Slipknot unleashes nostalgic fury on European tour opening: A journey back to 1999’s “Self-Titled” debut album in Amsterdam

On a rainy December night in Amsterdam, Slipknot transported a sold-out Ziggo Dome back to the raw, unfiltered energy of their debut album. The evening began with UK’s Bleed From Within warming up the crowd, but it was clear that everyone was waiting for the nine masked marauders from Iowa to set the stage on fire.

As the lights dimmed, a thick green haze engulfed the stage, and Slipknot emerged in modernized versions of their original red jumpsuits and iconic masks. The anticipation was palpable, and from the moment the first notes of “(sic)” erupted, the venue exploded into pure, unbridled chaos.

What we witnessed at Ziggo Dome on December 5th wasn’t just a concert; it was a time machine. The band committed fully to their 25th-anniversary celebration, playing exclusively material from their 1999 “Self-Titled” debut. Tracks like “Eyeless” and “Wait and Bleed” followed in quick succession, proving that these songs have lost none of their visceral power over the decades.

The setlist was a treasure trove for die-hard fans, featuring rarely played gems like “Me Inside” and “Only One” – songs that hadn’t seen the light of day in live performances for over a decade. The true highlight came with “Scissors,” a track introduced as a journey to a dark place, dedicated to the long-time fans – the “Maggots” who have stood by the band for over a quarter-century.

Corey Taylor’s performance was nothing short of phenomenal. His ability to switch between guttural screams, melodic vocals, and spoken word passages demonstrated why he remains one of metal’s best frontmen of all time. The band’s energy was relentless, with members climbing risers, moving across the stage with controlled chaos, and delivering a performance that felt both nostalgic and completely present.

Another member from the band which definitely deserves extra mention is the band’s new drum machine Eloy Casagrande. He has an amazing ability to give the old songs originally recorded by Joey Jordison justice. I am 100% sure that Joey would have approved his playing and energy to the band.

The stage setup – with medieval-style banners and illuminated risers – perfectly complemented the throwback theme. Sid Wilson’s remix of “Tattered & Torn” added an extra layer of excitement, while tracks like “Liberate” and “Prosthetics” reminded everyone why Slipknot‘s debut album was so groundbreaking in many different ways.

As the night crescendoed with the encore of “Spit It Out” and “Surfacing,” it was clear that this was more than just a concert. It was a celebration of a band that changed the face of metal, a testament to their enduring power, and a gift to the fans who have supported them through every iteration.

The Amsterdam show set the bar high for the European leg of the “Here Comes The Pain” tour. For those lucky enough to be in attendance, it was an unforgettable night of pure, unadulterated Slipknot – straight from 1999, with all the rage intact.

Setlist for the show was as follows:

1. Eyeless
2. (sic)
3. Wait and Bleed
4. Get This
5. Eeyore
   Tattered & Torn (Sid Wilson remix)
6. Me Inside
7. Liberate
8. Purity
9. Prosthetics
10. No Life
11. Only One
    Encore:
12. Spit It Out
13. Surfacing
14. Scissors

Report: Arto Mäenpää
Photos: Väinö Huusko (https://www.instagram.com/huuskophotos/)