Slipknot Reignited Their Roots with a Ferocious “Psychosocial” at Sweden Rock Festival 2025
On June 4, 2025, Slipknot ignited the Sweden Rock Festival in Norje, Sweden, with a performance that reaffirmed their status as one of metal’s most electrifying live acts. Despite the absence of percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan, the band delivered a set that was both ferocious and emotionally resonant, captivating a crowd of over 60,000 fans.
The show began at 10:05 PM with the haunting intro of Gary Wright’s “Dream Weaver” and the eerie sample of “742617000027,” immediately building suspense. When the band burst into “(sic),” the energy exploded across the crowd, setting off mosh pits and a wave of headbanging that never let up.
Corey Taylor addressed the audience early, sharing that Clown had to remain home due to a family emergency. The crowd responded with a roar of support, sending love his way and reinforcing the deep bond Slipknot shares with their fans across the globe.
The setlist was a balanced blend of aggression and melody, featuring chaos-inducing staples like “People = Shit” and “Gematria (The Killing Name)” alongside singalong favorites like “Wait and Bleed.” Every track was delivered with precision and a sense of purpose, proving Slipknot still performs at peak form.
One of the most memorable highlights came with “Yen,” a song from their 2022 album The End, So Far. With haunting melodies and dynamic shifts, it revealed the band’s darker, more atmospheric side and gave fans a moment to absorb the depth behind their aggression.
Then came “Psychosocial,” and the crowd erupted. The chorus shook the festival grounds, with fans chanting every word. Many called it the best performance of the song since their 2008 All Hope Is Gone era, a testament to how strong the band still sounds nearly two decades later.
“The Heretic Anthem” followed, driving the audience further into a frenzy. Flames shot skyward, masks gleamed under strobes, and Corey Taylor’s guttural roars echoed off the surrounding woods—everything that makes Slipknot’s live shows an all-out sensory assault.
With “The Devil in I” and “Unsainted,” the band continued exploring newer material that still resonated deeply with fans. The melodies soared while the breakdowns crushed, highlighting how well Slipknot has fused brutality and beauty over the years.
The explosive “Duality” turned into a stadium-wide singalong, with Corey stepping back as 60,000 voices filled the air. The connection between band and audience in that moment felt nearly spiritual—two decades later, this anthem still unites fans like no other.
For the encore, Slipknot returned to unleash “Spit It Out,” urging the crowd to crouch low before detonating into the iconic “jump the f*** up” moment. The ground shook with thousands leaping at once, a signature ritual that never gets old.
They closed with “Surfacing” and “Scissors,” two raw cuts from their self-titled debut. It was a nod to their roots, a throwback for long-time Maggots, and a reminder that no matter how big the band gets, they’ve never forgotten where they came from.
Visually, Slipknot brought back their classic black jumpsuits, a nostalgic surprise for longtime fans. Paired with their ever-evolving masks and searing stage lights, the presentation felt both retro and renewed—like a modern horror show built on decades of chaos.
Though Clown’s presence was missed, the band didn’t falter. His spirit lingered in every song, every rhythm. It was a powerful reminder that Slipknot is more than just nine musicians—it’s a living machine driven by unity, pain, and purpose.
This show proved just how deep the connection is between Slipknot and their fans. There was grief, joy, fury, and release all woven into one night. The audience gave everything, and the band gave it right back—no filters, no pretenses.
As Slipknot marches through Europe in 2025, the Sweden Rock Festival stands as a defining moment. A show fueled by absence, love, and fire—one that reminded everyone why Slipknot’s live legacy is built not just on volume, but on pure emotional force.
