Live Review: Slipknot - Utilita Arena, Birmingham
Support: Bleed From Within
18th December 2024
Words & Photos: Tim Finch
On a cold December night in Birmingham, the Utilita Arena was the epicentre of chaos as Slipknot brought their 25th-anniversary tour to the UK. With a setlist steeped in both nostalgia and intensity the nine-piece Iowa juggernaut celebrated the milestone of their debut self-titled album, delivering a performance that will be etched in the memories of their devoted Maggots for years to come.
Scottish metalcore outfit Bleed From Within set the tone for the night, commanding the stage with a blistering set. Kicking off with ‘Hands of Sin’, the band immediately established their presence, with Scott Kennedy’s growling vocals cutting through a wall of punishing riffs. Tracks like ‘Pathfinder’ and ‘Into Nothing’ showcased their blend of melody and brutality, while ‘Sovereign’ and ‘Levitate’ were crowd favourites, igniting mosh pits throughout the arena floor.
Closing with the anthemic ‘The End of All We Know’ Bleed From Within proved they are more than capable of holding their own on a stage of this magnitude, leaving the crowd primed and ready for what was to come.
When the house lights dimmed and the intro tape for ‘742617000027’ finished, the ominous opening to ‘(sic)’ erupted and the crowd knew they were in for something special. Slipknot didn’t just play music, they unleashed a sonic assault. The setlist, dominated by tracks from their debut album, was a visceral reminder of why that record has become a cornerstone of modern heavy music.
Classics like ‘Eyeless’ and ‘Wait and Bleed’ showcased the raw energy and fury that first catapulted Slipknot into the spotlight. Deep cuts such as ‘Get This’ and ‘Me Inside’ offered a rare treat, sending long-time fans into a frenzy. Corey Taylor’s voice was as commanding as ever, seamlessly transitioning from guttural screams to melodic choruses, while the rest of the band provided a relentless backdrop of chaos. Eloy Casagrande especially showing why the band brought him into the fold, the drummer is the genres stand out master at this time.
The arena transformed into a battlefield during ‘Purity’ and ‘Prosthetics’, with the crowd chanting every word back to the band. Shawn Crahan’s antics, combined with Sid Wilson’s frenetic energy added to the visual and auditory spectacle. ‘Only One’ brought the main set to a punishing close, leaving the audience clamouring for more.
Slipknot returned for a three-song encore that epitomized the band’s ethos of controlled chaos. ‘Spit It Out’ saw Corey Taylor orchestrate the crowd in unison, a mass of bodies moving to his every command. The night concluded with ‘Surfacing’ and ‘Scissors’ a hauntingly atmospheric choice that left the crowd in stunned silence.
Slipknot’s performance at the Utilita Arena was not just a concert; it was a celebration of a legacy. Twenty-five years on, the band continues to push boundaries, proving why they remain at the forefront of heavy music. Their ability to blend chaos, precision, and emotion into a live show is unmatched, and this night was a testament to their enduring impact on the genre.
Photo Credits: Tim Finch Photography
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