Released in 2014 after a six-year hiatus, .5: The Gray Chapter is Slipknot’s emotionally heavy fifth studio album. The record serves as a visceral tribute to founding bassist Paul Gray, who passed away in 2010 (the title is a direct reference to his surname), and marks the first release following the departure of legendary drummer Joey Jordison. Despite the immense internal shifts and the "shattered" state of the band during its creation, the album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, proving that the collective from Des Moines remained a dominant force in heavy music. The album introduced a new rhythm section—Jay Weinberg on drums and Alessandro "V-Man" Venturella on bass—who stepped into the monumental task of honoring the band's legacy while pushing its sound forward. Musically, the record bridges the gap between the raw brutality of Iowa and the melodic experimentation of Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses). From the haunting opening of "XIX" to the radio-staple hook of "The Devil In I" and the sheer, unbridled aggression of "Custer," the album explores the stages of grief through a lens of distorted riffs and industrial-tinged percussion. This limited-edition Pink Vinyl reissue adds a striking visual contrast to the dark, mourning themes of the music. Housed in a gatefold jacket with the original haunting photography, the 2-LP set ensures the high-velocity production of Greg Fidelman is captured with maximum impact. It is a vital chapter in the Slipknot story—a record defined by loss, but fueled by the resilience of the Nine.
