Slipknot

Lyrics

[Intro]
Yeah!

[Verse 1]
Black dirty teeth in the crease
Was the proof too good to be believed?
It's the cunt with the tongue
Who belongs on broken knees
So far, it occurs to me
That everybody in the world is afraid of me
Just one more sin and down we go
But the news is out, and I think I'm going to
Kill myself or fuck myself or tell myself
About the only thing that matters now

[Pre-Chorus]
We bury what we fear the most
Approaching original violence
Is the silence, where you hide it?
'Cause I don't recognize you anymore

[Chorus]
To each his own
Life can do with one less watered-down excuse
If this is over, you can tell me it's no use, use
Just tell me it's over
[Verse 2]
Today we will deceive our better selves
Into assimilating pain from something else
Put on your face and show me why
Behind the scenes, we had to simply comply
Now the community doesn't feel
Any better than it used to be
I want to be a judge in a criminal case
You covered up, did you cultivate?
Be yourself, not yourself, know yourself
'Cause no one seems to know you now

[Pre-Chorus]
We carry what we can't control
Approaching original violence
In the silence, there's a nihilist
Who doesn't care and never did

[Chorus]
To each his own
Life can do with one less watered-down excuse
There comes a time where we can’t take the same abuse
If this is over, you can tell me it's no use, use

[Verse 3]
Drug out, pissed on, everything's the same
Bitch and moan, it doesn't matter, nothing's gonna change
I don't wanna watch another brother fucking die
So discarded, fallen by the side
Don't tell me it's the only way
Just another reason why you never take the bait
The trials, the scheming, the burden of the beast
Both your faces turn your back on everything, you fought to save a dream
[Bridge]
Ooooh!
Now that it's over
When this is over
Yeaaah!

[Pre-Chorus]
We are the angels' fear to tread
Approaching original violence
We're the silence, we'll deny it
We can't continue on like this

[Chorus]
To each his own
Life can do with one less watered-down excuse
There comes a time where we can't take the same abuse
My God, it would've taken just one word to stay from you
Now that this is over, you can tell me it's no use
Now that this is over, you can tell me it's no use, use
Just tell me it's over

[Outro]
It doesn't matter what you say
It doesn't matter what you do
We can't continue on like this

Slipknot's .5: The Gray Chapter has become a monumental milestone in the band's expansive discography. The album marks a true challenge for Slipknot to not only reconnect with their past sonically but also with themselves emotionally. "AOV," the third track on the record, is a testament to this comeback. The song is an abbreviation for Approaching Original Violence and deals with the band's frictions and their attempt to reconcile with their issues in order to come back stronger.

About AOV

"AOV" opens with Sid Wilson's sampling and Craig Jones' keyboards before the spine-chilling drums by Jay Weinberg joins along with Mick Thomson's and Jim Root's heavy guitars. The track features hauntingly beautiful clean vocals mixed with Corey Taylor's signature screaming that erupt fiercely throughout the song. The song's fantastic production makes it easy to visualize the band members looking at each other intensely, making an oath to rebuild what was lost. The lyrics represent the band members standing on common ground, addressing their issues, and trying to reconcile their differences. As Taylor puts it: "It’s just really about finding a way to stand on that common ground and not only stand on it, but take that territory back and guard it as your own."

"AOV" stands in contrast to some of the album's more aggressive and angry tracks, representing a calm before the storm. It is a moment when the band acknowledges the past in a bid to move forward. The band's willingness to express vulnerability and showing courage to face their issues shows the maturity of the band both personally and creatively. The song's message is universal, encouraging listeners to face their problems and reconcile with those who they may have hurt by making amends and standing firm on common ground.

The song's pacing and structure are exceptional, with Corey's lyrics, which are always thoughtful and purposeful, truly shining through. Taylor's vocal range is impressive and perfectly suits the song's multiple changing tempos. The intricate guitar riffs, the impressive drumming, and the unique samples from Slipknot's sonic arsenal make the track exhilarating and memorable.

The song has become a staple in the band's live sets, and it never fails to get the fans pumped up. The track represents the overall themes of the album and shows a depth of the band that goes beyond their early works.

The Verdict

Slipknot has crafted a hauntingly beautiful track with "AOV," proving why they are one of the most innovative heavy metal bands of our age. The track deals with issues such as guilt, remorse, and redemption, all while delivering an infectious riff and sticking chorus. The songwriting, production, and execution are superb, setting the tone for the rest of the album. The song's themes are powerful, and it encourages listeners to confront their problems and move forward. "AOV" is another feather in Slipknot's cap and showcases why they are still a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

• Release Date: October 15, 2014
• Artist: Slipknot