“.execute” is a short intro track to All Hope Is Gone that consists of mostly obnoxious noise that Slipknot probably uses as their stage entrance music. In my opinion, it is pointless to put these kinds of tracks on records. I prefer getting hit in the teeth with a solid opener. 3/10

“Gematria (The Killing Name)” begins with a fast and heavy guitar riff with the famous Slipknot drum pounding. The intro has a nice metal groove. Corey Taylor enters the tune and grunts stuff that can’t be made out with a normal pair of ears. The guitar solo is reminiscent of Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman of Slayer. After all, Slipknot is this generation’s Slayer; I prefer Slayer. 7/10

“Sulfur” has a slower, more breathable intro than “Gematria” until the drums thrash the tune out. Now, the song sounds like the last one except you can hear some of the words that Taylor is grunting. The chorus also has a melody which makes this one a radio-friendly track. The exotic guitar solo is backed with unique tom-tom work; “Like breathing in sulfur!” 8/10

“Psychosocial” has an intro guitar riff with pinch harmonics [Zakk Wylde style]. The verse contains more anger than the previous tune but you can still make out the words. The chorus also has some melody which could be a nice trend for this record. The verse makes me real angry which always scares me; why so serious? There are awesome guitar runs in the solo. Then, the tune has a “One” [Metallica – And Justice For All] feel with the guitar and snare drum start-stop cadence. 7/10

“Dead Memories” begins with a thrash-ballad riff that reminds me of Slayer’s “Dead Skin Mask” [Seasons In The Abyss]. Pinch harmonics are in full effect on this track as well. This is the least thrashy song on the album so far. The short guitar solo has some melody and is shredderiffic at the same time. 8/10

“Vendetta” is very fast from the start and has a classic Pantera feel; still heavy but has a danceable groove. The hook has “Beautiful People” [Marilyn Manson – Antichrist Superstar] style “hey!” chants. This could easily be a future single. 8/10

“Butcher’s Hook” does not stand out on this record. It is a little too boring compared to the other tracks, even though I could picture this song on Slipknot’s self-titled album. How many times can a rock fan take a band screaming “piece of sh*t” in a song? 6/10

“Gehenna” has a slow intro like “Dead Memories” and a vocal style very similar to Marilyn Manson. This is the Corey Taylor that I prefer; non-hating and melodic. This song could also receive considerable airplay on rock radio. 8/10

“This Cold Black” is another tune with a fast intro and slide riffs that turn into a metal melee. It sounds very similar to many other Slipknot tracks. The bridge and chorus have a nice groove due to the drum work of Joey Jordison. The guitar solo shreds at 900 notes a second but doesn’t really go anywhere that special. 6/10

“Wherein Lies Continue” is a slow-grooved track about the world not changing and the need to save ourselves. The chorus has a great melody that Taylor sings. This is one of the better tracks on the record. 7/10

“Snuff” is a refreshing acoustic guitar and singing track that could easily fit on a Stone Sour record. This is the best song on the album. I recommend going to iTunes and buying this one now! 9/10

“All Hope Is Gone” is the heavy closer to All Hope Is Gone that reverts back to incoherent screaming; this track is a serious downer [see title of song]. I am now in a miserable mood; I am going to pound on my punching bag for a while to get over this one. 6/10

Slipknot is Corey Taylor [vocals], Mick Thomson [guitar], Jim Root [guitar], Paul Gray [bass], Joey Jordison [drums], Shawn Crahan [percussion], Chris Fehn [percussion], Sid Wilson [turntables], and Craig Jones [samples].