Vol 3: (The Subliminal Verses)
by Slipknot
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Their most extreme CD to date. [4 June 2004, p.80]
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  2. Stylus Magazine
    80
    They’ve now released their best album and the best pop inflected metal album since System of a Down's Toxicity.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    At least two thirds of it is still comprised of head-spinning speed metal, but there are signs of genuine progression -- not to mention progressive rock -- from the off.
  5. Playlouder
    80
    While this album is hardly a sellout or a mellowing down, its shifting in direction, its differing textures make it far better than 'Iowa'.
  6. AllMusic
    80
    It's a satisfying, carefully crafted representation of their career to date.
  7. Spin
    75
    The monster-chomp guitars and semiauto percussion are still in effect, but somebody spilled a little Pantene in the Pantera. [Jul 2004, p.108]
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  8. Logo
    70
    A significant broadening of the tonal spectrum notwithstanding, the outfit manages to keep their ferocity intact, although the malevolence is structured with a shrewd infusion of melodic vocals, flourishing experimental dynamics and a motherlode of striking riffs.
  9. Q Magazine
    70
    A triumph. [Jul 2004, p.124]
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  10. Blender
    60
    The basic Slipknot sound has improved. [#27, p.147]
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  11. Rolling Stone
    60
    [Slipknot] has married a little beauty to its beast, with schizophrenic results that are best summed up by the line "The only thing I ever really loved was hate."
  12. Dot Music
    60
    OK, so it’s not Norah Jones dinner party territory and there’s enough torturous mayhem to gratify their faithful ‘maggots’ but there’s equally a contrived nature underlying the habitual havoc.
  13. Alternative Press
    20
    Plays out like a tepid, second-rate version of Iowa, which pretty much makes it a third-rate anything else. [Jul 2004, p.142]
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Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Most Discussed Album of 2004
32
#32 Most Shared Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 263 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 233 out of 263
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 263
  3. Negative: 13 out of 263
  1. JayP
    Aug 6, 2008
    10
    Without a doubt a staple in Metal and Music history, the best of the bands current Trilogy this album sets a new bar for the band. Merging Without a doubt a staple in Metal and Music history, the best of the bands current Trilogy this album sets a new bar for the band. Merging both a Dark heaviness with a even darker sense of melody this albums covers both the areas of heavy metal and of passionate expression. This album should not go unheard and for any serious fan of metal or hard rock should not go un-owned.… Full Review »
  2. Thief1337
    Feb 18, 2014
    9
    Creative. Melodic. Original. Slipknot's maximum potential in one album. One of their best album (if not the best one). It is mastered withCreative. Melodic. Original. Slipknot's maximum potential in one album. One of their best album (if not the best one). It is mastered with brutality and uplifting emotions of sadness, introversion and retrospect. Definitely worth listening to, especially Prelude 3.0, Circle and Welcome.… Full Review »
  3. TheMaximalist
    Apr 25, 2013
    9
    One of the greatest modern metal bands in history pumped out another mayhem fuelled album superbly performed produced and composed. I can'tOne of the greatest modern metal bands in history pumped out another mayhem fuelled album superbly performed produced and composed. I can't wait to see what they do next… Full Review »
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