Unorthodox nu-metal with broad, aggressive ambitions

On their third album, Slipknot redraw the boundaries of modern metal without sacrificing their frothing aggression. Mystical acoustic guitars dominate the grungy power ballad "Circle," while "The Nameless" is a dizzying pastiche of keyboard scribbles, choppy guitars, and a tranquil, harmony-heavy chorus. Even though Slipknot's nu-metal roots are never far from the surface—especially on the boiling-tar riffs of "Pulse of the Maggots" and the rap-inflected vocal cadences of "Welcome"—Vol. 3’s hulking grooves and breakneck rhythms obliterate any attempts at pigeonholing.