Debate on Genre Categorization of Slipknot

The critics are in discord where Slipknot's music fits, if in nu metal / mallcore or other genres.

Those which consider Slipknot to be nu-metal argue that the lyrical themes and instrumental styles of Slipknot (most notably the rarity of guitar solos), the use of turntables and sampling, and rap-style vocals are definitely similar to those of typical nu-metal bands. On the contrary, those who do not consider Slipknot's music to be nu-metal note that the majority of their music does not have a rap-based lyrical structure (although the influence of rap is evident in some of their earlier music). Additionally, most of their instrument settings are not typical of nu metal (scooping of the mid range is not common in Slipknot's music).

With the release of Slipknot's latest album, "Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)", advocates felt that the presence of solos on their albums would silence debates on the genre with finality. However, it can be argued that this is simply another financially conscious move given the mid-2000s "retro-metal" renaissance, and that the style of vocals still have more in common with hardcore music than metal. Some others think that the presence of solos in their latest album is only due to the change of the producer, pointing to the presence of solos in songs released before they signed with Roadrunner. Following that hypothesis, producer Ross Robinson should have denied to Slipknot the use of guitar solos at all, to align them to the musical tendencies of late 90's. The debate goes on.

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