Few songs in the history of metal embody transformation as powerfully as “Snuff” by Slipknot. Born from lead singer Corey Taylor’s heartbreak and a rare moment of vulnerability, the track diverged sharply from the chaotic, brutal energy that originally defined the band. Where once Slipknot — a nine‑piece ensemble from Des Moines — shocked and pummeled listeners with nu‑metal rage, “Snuff” offered a haunting ballad built around acoustic guitars and emotional rawness.
Written personally by Corey, the song was an outlet for his pain at the end of his first marriage. In his own words, it represented “one of the heaviest disappointments” he’d experienced. That sincerity resonated behind the brutal exterior of the band, and when recorded for their 2008 album All Hope Is Gone, it marked a bold departure. The rest of Slipknot — notably bassist Paul Gray and drummer Joey Jordison, typically the dominant songsmiths — embraced “Snuff,” with Gray eventually championing the track and providing the musical backing that completed the song.
Despite the band’s roots in aggression and chaos, “Snuff” landed on the album as a quiet, heartfelt confession. Initially, some fans and critics balked: melodic vocals, clean guitar tones, and introspective lyrics felt like a betrayal of Slipknot’s feral identity. Some dismissed it as a “sell‑out,” or assumed it was a leftover track from Corey’s other band — but nothing could be farther from the truth.
Over time, “Snuff” didn’t remain a liability — it became a milestone. When released as a single in 2009, and paired with a cinematic video, the song widened the band’s appeal beyond the mosh‑pit crowd. Then tragedy recontextualized it: when Paul Gray died in 2010, “Snuff” transformed from a breakup anthem into a tribute of mourning and memory. For Corey and for fans, the song gained haunting poignancy.
Today, “Snuff” is remembered not only as a bold detour in Slipknot’s discography but also as a testament to growth, pain, and enduring emotion. It remains a fan favorite, often requested at shows, proof that even the hardest‑edged bands can create something heartbreakingly human.