Knotfest 2014: Slipknot, Danzig, Five Finger Death Punch to Perform
Days before Halloween, the masked metal growlers of Slipknot will host its second Knotfest destination festival, this time on campgrounds in Southern California. Over the course of three days, the festival will present over 60 bands, curated by Slipknot, performing on five stages, including Danzig, Five Finger Death Punch, Volbeat, Anthrax, Killswitch Engage, Tech N9ne, Of Mice and Men, Black Label Society, Carcass and more. Slipknot will headline the other two nights playing unique set lists that will showcase new material and a new stage set. All tickets also include a digital copy of the group’s upcoming fifth record on its yet-to-be revealed release date.
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“Knotfest is a chance for Slipknot to bring the sensory-overload of a wild European festival – and now we’re coming for you, California,” Slipknot’s clown-masked percussionist M. Shawn Crahan said in a statement. “Playing two different sets over two nights at one location is a new experience in the history of this band.”
The first night, which falls on a Friday, will feature a “VIP Pre-Party Bash” for fans who buy camping or VIP packages with a concert by Suicide Silence, the Black Dahlia Murder, Butcher Babies and more; Slipknot’s DJ Sid will also provide music for the party. In addition to the musical performances, Knotfest promises amusements more akin to Burning Man than a metal festival, including a Slipknot Museum, carnival rides, a zip line, drum circles, “pillars of fire,” “freaks,” stilt walkers, fire breathers and other attractions.
Knotfest will take place October 24th through October 26th at San Manuel Amphitheater and Campgrounds in San Bernardino, California. General tickets are on sale now.
Beyond planning Knotfest, Slipknot have been working hard on the follow-up to their 2008 LP All Hope Is Gone. It will be the group’s first record since the 2010 death of bassist and songwriter Paul Gray and their first since parting ways with founding drummer Joey Jordison this past December. In February, Slipknot’s frontman, Corey Taylor, likened the new material to a cross between their 2001 album Iowa and 2004 record Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses).
Last week, the singer reported that the new album was “98 percent done,” according to Loudwire. “It’s been a real positive experience just from an artistic standpoint, a lyrical standpoint,” he said in an interview. “There’s something very vital with what we’re trying to do. There’s something very visceral with the emotion we’re playing with and trying to tell the story of a band that’s gone through hell, and yet we’re back. It’s been really fulfilling.”