We Are Not Your Kind cover

We Are Not Your Kind

Slipknot · 2019

63 min · 14 tracks · alternative metal

A chaotic blend of aggressive riffs and haunting melodies that challenges the boundaries of metal and emotional expression.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Unsainted Start here — This lead single combines anthemic choruses with brutal verses, embodying the album's thematic exploration of loss and resilience. Its powerful hooks helped it become a defining track for the band.
  • →
    Nero Forte — With its relentless pace and visceral lyrics, this track exemplifies Slipknot's ability to merge aggression with deep emotional undercurrents, making it a standout moment on the album.
  • →
    Orphan — This song features a hauntingly melodic section contrasting with its heavier parts, representing the internal struggle and vulnerability that runs throughout the album's narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production, balancing chaos with melody while maintaining a distinct sound.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a spoken-word intro that transitions into heavy instrumentation, setting a chaotic tone.
  • Tracks frequently shift between aggressive riffs and melodic interludes, creating a dynamic contrast throughout.
  • Several songs feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Nero Forte' which shifts from fast-paced aggression to slower, haunting sections.
  • The final track, 'Solway Firth', incorporates orchestral elements and a lengthy outro that diverges from the album's earlier intensity.
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
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic peaks and valleys
  • haunting melodies with aggression
  • intense emotional catharsis
  • reflective moments of isolation

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer light-hearted soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Received widespread acclaim and showcased artistic growth in their sound.
Themes
personal turmoil· grief and empowerment· lineup changes
Career context
We Are Not Your Kind is Slipknot's sixth studio album, released after a five-year hiatus following .5: The Gray Chapter. This album marks a significant moment in the band's evolution, showcasing their willingness to experiment with new sounds while maintaining their signature intensity. It also reflects the personal struggles faced by frontman Corey Taylor during this period.
Stylistic neighbors
Korn· Mudvayne· System of a Down

Tracklist

  • 1 Insert Coin 1:40
  • 2 Unsainted Start here 4:21
  • 3 Birth of the Cruel 4:36
  • 4 Death Because of Death 1:20
  • 5 Nero Forte 5:15
  • 6 Critical Darling 6:26
  • 7 A Liar’s Funeral 5:27
  • 8 Red Flag 4:12
  • 9 What’s Next 0:54
  • 10 Spiders 4:04
  • 11 Orphan 6:01
  • 12 My Pain 6:48
  • 13 Not Long for This World 6:36
  • 14 Solway Firth 5:58

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata