What makes Yen by Slipknot notable?

'Yen' debuted at number one on the Billboard Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart, reflecting Slipknot's sustained relevance in the metal scene. Its combination of heavy instrumentation and introspective lyrics has sparked discussions about mental health themes within metal music. Released on August 5, 2022, 'Yen' marks Slipknot's first new music since their 2019 album 'We Are Not Your Kind'. This single showcases a transition in their sound, blending raw aggression with more melodic elements, indicating their ongoing artistic evolution.

How many songs are on Yen?

Yen has 1 track, running approximately 4 minutes.

Yen

Slipknot · 2022

4 min · 1 track · alternative metal

A visceral blend of aggressive grooves and haunting melodies that reflect the band's darker, introspective evolution.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Yen — This track serves as a powerful statement of the band's evolving identity, combining both ferocity and vulnerability in its lyrical delivery.

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 blends aggression with melody effectively, showcasing Slipknot's evolving sound while maintaining their core identity.

What we noticed

The track features a dynamic shift between aggressive guitar riffs and softer melodic sections, creating a contrast that drives the song's emotional weight.
The verses are characterized by a heavy, driving rhythm, while the chorus introduces more melodic vocals layered over the instrumentation.
The song employs a gradual build-up in intensity, culminating in a climactic bridge that showcases both instrumental and vocal prowess.

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: Experimental — Showcases a transition in sound, blending aggression with introspective elements.
Themes: emotional chaos· personal despair· aggressive longing
Career context: Released on August 5, 2022, 'Yen' marks Slipknot's first new music since their 2019 album 'We Are Not Your Kind'. This single showcases a transition in their sound, blending raw aggression with more melodic elements, indicating their ongoing artistic evolution.
Stylistic neighbors: Korn· Mudvayne· System of a Down