_Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses_ is the most mature Slipknot album to date. More than before we find Slipknot exploring the extremes of the nu-metal realm by incorporating influences from a wide variety of musical styles. The military percussion on "The Blister Exists", the catchy groove of "Duality", melodic SOAD-influences on "Opium of the People", a bit of gothic in "Vermillion"... borrowing heavily on different styles is something Slipknot gets away with with ease. The binding factors are easy to point out: aggro-tense vocals, stuttering percussion and grinding guitars provide the backdrop to the Slipknot sound. The lyrics still boil with rage and aggression, but they drip with genuineness -- which is highly appreciated in a world where bands are just trying to be as extreme possible for the sake of extremity.

With all the obvious flirts with hardcore and death metal, calling Slipknot a typical nu-metal band would definitely do them injustice. _Vol 3_ has definitely grown into an extreme album and Slipknot has proven to be more than a overhyped pack of musicians.