Slipknot 10th Anniversary < Free Forever >

The band's fourth album, All Hope Is Gone (2008), saw them experimenting with new sounds and themes. Although it received positive reviews, the album was met with a mixed response from fans. The departure of Jim Root had undoubtedly impacted the band's dynamic.

In 2004, founding member and guitarist Jim Root left the band, citing creative differences and a desire to pursue other projects. His departure marked a significant turning point for Slipknot. The band recruited guitarist Mick Thomson's longtime friend, Paul Ferguson, and later, Jim Root's replacement, Craig Jones's friend, Jay Weinberg's friend, Alessandro Venturella.

The band's sophomore effort, Iowa (2001), solidified their position in the nu-metal scene, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's raw, aggressive sound and intense live performances earned Slipknot a loyal fan base. Their third album, The Subliminal Verses (2004), continued their upward trajectory, featuring hit singles like "Before I Forget" and "Duality."