.5: The Gray Chapter (2014)
Artist: Slipknot
Type: Studio album (5th)
Released: October 21, 2014
Label: Roadrunner Records
Genre: Nu metal • Alternative metal • Heavy metal
Length: 63:37
Producer: Greg Fidelman
.5: The Gray Chapter is Slipknot’s fifth studio album and their first following the death of bassist Paul Gray in 2010 and the departure of drummer Joey Jordison in 2013. The album combines aggression, melody, and reflection, making it both a tribute and a continuation of the band’s legacy.
📦 Cover Art & Design
🎨 Design Highlights
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⚫ Dark, Symbolic Imagery: The cover depicts a decayed, abstract figure sitting in shadow, surrounded by textured gray tones, representing loss, grief, and resilience.
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🎭 Masks remain central to the band’s visual identity, but the cover focuses more on mood than individual members.
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🖌️ The color palette of grays, blacks, and muted reds aligns with the album’s somber themes.
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🌌 The imagery evokes themes of mortality, personal struggle, and transformation, reflecting the band’s emotional state during recording.
The cover art reflects both mourning and strength, complementing the album’s musical and lyrical content.
🎵 Tracklist
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XIX
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Sarcastrophe
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AOV
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The Devil in I
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Killpop
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Skeptic
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Lech
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Goodbye
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Nomadic
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Custer
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Be Prepared for Hell
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The One That Kills the Least
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If Rain Is What You Want
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Override
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The Burden
👥 Band Lineup (.5: The Gray Chapter Era)
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Corey Taylor – Lead vocals
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Mick Thomson – Guitar
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Jim Root – Guitar
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Alessandro Venturella – Bass (Paul Gray’s replacement)
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Jay Weinberg – Drums (Joey Jordison’s replacement)
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Shawn Crahan – Percussion, backing vocals
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Chris Fehn – Percussion, backing vocals
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Craig Jones – Samples, keyboards
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Sid Wilson – Turntables, samples
🎶 Top Tracks
⭐ The Devil in I
Lead single; aggressive with a dark melodic edge; became a fan favorite.
⭐ Killpop
Melodic and emotionally charged, showcasing Corey Taylor’s vocal range.
⭐ Custer
Fast, chaotic, and heavy; live favorite for its intensity.
⭐ Sarcastrophe
Complex riffs and percussion highlight the band’s technical skill.
📈 Commercial Performance & Grossing
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🥇 Debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200
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💿 First-week sales: ~132,000 copies
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📀 Certified Gold (U.S.)
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🌍 Worldwide sales: ~1–1.5 million copies
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⚡ Marked the band’s return after a six-year studio hiatus, generating significant anticipation and critical attention.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
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Grammy Award: Nominated for Best Metal Performance (The Negative One, 2015)
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Widely praised for honoring Paul Gray’s legacy while introducing new members seamlessly
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Recognized as one of Slipknot’s most emotionally and technically diverse albums
🎤 Fun Facts & Trivia
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🥁 Jay Weinberg recorded drums for the album after joining the band in 2013.
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🎸 Alessandro Venturella was officially introduced as the new bassist, filling the void left by Paul Gray.
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🎭 Masks were redesigned for the album era, reflecting both legacy and evolution.
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🎵 Corey Taylor described the album as both “a tribute and a scream” — mourning losses while asserting strength.
🤯 Did You Know?
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The album title, .5: The Gray Chapter, references Paul Gray’s last name and serves as a tribute to him.
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“The Devil in I” was released with a controversial music video showing members of the band torturing masked victims, reflecting the album’s dark themes.
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The album was recorded across multiple studios, including Shangri-La Studios in Malibu and Greg Fidelman’s home studio in Los Angeles.
