Introduction
Few albums in the twenty-first century have shaken heavy music quite like Slipknot’s “We Are Not Your Kind.” Released in 2019, this record marked not just a return to form, but a bold leap forward. The album arrived at a time when many questioned the band’s future. Instead, Slipknot delivered their most experimental, personal, and daring work to date. From the pounding single “Unsainted” to the haunting “Spiders,” every track feels both familiar and unsettlingly new. As we explore this record, you’ll see how it shaped the band’s legacy and influenced the direction of modern metal.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll take you through every facet of “We Are Not Your Kind.” We’ll cover its creation, the people behind it, the recording process, its chart-topping success, critical reception, and the meanings behind its songs. We’ll also look at its touring, influence, and what happened next for Slipknot. Expect in-depth stories, verified facts, and insights from the band themselves. If you want the most detailed account of this landmark album, you’re in the right place.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Album title | We Are Not Your Kind |
| Release date | 9 August 2019 |
| Genre | Nu metal, alternative metal, groove metal, extreme metal, hard rock |
| Total runtime | 63:29 |
| Number of tracks | 14 (standard), 15 (Japanese edition with bonus track) |
| Record label | Roadrunner Records |
| Recording studio | EastWest Studios, Hollywood, California |
| Producer(s) | Greg Fidelman, Slipknot |
When “We Are Not Your Kind” debuted, it didn’t just top charts—it sparked a new era for the band. The album entered at number one on the US Billboard 200 and the UK Albums Chart, selling 118,000 units in its first week in the US alone. Critics praised its fearless creativity and raw honesty. As Corey Taylor put it, “This album represents a new evolution for Slipknot, blending brutal heaviness with a freedom we haven’t felt since 2004’s Vol. 3.” Producer Greg Fidelman, who had worked with the band before, said, “The band pushed themselves harder than ever—emotionally, musically, and technically.” Peer musicians from bands like Architects and Code Orange have cited “We Are Not Your Kind” as a milestone in heavy music.
With that, let’s begin by exploring how this remarkable album came to be, and why it still matters today.
The Genesis of “We Are Not Your Kind”
Every great album has a story, and the birth of “We Are Not Your Kind” is as dramatic as the music itself. The years leading up to its creation were turbulent for Slipknot. The band had endured tragedy, lineup changes, and legal battles. Their previous album, “.5: The Gray Chapter,” had paid tribute to late bassist Paul Gray, but also left the band at a crossroads. The departure of percussionist Chris Fehn during the writing of “We Are Not Your Kind” only added to the sense of upheaval.
Slipknot’s creative process began in early 2017, with guitarist Jim Root and percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan laying down the first ideas. Clown described the ambition as wanting to make an “art record,” drawing inspiration from classics like Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” and The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” The band wrote more than twenty songs, many with experimental interludes and electronic textures. Corey Taylor joined the process later, bringing lyrics shaped by personal pain and a desire for catharsis. By April 2018, most lyrics were finished, setting the stage for a deeply personal and ambitious album.
The main creative forces were Taylor, Root, and Crahan, but every member contributed. Alessandro “Vman” Venturella’s bass and Jay Weinberg’s drumming gave the album a new energy. Sid Wilson’s turntables and Craig Jones’s samples brought new layers. The mysterious “Tortilla Man” (Michael Pfaff) joined on percussion after Fehn’s departure, his identity sparking months of speculation. The album’s title comes from the lyric “We are not your kind” in the 2018 single “All Out Life,” although that track was only included as a bonus on the Japanese edition. The artwork, directed by Clown and photographed by Alexandria Crahan-Conway, features haunting, distorted masks, reflecting the album’s themes of alienation and identity.
Below is a table listing the band members and their roles during the making of “We Are Not Your Kind”:
| Member | Role(s) |
|---|---|
| Corey Taylor (#8) | Lead vocals, backing vocals |
| Mick Thomson (#7) | Guitar |
| Shawn “Clown” Crahan (#6) | Percussion, backing vocals, art direction, photography |
| Craig “133” Jones (#5) | Samples, media, keyboards |
| Jim Root (#4) | Guitar |
| Sid Wilson (#0) | Turntables, keyboards |
| Alessandro “Vman” Venturella (V) | Bass, piano, synthesizer |
| Jay Weinberg (J) | Drums |
| Michael “Tortilla Man” Pfaff | Percussion, backing vocals (joined during album cycle) |
Financing came from Roadrunner Records, Slipknot’s long-time label. While the exact budget isn’t public, the scale of the sessions—months in a world-class studio, with multiple engineers and producers—suggests a significant investment. Despite this, the band faced financial uncertainty due to legal disputes, especially Fehn’s lawsuit over royalties, which led to his exit in March 2019. This period of upheaval is reflected in the album’s urgent, confrontational tone.
The album’s artwork was a group effort. Clown oversaw the creative direction, and Alexandria Crahan-Conway provided the photography. The result is a cover that is both menacing and mysterious, capturing the sense of otherness that runs through the record. The concept, from title to imagery, was about unity among outsiders—a rallying cry for anyone who has ever felt excluded.
Recording Process
Recording “We Are Not Your Kind” was a meticulous and intense process. The band began work in November 2018 at EastWest Studios in Hollywood, California—a facility renowned for its vintage equipment and acoustics. The full band joined in January 2019, and sessions ran until April that year. EastWest’s Studio 1 is famous for its large live room and has hosted acts from Frank Sinatra to Metallica. The choice of studio reflected Slipknot’s ambition to create a record with both raw power and sonic detail.
Producer Greg Fidelman was a crucial figure. Having worked on Slipknot’s “Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)” and “.5: The Gray Chapter,” as well as with Metallica and Slayer, Fidelman brought experience in balancing aggression with clarity. Alongside Slipknot, he pushed the band to track songs both with and without click tracks, often choosing the more organic takes. Key engineers included Greg Gordon, Sara Killion, and Paul Fig, all veterans of rock and metal recording. Joe Barresi handled mixing, known for his work with Tool and Queens of the Stone Age, while mastering was by Bob Ludwig, a legend in the field.
EastWest Studios is equipped with a Neve 8078 console, classic outboard compressors like the UREI 1176 and LA-2A, and a selection of vintage microphones such as Neumann U47s and AKG C12s. Guitar tones were crafted using Jim Root and Mick Thomson’s signature Fender and Jackson guitars, running through Orange Rockerverb and Rivera amps, with heavy-gauge strings and drop tunings. Drum tracking made use of Jay Weinberg’s custom SJC drum kit, recorded in the large live room for maximum impact. While not every piece of gear is confirmed, these choices align with the studio’s known inventory and the band’s preferences at the time.
| Studio Hardware / Gear | Details / Usage |
|---|---|
| Mixing Desk | Neve 8078 console (EastWest Studio 1) |
| Microphones | Neumann U47, AKG C12, Shure SM57, Sennheiser MD421 (assumed based on studio inventory) |
| Compressors | UREI 1176, Teletronix LA-2A, dbx 160 |
| Guitars | Jim Root Fender Jazzmaster, Mick Thomson Jackson Soloist, heavy-gauge strings, Drop B/A tuning |
| Amps / Cabs | Orange Rockerverb, Rivera amps, Marshall cabs |
| Drums | Jay Weinberg SJC custom kit, Zildjian cymbals |
| Other | Pro Tools HD, classic tape machines for warmth, assorted pedals and synths |
The sessions were not without drama. Percussionist Chris Fehn was dismissed mid-way due to a lawsuit, and the band had to integrate Michael Pfaff quickly. The pressure of creating new masks and an entirely new stage show at the same time added to the workload. Sid Wilson finished his parts last, often working late into the night to perfect his contributions. According to Clown, at least fifteen songs didn’t make the final cut, with several fully recorded but held back for future projects.
Greg Fidelman’s production credits are extensive. Below is a table of albums he has produced, engineered, or mixed (excluding “We Are Not Your Kind”):
| Producer | Artist | Album | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greg Fidelman | Slipknot | .5: The Gray Chapter | 2014 |
| Greg Fidelman | Slipknot | Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) | 2004 |
| Greg Fidelman | Metallica | Hardwired… to Self-Destruct | 2016 |
| Greg Fidelman | Metallica | Death Magnetic | 2008 |
| Greg Fidelman | Slayer | Repentless | 2015 |
| Greg Fidelman | Black Sabbath | 13 | 2013 |
| Greg Fidelman | Red Hot Chili Peppers | Stadium Arcadium | 2006 |
Commercial Performance and Reception
When “We Are Not Your Kind” hit shelves and streaming services, it made an immediate impact. In the United States, it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 118,000 album-equivalent units, including 102,000 pure sales. This made it Slipknot’s third consecutive album to top the Billboard 200. In the UK, it entered at number one, selling 31,800 units in its first week—25,500 of which were physical copies. The album also topped charts in Australia, Canada, Ireland, and several European countries. Ten tracks charted on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart, a testament to the album’s depth and reach.
Below is a table of Slipknot’s studio albums, their release years, and UK sales data where available. “We Are Not Your Kind” is highlighted.
| Album Title | Year | Sales Data |
|---|---|---|
| Slipknot | 1999 | UK Gold (100,000 units) |
| Iowa | 2001 | UK Gold (100,000 units) |
| Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) | 2004 | UK Gold (100,000 units) |
| All Hope Is Gone | 2008 | UK Silver (60,000 units) |
| .5: The Gray Chapter | 2014 | UK Silver (60,000 units) |
| We Are Not Your Kind | 2019 | UK Gold (100,000 units), 31,800 first week sales |
| The End, So Far | 2022 | N/A |
The album received several awards and critical recognitions. Kerrang! named it the Best Album of 2019, and Rolling Stone called it the Best Metal Album of the year. It ranked highly in year-end lists from Revolver, Consequence, and NME. By 2020, Slipknot’s total album sales worldwide stood at around 30 million, with “We Are Not Your Kind” making a significant contribution.
Other notable rock and metal albums released in 2019 included:
- Amo by Bring Me the Horizon
- Distance over Time by Dream Theater
- Rammstein by Rammstein
- Hexed by Children of Bodom
- Berserker by Amon Amarth
- The Verdict by Queensrÿche
- Covered in Blood by Arch Enemy
- Verkligheten by Soilwork
- Trauma by I Prevail
- Final Transmission by Cave In
In terms of awards, “We Are Not Your Kind” achieved gold certification in Austria, Canada, and the UK. It was voted Best Album of 2019 by Kerrang! and Rolling Stone, and placed in the top ten of the decade in lists by Louder Sound and Consequence. The singles “Unsainted” and “Nero Forte” both charted highly on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart.
Heavy music in 2019 saw major events. Slayer played their final shows, Rage Against the Machine reformed, and Kiss began their farewell tour. Bands like Jinjer, Whitechapel, and Arch Enemy released acclaimed records. Meanwhile, Slipknot’s Knotfest Roadshow became one of the year’s biggest metal tours, and Chris Fehn’s departure from Slipknot made headlines. The year was marked by a sense of transition and renewal across the genre.
Track Analysis
The singles from “We Are Not Your Kind” played a crucial role in its success. “Unsainted” was released on 16 May 2019, with a dramatic music video revealing the band’s new masks. “Solway Firth” followed on 22 July, “Birth of the Cruel” on 5 August, and “Nero Forte” on 16 December. All were written by Corey Taylor, Jim Root, Shawn Crahan, and, on some tracks, Alessandro Venturella and Mick Thomson. “Unsainted” peaked at number 10 on the US Mainstream Rock chart and number 68 in the UK.
Below is a table listing every song on the album, with track length and writing credits. Singles are marked with an asterisk.
| Track Name | Length (seconds) | Writing Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Insert Coin | 41 | Taylor, Root, Crahan |
| Unsainted* | 70 | Taylor, Root, Crahan, Venturella |
| Birth Of The Cruel* | 55 | Taylor, Root, Crahan |
| Death Because of Death | 42 | Taylor, Root, Crahan |
| Nero Forte* | 68 | Taylor, Root, Thomson, Crahan, Venturella |
| Critical Darling | 54 | Taylor, Root, Thomson, Crahan |
| A Liar’s Funeral | 47 | Taylor, Root, Crahan |
| Red Flag | 53 | Taylor, Root, Crahan |
| What’s Next | 40 | Taylor, Root, Crahan |
| Spiders | 48 | Taylor, Root, Thomson, Crahan |
| Orphan | 49 | Taylor, Root, Crahan |
| My Pain | 41 | Taylor, Root, Crahan |
| Not Long for This World | 46 | Taylor, Root, Crahan |
| Solway Firth* | 57 | Taylor, Root, Crahan |
Note: Tracks marked with * were released as singles. “Unsainted” reached number 10 on the US Mainstream Rock chart and number 68 in the UK. “Nero Forte” and “Birth of the Cruel” also charted on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs. “Solway Firth” was widely praised for its intensity and video.
Song Meaning and Lyrics
Delving into the lyrics of “We Are Not Your Kind” reveals a world of pain, resilience, and rebellion. Corey Taylor’s writing is at its most personal, with songs drawing on his battles with depression, divorce, and public scrutiny. The singles—”Unsainted,” “Solway Firth,” “Birth of the Cruel,” and “Nero Forte”—each tackle different aspects of alienation and survival.
“Unsainted” is a defiant anthem about refusing to be defined by others’ expectations. Taylor has said the song is about “coming to terms with who you are, and not letting others dictate your worth.” The lyrics, “I’ll never kill myself to save my soul / I was gone but how was I to know?” speak to his struggle with mental health and self-acceptance. Fans on Reddit often cite “Unsainted” as a song that helped them through hard times (source).
“Solway Firth” takes its name from a border between England and Scotland, and possibly from the mysterious “Solway Spaceman” photograph. The song explores betrayal and emotional violence, with Taylor singing, “Oh, while I was learning to live, you taught me how to die.” Some fans believe the song is about an unexplainable split, possibly reflecting Taylor’s divorce (source), while others point to the imagery of division and alienation. The Slipknot Wiki also details the song’s references (source).
“Birth of the Cruel” is about transformation through suffering. The lyrics suggest Taylor has become “bitter, maladjusted, and wise” after abuse and disappointment. According to Song Meanings and Facts, the song’s title nods to Miles Davis’s “Birth of the Cool,” but here, cruelty is a survival mechanism. The Morse code in the track spells out “BIRTH/OF/THE/CRUEL,” reinforcing the message (source).
“Nero Forte” stands out for its intensity and subject matter. The title is Italian for “black strong,” but fans interpret it as a metaphor for being trapped in a fortress of abuse (source). The lyrics, “You bleed me dry, using me up,” describe emotional exploitation and psychological harm. Many believe it addresses Taylor’s relationship with his ex-wife, though the band have not confirmed this. The full lyrics can be found at Musixmatch.
Collaboration was key. Most tracks were written by Taylor, Root, and Crahan, with Thomson and Venturella contributing on several songs. The Angel City Chorale added choral vocals to “Unsainted,” and Kat Primeau provided additional vocals on “Death Because of Death.” The result is an album that feels both personal and communal.
Touring and Promotion of We Are Not Your Kind
Promotion for “We Are Not Your Kind” was relentless. The band launched a teaser website, wearenotyourkind.com, in early 2019, building anticipation with cryptic messages and visuals. The music video for “Unsainted” broke Slipknot’s YouTube record with 4.7 million views in 24 hours. The band’s new masks became a talking point across social media and music press.
The Knotfest Roadshow North American tour ran from July to September 2019, with Slipknot headlining and support from Volbeat, Gojira, and Behemoth. The tour included more than 30 shows across the US and Canada. In the summer, Slipknot headlined major European festivals, including Download Festival in the UK. A planned tour with Metallica in Australia and New Zealand was cancelled due to James Hetfield’s rehab, but Slipknot continued with headline shows elsewhere. In January 2020, they played the Budapest Aréna with Behemoth as support (source).
On the Knotfest Roadshow, the band’s setlists featured a mix of new material and classics like “People = Shit” and “Duality.” The stage design referenced classic arcade games, with elaborate lighting and pyrotechnics. Notable events included Corey Taylor performing despite illness, and the live debut of new member “Tortilla Man.” In 2019, Slipknot played more than 50 shows worldwide, making it one of their busiest years since the early 2000s.
Influences and Legacy
“We Are Not Your Kind” draws on a wide range of influences. The band have cited Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and Nine Inch Nails as inspirations for the album’s experimental approach. Elements of industrial, electronic, and progressive rock are woven into the metal foundation. The result is an album that pays homage to the past while forging its own path.
Below is a table showing influences on the album, and artists influenced by it after its release:
| Influences on “We Are Not Your Kind” | Artists Influenced by “We Are Not Your Kind” |
|---|---|
| Pink Floyd | Code Orange |
| The Beatles | Spiritbox |
| Nine Inch Nails | Architects |
| Mr. Bungle | Knocked Loose |
| Faith No More | Bad Omens |
| Black Sabbath | Sleep Token |
2019 was a year of upheaval and change. Globally, it saw political protests in Hong Kong, the Notre-Dame fire in Paris, and the rise of climate activism led by Greta Thunberg. In music, Rammstein returned with a new album, Tool released “Fear Inoculum” after a long hiatus, and Slayer played their final shows. In cinema, “Avengers: Endgame” became the highest-grossing film ever. These events formed the backdrop to Slipknot’s creative rebirth.
Five Things about We Are Not Your Kind
Here are five verified facts about the album, organised in a table for easy reference:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| First #1 UK album since “Iowa” | “We Are Not Your Kind” was Slipknot’s first UK chart-topper since 2001’s “Iowa” (Kerrang!). |
| 15+ unreleased tracks recorded | Clown revealed that more than 15 songs were recorded but not included on the album (Wikipedia). |
| All Out Life excluded from main album | The 2018 single “All Out Life” was left off the standard album to give fans only new material. |
| New member’s identity a mystery | Michael “Tortilla Man” Pfaff joined during recording, with his identity kept secret for months. |
| Angel City Chorale featured | The Angel City Chorale contributed vocals to “Unsainted,” adding a choral element to the sound. |
Media and Television Usage
I was unable to find any uses of songs from “We Are Not Your Kind” in films, TV, or games as of 2024. While Slipknot’s earlier work appears in shows like “The Sopranos” and “Skins,” and games like “Rock Band” and “Guitar Hero,” none of the tracks from this album have been officially used in mainstream media (Tunefind).
Critical Reviews and Retrospectives
“We Are Not Your Kind” received near-universal acclaim. On Metacritic, it scored 89/100 from 14 reviews, the highest of any Slipknot album (Wikipedia). Critics praised its ambition, heaviness, and willingness to experiment. NME called it “an astonishing record—a primal scream of inventive extreme metal.” Kerrang! gave it a perfect score, describing it as “bold and exhilarating.” The Independent compared its ambition to “Iowa,” while Consequence of Sound called it “one of their strongest albums.” Minor criticisms focused on its length and occasional rhythmic sameness.
| Publication | Score | Notable Quote | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| NME | 5/5 | “An astonishing record—a primal scream of inventive extreme metal.” | Read |
| Kerrang! | 5/5 | “Bold and exhilarating.” | Read |
| The Independent | 4/5 | “Ambitious, heavy, and cathartic.” | Read |
| Consequence of Sound | A- | “A strong evolution—one of their strongest albums.” | Read |
| Exclaim! | 9/10 | “A return to form after formulaic previous albums.” | Read |
| Blabbermouth.net | 9/10 | “A shining gem in Slipknot’s crown.” | Read |
After We Are Not Your Kind
Following “We Are Not Your Kind,” Slipknot continued to evolve. The band released “The End, So Far” in 2022, their final album with Roadrunner Records. In the years after, the lineup changed again—Craig Jones (sampler) and Jay Weinberg (drums) departed, with Eloy Casagrande joining on drums in 2024. As of April 2025, Slipknot are working on new material and celebrating the 25th anniversary of their debut album with special shows. Shawn “Clown” Crahan has confirmed a new album is in the works, aiming for release in late 2025 (Kerrang!).
Remasters and Reissues
There have been no official remasters or reissues of “We Are Not Your Kind” as of April 2025. The album is available in standard, Japanese, and deluxe editions, but no box sets or remastered versions have been released.
Conclusion
“We Are Not Your Kind” remains one of the defining metal albums of the last decade. Its combination of raw emotion, sonic experimentation, and uncompromising heaviness set a new standard for Slipknot and their peers. The album’s success revitalised the band, influencing a new generation of artists and fans. With new material on the horizon and a landmark anniversary in 2024, Slipknot continue to shape the future of heavy music. Their story is far from over.
Further Reading
For more on Slipknot and related artists, check out our own in-depth articles and podcasts:
- Inside Slipknot’s Iowa: A Metal Evolution (blog article)
- Unveiling Slipknot’s Debut: A Metal Revolution (blog article)
- Unraveling Korn’s Issues: Nu-Metal’s Defining Album (blog article)
- Tsunami Sea by Spiritbox – album review (blog article)
- Exploring the Impact of System of a Down’s Toxicity (blog article)
- Unleashing Power: Pantera’s Vulgar Display Revolution (blog article)
- The Making of Issues by Korn (podcast episode)
For more information:
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