
The Making of Iowa by Slipknot
This week on Riffology, Neil and Chris take a brutal deep dive into Slipknot’s ferocious second album Iowa. Released in 2001, this uncompromising record pushed the limits of nu-metal and cemented Slipknot’s status as one of the heaviest and most influential metal bands of the era. Featuring punishing tracks like People = Sht*, Disasterpiece, and Left Behind, Iowa captured the band at their rawest and most aggressive. In this episode, we explore the chaotic recording process, the internal struggles that fueled the album’s intensity, and producer Ross Robinson’s role in shaping its violent, visceral sound. We also discuss Slipknot’s place in the evolving metal scene of the early 2000s alongside bands like Korn, System of a Down, and Mudvayne. Tune in as we uncover the story behind Iowa—an album that redefined heaviness and became a modern metal classic.