Venturella and drummer Jay Weinberg.
Stylistic neighbors: Korn· Mudvayne· System of a Down